The invention is an automated window mechanism having an electric motor attached to a sliding panel of a window configured to open and close the window by moving the sliding panel. The electric motor has a locked state in which the electric motor and sliding panel are stationary. The automated window mechanism also includes a monitor configured to detect an external force applied to the sliding panel while the electric motor is in the locked state. In response to the monitor detecting the external force while the electric motor is in the locked state the positive lead and the negative lead to a same electric potential thereby rendering the electric motor an electric brake impeding the external force from moving the sliding panel. A method and system for preventing unwanted movement of an automated window are also disclosed.