Wednesday, May 11, 2011

Surveillance Systems And How They Protect Us

By Eric Stonebred


If knowledge is power, advanced knowledge is power to act instead of react. Surveillance Systems can help you do just that. History is rife with examples of people, businesses and governments trying to determine what others are up to. Today, the enemy is no longer clearly defined, and catastrophe may lurk anywhere, at any time. We trust others to protect us and to do that they need these kinds of tools.

Monitoring telephone conversations is commonly practiced by a wide variety of agencies. There are very strict laws governing the use of these techniques and the use of information gained in this way in a court of law. Unfortunately, the technology needed to conduct this type of eavesdropping is relatively cheap and easily obtained, allowing illegal snooping and invasion of privacy.

Modern communications technology allows criminals and would be agitators cheap, easy to use ways to organize, coordinate and execute illegal activities. While strict laws protect the privacy of the average citizen, eavesdropping on suspected communication often saves lives and prevents damage to property. Cellular technology even allows for pinpointing the location of a user.

Surprisingly often, the solution to a criminal mystery is often the body of the perpetrator. DNA samples, fingerprints, photographs and voice recordings are all collected and stored in intricate databases. Matches between crime scenes and these records regularly lead to successful prosecutions. Law abiding citizens also benefit from more secure identification systems that minimize fraud and theft.

Surveillance from the sky is older than the history of the airplane. Centuries ago, pigeons were used to carry messages and later to take photographs of enemy territory. Satellite technology now provides very powerful analysis techniques that is so advanced that it boggles the brain. Detailed imagery provides data for military, agricultural and academic purposes, ensuring pro active feats.

Even those more often found in the boardroom conduct surveillance. Unscrupulous operators often utilize these techniques to gain insight in the technology, developments and markets of opponents. Counter measures are just as common. Many corporations even monitor their own employee behavior and scan all incoming and outgoing correspondence. Permission must be obtained, though.

The very essence of Surveillance Systems necessitates a measure of secrecy. Much may thus be in place without anyone knowing about it. While many lament the modern lack of privacy, law abiding citizens are not affected by the technology available. The unfortunate fact is that the civilized world is under constant threat from everywhere and anywhere. Somebody must find out first.




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