A telemetry system includes at least one telemetry communication device for handling security event information available to the telemetry communication device. The system also includes a central host device, and an "always on" network, such as the Internet, communicatively connected to the telemetry communication device and the central host device, for communications between the telemetry communication device and the central host device. Encryption key information is exchanged between the central host device and the telemetry communication device, via a secure path, such as a cellular telephone call between the devices wherein identity and authentication can be ensured by Calling Line Identity information, or other secure exchange. Telemetry information is communicated by the telemetry communication device and the central host device over the "always on" network, in encrypted format according to the particular encryption keys exchanged. The central host device also communicates the telemetry information to a monitor service, over the "always on" network and in encrypted format after secure exchange of encryption keys between the central host device and the monitor service. The system can also include a back-up path for communications of telemetry information in the event that the "always on" network is unavailable for the communications.