A recent study suggests that the global home security system market will grow at least 13% by 2019. This is due to the rising number of security breaches in residential dwellings. While companies are constantly innovating ways of protecting families, burglars are also getting smarter. It now takes a combination of high-technology system and street-smart tactics to outwit criminals.
Take note of the following security hacks you should be doing to ensure home safety.
Manage Your Password Wisely
One common mistake of homeowners after setting up their home security system is failing to change the default password. This defeats the purpose of installing a security system. First, be sure to replace your default password with a strong one or something that cannot be easily guessed. It is advisable to use a combination of letters, numbers and characters.
Second, remember to regularly change your password to enhance safety. Criminals are also upgrading their tools, thus it is important not to give them any opportunity of breaching your system. By properly managing your password, you can keep your home safe from burglars.
Monitor your camera logs and recordings
We should not only be visiting our doctors when we feel ill. Always remember that prevention is better than cure. Check your camera logs regularly to detect suspicious activities like a possible system hack. The log records will provide information if a stranger using an unknown IP address has tried to access your security system. Stay vigilant!
The recordings from a surveillance camera should also be routinely reviewed. This may take time and effort, but it is worth it when your safety is at stake. There are companies such as Honeywell that offer 24-hour monitoring of security systems from a central station.
Encrypt signals and install antivirus on your devices
According to security researchers Logan Lamb and Silvio Cesare, many popular brands of home security system are vulnerable to hackers. Since wireless alarm systems use radio frequency signals, tech-savvy thieves can easily intercept data and breach your security system. Lamb and Cesare, in fact, developed a $1,700-worth of hacking equipment to rig installed devices.
It is recommended for homeowners to install a system that has encrypted signals. For an additional layer of protection, install an antivirus software on all devices that access your home security system. These are essential security hacks you should not do without.
Get ahead and beat new threats
You may have purchased the latest software and equipment, but remember that serious criminals also innovate. Update your home security system regularly to enhance performance and protect against new threats. Keep in touch with your service provider or consultant for a routine assessment of your software as well as any adjustment that may be needed.
Put out an alarm sign whether you have the system or not
The truth is that not everyone can afford a wireless security system. Many households actually continue to use the same alarm devices they bought a decade ago. This, however, should not be a reason to leave your family and valuables unprotected. Attaining peace of mind has no price tag.
Security experts suggest putting out an alarm protection sign. Researchers from the University of North Carolina found that 90% of burglars avoid a house that they think has an alarm system. Security expert Elli Bishop says that signs must be “very visible” whether or not you actually have the system. She cautions that these warnings must not be done haphazardly as some people make the mistake of putting up signs from security companies that are no longer in business.
Clean up your yard and remove those flyers!
Everybody knows when a family is out of town for a while. The bushes are untrimmed, letters are left in the mailbox and flyers lay on the doorstep. Keeping your yard clean not only gives the impression that there are people in your house, it also prevents burglars from lurking near your property. Thick shrubbery can be used as hideouts.
If you are traveling out of state or abroad, you may ask a neighbor to get the mails, packages and magazine subscriptions from your mailbox. Some even ask their friends to leave footprints in the snow.
Use social media with precaution
“Oversharing” can be your downfall. The world does not need to know where you are going, how long you will be in the Bahamas and the fact that your house is unattended for a month. Avoid posting your location and travel plans in social media, especially if your profile is open for public viewing. A recent study on Australian households found that 37% of people are oblivious to whom they are sharing their private home details with. This leaves homeowners exposed to break-ins.
When using Twitter and Facebook, make sure you deactivate features that track your current location. If you can help it, brag about your lovely vacation abroad when you get back. A smart home is not enough. You must also exercise sound judgment.
Protect your home with your smart phone
Modern life is increasingly becoming mobile. Home security companies and tech start-ups are developing apps that allows homeowners to watch over their homes remotely. Honeywell Total Connect offers top-notch remote services such as real-time alerts, GPS tracking, video viewing and mobile control. With these features, you can use your smartphone for guarding your house.
Innovations like this empower homeowners in ensuring the safety of their loved ones and valuable properties.
“Outwit your enemy”
Chinese war strategist Sun Tzu leaves us with an important lesson: “Outwit the enemy instead of trying to outfight the enemy.” It is impossible to predict when criminals will strike, but you can put up necessary defenses to foil their plans. Outwit them with an updated system and vigilance. Anticipate that they do their own research using the latest hack tools, so you have to be ahead. Be well-informed on the latest security hacks for home safety. Make sure that you have visited alarm system stores that are well recommended.
Source : howtosurviveit.com
About the author : Christopher Britton is an Interior Architect, Home Security Consultant and a Writer. He often writes about home improvement, home security and privacy, green and simple living, geometric and structural designs, technological home advances and home design. He is into sports and a travel enthusiast.
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