we consider the model problem of detecting whether or not in a given sensor network, there is a cluster of sensors which exhibit an unusual behavior. formally, suppose we are given a set of nodes and attach a random variable to each node which represent the measurement that a particular sensor transmits. under the normal circumstances, the variables have a standard normal distribution. under abnormal circumstances, there is a cluster (subset of nodes) where the variables now have a positive mean. the cluster is unknown but restricted to belong to a class of interest, for example discrete squares.\\ we also address surveillance settings where each sensor in the network transmits information over time. the resulting model is similar, now with a time series is attached to each node. we consider some well-known examples of growth models, including cellular automata used to model epidemics.\\ in both settings, we study best possible detection rates under which no test works. we do so for a variety of cluster classes. in all the situations we consider, we show that the scan statistic, by far the most popular method in practice, is near-optimal.\\ joint work with emmanuel candes (stanford) and arnaud durand (universit$\mathrm{\acute{e}}$ paris xi)