How well are you acquainted with the alarm system in your home? They are a necessary addition to the security of your home and you ought to know as much as possible to ensure that you get the best bang for your buck.
With that said, burglars are getting smarter, and there is no doubt that they know more about your home alarm system than you do. In this article, we look at the ten secrets you should know about the alarm system in your home or one that you want to install. On top of this, you could read about the secrets your burglar does not want you to know.
They Can Monitor Fire and the Environment
With the increased integration of technology, home alarm systems are more than just burglar deterrents. They can be linked with other alarm systems, or they can have multiple functions. For example, in case of a fire, the alarm system can send an automatic message to the company, and they in turn can alert the fire department.
Add a Camera
Burglars prefer coming in and leaving unnoticed. However, a camera is a great way of deterring burglars. However, the biggest question is where you should position them.
Most burglars knock on your door first. When you answer, they will pretend to be looking for work, or directions. For this reason, one of the best places to set up your security a camera is by your front door and then connecting it to your alarm system.
Studies show that close to 80% of the alarms in The US are false alarms and the police will not come to your aid unless they have visual or audio confirmation. A camera is, therefore, a worthy secret addition to your home alarm system.
Avoid Fishy Consumer Reports Websites
If you are like most people, you will start your search for a home alarm system online. At one point, you will land a professional looking website that presents itself as a “consumer reports” websites.
They claim to have vetted a particular home security company, but all they are doing is affiliate marketing. The chances are that they hardly review the company or its products. You can notice a fake consumer reports website by looking at the number of products on display. If it only one alarm system, give it a wide berth.
Therefore, it is necessary that you research widely, or even ask your neighbors, friends, and family to recommend a good home alarm system.
Put Sensors Everywhere
To get the most out of your home alarm system, you need to put sensors everywhere. This includes doors and windows on every level of your home. It might seem like much, but you should not take a chance on the security of your family and property.
Ask For More Security Equipment
When you are signing up for a new alarm system provider, you should ask for more equipment than what is included in the standard package. Most people do not know this, but the provider is willing to throw in an extra keypad or sensors as long as they can sweeten the deal and get the business.
Use a Strong Password
Unfortunately, most people make it easy for burglars to disable their alarm system, and the police will think that it is a false alarm. After the installation of the alarm, ensure that you change the default password. You should avoid passwords that are easy to guess, such as 1-2-3-4 or 0-0-0-0. Go for something complex, and if you have to write it down, do not glue it nest to the alarm system keypad.
The Security Cameras Can Be Hacked Remotely
Cybercriminals have become so good, that they can hack your alarm system and security cameras and spy on you. They can then post your camera’s IP and anyone on the internet can watch you and your family go about your daily lives. The best protection is to ensure that you run pen tests occasionally and maintain your alarm system in optimum condition.
Oversees Monitoring
One of the reasons why you should get a home alarm system is the benefit of having a monitoring service. However, a majority of the smaller home security companies are using oversees third-party monitoring centers. These centers will provide proper services, but you will not know this.
The trouble is that it will take too long for the police or the private security-monitoring firm to know of a break in. Besides, they could have sent your alarm system feed to an unregulated country.
Alarm Systems Have Complex Security Features
The modern alarm systems are complex, and they are nothing like the alarm systems you grew up with a decade or so ago. This means that you need to study the instruction manual to get everything right.
Unfortunately, one wrong configuration could crumble your home security. Before you start tampering with anything, read the instruction manual to familiarize yourself with the controls and features.
Integrate the Internet of Things (Iot)
Home automation has also come a long way, and today, your devices can create the ultimate living space. With that said, you need to get the latest home alarm system that can connect with other devices in your home. By integrating IoT, you can control the devices in your home remotely, including your alarm system.
Conclusion
Besides this, some companies are using tricks up their sleeves to get you to sign up, and this could cause you problems in the end. The solution here is to research widely on home alarm systems trends to know the tricks used in the business.
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