Tamper detection is a feature that alerts when someone physically interferes with a device. On an asset tracker on a shipping container, it fires when the device is removed from the container surface. On a surveillance camera, it fires when someone sprays the lens or physically moves the camera.
Implementation methods vary by device type:
- Mechanical tamper switch – a spring contact opens when the device is lifted from its mounting surface
- Light sensor – detects ambient light inside the enclosure when the case is opened
- Accelerometer-based – detects handling inconsistent with normal asset movement patterns
- Camera tamper detection – AI-based; detects spray, repositioning, or lens obstruction
- Alert content – tamper events are timestamped and include GPS coordinates, sent to the fleet platform immediately