Are wireless spy cameras taking security out of your home or workplace? Believe it or not, they could and might be doing so even as you read this article.

Millions of Americans put up wireless spy cameras in their homes and offices. The grim news is that whether they're purchased for business security or to monitor well-being, these hidden spy cams could be putting those they are meant to protect in danger.

A WSB-TV reporter named Tom Regan uncovered how a wireless spy camera could be providing outsiders with an unwelcome glimpse of your private or business life. Regan and his team purchased a rearview camera from a local store, installed this in their car, and cruised around. The cost of the home spy camera? $100. The result of their experiment? Priceless.

As Regan's team drove around, their rearview camera began to pick up images transmitted by other wireless spy cams. In one location, they saw poker machines on display at a convenience store. At another area, they were able to peer inside an insurance office, and even tune into the conversation of two employees. The longer they drove around, the more videostreams they were able to pick up - from casual chats inside kitchens to multiple images of infants lolling about in their cribs. What had once been a vaguely formed suspicion was quickly taking on the sinister shape of a fact, in Regan's mind at least. From restaurants to a baby's nursery, from an office to a kitchen, snippets of private scenes are amazingly easy to snoop in on --- and all it takes is a wireless spy camera.

How is this unintentional spying possible? Security cameras send out wireless signals. When a wireless monitor comes within range of these signals, it easily captures and shows images that are meant to be private. This can be to your advantage if you want to catch your husband philandering, or find out what co-workers truly think of your new silicone implants. However, if your intention is to ensure the protection of home, family, or business interest, this can be downright creepy and alarming.

Never buy an analog camera; it's the least secure among all wireless spy cameras. When an analog signal is broadcast, it becomes just like any broadcasted television show. Anyone within range could readily pick up its channel. To protect yourself and your loved ones or things, buy Wi-Fi or digital spy cameras. They send out encrypted signals - signals that are scrambled into bits as they move through the air - thus making them difficult to intercept. And, if you have a Wi-Fi camera, anyone trying to pick up your image would be asked to provide a password before being given access.

If you have no choice but to stick to an analog wireless spy camera, however, make sure to reframe, refocus, and reposition your camera. This way, you reveal as little information about your living room or office interior; and even if someone is snooping on you, they won't be able to gather any useful information.