What to think about prior to purchasing an alarm system for your home Security
It’s never been easier or more affordable to install some type of security system into your home. What to think about prior to purchasing an alarm system for your Home Security
I can tell you this from personal experiences. Being one of the small percentages of Americans who was victimized by a burglary and had a bad experience that I wouldn’t suggest and would prefer not to repeat, I made the decision to invest in home security by purchasing a tiny camera that could monitor my apartment and notify my phone in the event of any movement or sound inside it, while I was on a week-long vacation.
Must Read: Top Home Security Camera
If you’re thinking of purchasing the security you want, we’ll tell you the information you should be aware of.
The traditional keypad-at-the-door security system
While there are plenty of DIY solutions for home security, professionally installed and monitored systems are the top choice in the market. They include windows and yard signs as well as the traditional keypad on the door that lets you enter various codes each time you leave or enter your home. For a long time, they were the only option and people paid an enormous amount for them -the installation, the equipment, and monitoring costs are expensive.
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“For decades the industry of security has plagued by the notion that “We’re selling these tiny white cardboard boxes with sensors; they’re ugly and not really advanced and they’re not very sophisticated,'” said Brad Russell Research director of connected home devices and security at Parks Associates.
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The undisputed leading player in this field is ADT which is long before smart homes, internet-connected homes, as well as telephones. It was founded in the early 1980s as an organization that delivered telegraphs – in fact, the “T” that is in ADT is for “telegraph” eventually expanding into burglar and fire alarms.
It wasn’t until the 1980s that technology became modern (and affordable) enough to be suitable for residential use.
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The competition for ADT’s services in this field includes brands like Vivint as well as Brinks Home Security. They’re a great choice if you’ve got the cash but don’t have the expertise in technology:
Experts can recommend the most suitable package for your home based on their security expertise, set it up and then connect it with your telephone lines as well as other smartphones if you’ve got these, and then show you how to use them all. The professionals will also be monitoring your home for notifications regarding potential burglaries or fires, as well as carbon monoxide leaks, and notify emergency services when necessary, meaning you don’t have to be available constantly.
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The downside? They were expensive. The installation costs money, the gadgets are expensive and the monitoring costs money. You might also need to sign a long-term agreement that binds you to the program for a period of time. In addition, depending on the place you reside such as in an apartment this may not be a viable alternative for you in the first place.
The smart home method
In the past decade, the advancement of smart home technology has grown in popularity and cameras have become smaller, more efficient, and more affordable. This has resulted in DIY home security being an attractive option for an averagely knowledgeable and financially conscious person looking to monitor their home without having to pay a premium (or breaking the terms of their agreement) to do it.
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You can purchase any number of little security devices as you like such as door and window sensors; sensors for the exterior and interior doorbell cameras, Smoke detectors, alarms, and keypads. The more you spend the more expensive your system will become. You can also opt to not purchase an all-inclusive home security system and opt for a couple of security cameras as well as an app.
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Also, you’ll be the person to determine how to configure an app on your mobile for alerts and then integrate it into your home automation system, if it’s one you have. It will require a certain amount of knowledge of the technical side. These systems are intended to be simple enough to be set up by anyone however it doesn’t mean everyone will be able to.
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Amazon’s Ring — which began as a doorbell that video recorded but is now a complete home security system as well as a social media application called Neighborsis perhaps the most well-known in this field, due to its ties with Amazon.
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Google owns its Nest range, SimpliSafe is among the first to offer DIY home security as well as numerous cameras on the market from various manufacturers with a range of prices. They’re all beneficial in their own way however, they’ve also faced many controversies of their own. Ring, for instance, has faced issues with hackers as well as its close ties to law enforcement (more about that later).
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You can also have the most efficient of both options that numerous traditional and DIY businesses provide. DIY systems could offer professional monitoring with a monthly cost in the present, for example, and they typically do not require a long-term contract which makes them an easier and less expensive choice for customers.
Some DIY platforms even provide professional installation services. Ring currently has the “X Line” option, for instance, and it eliminates the DIY component completely.
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ADT has ventured into the DIY world several times before by partnering with Samsung SmartThings, and more recently, launching the company’s own product line named Blue. In the last few weeks, it made its biggest move to date by forming the announcement of a significant partnership with Google that is expected to invest $400 million and acquire the 6.6 percent stake in the security firm.
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ADT will provide Google’s Nest range of smart home gadgets along with AI technology behind the devices. In addition, Google’s Nest devices will have access to the expert installation and monitoring capabilities of ADT. This is a significant improvement for both companies, combining the DIY-oriented method to the security of Nest with the proven track record and the professional monitoring capabilities of ADT.
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The agreement shows that leaders in their respective fields feel they must each other to be able to tap into an expanding market neither of them has yet to grasp the art of DIY home security.
Things to remember
While the security of your home is at the forefront of your mind but don’t overlook the importance of cybersecurity as well.
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It is possible that you don’t like the cybersecurity or privacy trade-offs that you’ll have to make using DIY security systems, especially when you consider how sensitive the data that they gather can be if they have cameras in your home. Amazon’s Ring has faced a number of particularly prominent problems in this regard.
Hackers discovered it was relatively easy to gain access to Ring’s cameras. Initially didn’t come with the mandatory 2FA (most people don’t utilize two-factor authentication. If it’s available which makes them more vulnerable to hacks generally).
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There have been numerous instances of hackers gaining access to the cameras of customers, observing their activities. Using two-way communication features to yell racist remarks at their children. This isn’t a good idea. To not be overlooked, Nest has had some hacking problems that it has had its own.
Ring also has controversial agreements in place with hundreds of police departments across the nation. It allows law enforcement agencies access to the customers’ doorbell recordings (if they are willing to provide the footage) to assist with their investigation. Some may see this as an advantage but others may not.
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The systems are able to run apps and these apps could provide data to Google using their SDKs. This isn’t an issue with security apps, it’s an issue with the market for mobile apps issue.
This isn’t taking into the lesser-known and less expensive security cameras that are smart which could be less secure. There are many reports at the moment concerning IoT products that make a mess in terms of security. You may be okay with this for a device that informs you of what eggs are in your fridge but this is a risk you might not choose to make when it comes to the camera placed over the crib of your child.
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If you’re concerned about hackers gaining access to live video of you and your living space. You can choose to do away with cameras and instead opt for a system. This consists of doors sensors, motion detection as well as smoke alarms. The kits that are the base for most of these systems do not include cameras at all and so the less expensive and easy option is the best choice for you.
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If after all that, you’re still looking to beef your security at home reviewing review sites is a great way to begin. Consumer Reports has a good overview of the options available and also critiques of various security systems.
Wirecutter also offers a special review of security cameras, and CNET has a similar review. CNET also provides recommendations on the most cost-effective security cameras, ranging from smart lighting bulbs to my favorite security system and the only camera under $30.
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Naturally, no security system is perfect, and there are some that will be more suitable. The good thing is that today’s DIY sector of security has helped make constructing your home security system simpler and more affordable than ever before, and it is now affordable to many more than before.
