Countries worldwide deploy public video surveillance to monitor population movements and prevent terrorism and other crimes. The cameras are installed both in the public and private sectors.
Law enforcement, councils and security management professionals depend on video surveillance to prevent terrorism and fight crime. Camera surveillance systems, according to certain studies, discourage criminals and thus prevent crime.
The capabilities of video surveillance systems have evolved over the years due to changes in how data is collected, assessed, shared and stored. Security cameras are also driving the burgeoning of the industrial and internet of things and smart cities.
Cameras collect accurate data and use integrated analytical software to make predictions, thanks to the prevalence of artificial intelligence and deep learning.
According to Tony Porter of IFSEC International, a Surveillance Camera Commissioner, many things have changed over the last decade due to the growth of drones, facial recognition, analytics, body-worn cameras, GDPR, etc.
Despite concerns regarding privacy, modern systems have “phenomenal capabilities”. This is also irrespective of the potential abuse that can ensue from such capabilities.
Therefore, it’s important that only software and hardware compliant with relevant standards such as Secure by Default are installed private and public places. Surveillance industry and home office must adhere to such regulations to minimize the concerns raised regarding using security cameras.

Hide Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras

Hiding security cameras can boost their effectiveness in surveillance and fighting terrorism.
But…
Why bother hiding your outdoor security camera?
Outdoor surveillance is meant to allow those being recorded to know they’re on camera. Although this is true, other factors also influence the installation of security cameras.
With the best strategies, you can hide your cameras in the best places and keep them out of public eye to get the most out of your outdoor wireless security camera system.

So…
Cameras in plain view ward off criminals, but hiding them has other perks you may want to consider. Some reasons to hide your surveillance camera include:

• Gaining insight into your environment and its surroundings without the knowledge of others
• Monitoring loved ones to keep an eye on them and accurately understand their motives
• Gain proper understanding into individual’s or a group’s motives or true intentions
• Protection for your cameras from being vandalized or damaged by troublemakers
• Burglars can’t spot and disable hidden cameras
• Your home or property’s aesthetics remains intact and guests stay comfortable

You can also use both hidden cameras and those installed in plain sight to benefit from what the two worlds have to offer. In case the obvious cameras are identified and disabled, hidden cameras capture everything.

States have differing restrictions to surveillance cameras in areas where privacy is reasonably expected. Check your state laws first before hiding cameras in commercial or private properties.
Don’t hide cameras in areas where privacy is expected such as dressing rooms, restrooms, locker rooms, bathrooms, or hotel rooms.
The layout of your home or commercial property determines the best place to hide your monitoring system. Test out different places to get the best spots that aren’t visible from a casual glance.
Be creative and think of places people may not look. It’s also important to ensure that wireless security cameras are within the range of your Wi-Fi network for them to work.

Indoor hiding spots

• Bookshelves
• An old appliance
• Smoke alarms
• Leaves of a potted plant
• Electrical outlets
• A box of tissues
• Furniture such as gaming tables
• Light switch plates
• High on the ceiling, chandelier or a corner
• Shiny desk accessories

The size of your camera for surveillance determines where you can hide it. Small cameras such as nanny cams can be hidden in more covert places.Tables and other furniture indoors can also provide covert places to hide your surveillance camera at home or in the office. Whichever table you want to use, you must ensure that the cameras is well-positioned and can’t be easily spotted.If you have an entertainment room with gaming tables, you can also hide your cameras beneath them in strategic locations. For instance, a foosball table like the one at https://www.pingpongperfect.com/best-foosball-table-review/ can easily hide your security camera somewhere beneath or on the sides.Make sure that the lens of cameras hidden indoors aren’t obstructed. Choose places with power sources nearby to ensure that camera cords remain out of sight. The camera’s field of vision and distance must be enough to get clear videos. Your internet signal must also be strong and stable to effectively use wireless security cameras. Check battery-powered cameras regularly to ensure they’re always powered and working.

Outdoor hiding spots

• Birdhouses
• Shrubs or trees
• In an exterior lamp
• High on an exterior wall
• PVC pipesUnder your home’s eaves

Protect security cameras hidden outdoors from harsh weather conditions and make sure they can function in different lighting conditions. Some surveillance camera options you can consider include:Bullet camerasDome camerasBookshelf camerasFisheye camerasWhether you decide to install and hide your security cameras indoors or outdoors, make sure you’re complaint with state laws governing the use of such devices in public places.