Nanny Cams Not Without Risks

By Amy E. Feldman

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A Danbury, Connecticut nanny was arrested in March and is now facing charges that she beat and burned a 3-year-old girl in her charge after the family watched in horror the recording of the conduct made by the nanny cam - the hidden video camera to watch the babysitter - in their home.

It's the kind of thing that makes everyone think about going out and buying one. But if you're considering it, there are things you need to know to protect YOURSELF against the pitfalls of nannycams.

In general, it is legal to videotape people in your home except in areas in which they'd expect privacy, like the bathroom or their bedroom if they live with you.

But audiotape is a different story.

In many states, it is illegal to record someone's voice without their permission. Check your state's law on that before you turn on the camera or you could be the one facing state wiretap charges.

Beyond the legal issues, you need to protect yourself from hackers. Even though your wifi may be password protected, the nannycam might not be. You actually need to secure your router to ensure that the device is protected as well as you hope your children will be.