Automated window mechanism with security feature

A method of preventing unwanted movement of a sliding panel of a window within a window frame of a building with an automated window mechanism having an electric motor attached to the sliding panel of the window, the method comprising:

• placing the automated window mechanism into a locked state in which the electric motor and the sliding panel are stationary with the sliding panel partially open;
• while the automated window mechanism is in the locked state with the sliding panel partially open, monitoring for an external force applied to the sliding panel;
• in response to the external force, opposing the external force by applying power to the electric motor;
• and
• in response to the external force, delivering an alert to notify of unauthorized movement of the partially opened sliding panel.

A system, comprising:

• an automated window mechanism having an electric motor and configured to be attached to a sliding panel of a window within a window frame of a building, the automated window mechanism configured to open and close the sliding panel of the window, and the automated window mechanism having a locked state in which the electric motor and the sliding panel are stationary;
• a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the automated window mechanism is in the locked state;
• a memory storing computer-readable instructions;
• and
• a processor in communication with the memory and configured to execute the computer-readable instructions to at least:
• in response to not receiving incoming instructions within a last predetermined time period, activate the locked state;
• and
• in response to the external force, cause the automated window mechanism to apply a counter force to the sliding panel to oppose the external force.