Covert is concealing your actions from others. Covert operations are conducted in secret, usually in conjunction with intelligence gathering. When using covert security cameras you want to do it secretly. The types of cameras available for covert use are as varied as the reasons people use them. Generally, hidden cameras are used to catch someone in the act of doing something. As a rule, once caught in the act by a hidden camera the individual is then exposed. Usually the motive for recoding someone in secret is to stop him or her from committing future acts.