August 12, 2019 by Anas Mustafa
Home security technology has changed dramatically over the last decade. Even in the last year or two, the advancement of smartphones and home automation have drastically changed the world of home security. Every single security feature in your home can be controlled from your cell phone, including your locks, alarms, video cameras, and even your doorbell.
With these technological advances and more automation technology available to consumers, it may be time to reevaluate your system. Here are six signs that you should upgrade your home security system to a modern alternative:
Regardless of how well your once state-of-the-art security system functions, any system that is more than ten years old will have difficulty maintaining security in modern homes. With such significant advances being made in home automation and home security technology, older systems simply cannot compete.
For more reliable security and a more intuitive, interactive, and convenient interface, consider upgrading any system that is over a decade old. However, if you find that your system has significant flaws due to technical compatibility or hardware, it may be time to upgrade, even if its a system which is less than ten years old.
Hardwired systems were the foundation of home security for decades. However, they have since become obsolete, as wireless technology has become much more affordable, convenient, and intuitive. If your system still uses wired features, your home is at risk.
Wired security systems — including alarms and video cameras — have a fatal flaw that can be exploited by burglars and other individuals with an understanding of home security systems. Unfortunately, something as simple as cutting the wire can shut down your entire security system, leaving your home and your family vulnerable. If your system still includes wired features, it is time to upgrade to a wireless system.
While alarms are a must-have security feature for most homeowners, they are not the only security feature in which you should invest your money. Alarms are a useful tool for alerting your family and the authorities that there has been a security breach in your home, but they can do little to protect you beyond making a loud, piercing noise and hopefully startling the intruder into fleeing.
However, if you only have an alarm system and no other security measures, you are putting your home at risk. For instance, an alarm will not sound if you open your door to a stranger who attempts to force their way into your home. If you had a Smart Doorbell, you would be able to see who is on your doorstep from a video feed on your phone before you even open the door. If the individual looks suspicious, you can take the necessary action to protect yourself.
Many modern homeowners have an impressive, cutting-edge home automation system. This can include automated lighting, environmental control, and much more. However, for optimal results, these home automation features should be connected to your home security system. This way, you can adjust your lights or thermostat from the comfort of your smartphone, while monitoring the video camera feed from your front porch or arming the alarm system.
Not only is it convenient, but the data tracked in these systems can be used together to draw conclusions about your energy and habits. This seamless integration will make your life much more convenient while also helping you track your habits and your energy expenses.
For even more personalization, you can customize various features to trigger at a specific time, depending on the situation. For example, when an alarm is triggered, you can program your Smart Home to turn on all of your lights and immediately contact the authorities.
While low-resolution cameras give the illusion of security, many older versions offer very little in terms of accuracy. They can deter a burglar from targeting your home or even catch them on film but the details often aren’t clear enough to pursue legal action with confidence.
If you have video cameras around your home, it is important that they have the quality and resolution necessary to be used as evidence in the event of a burglary. This will help both in legal situations — such as civil or criminal court — as well as insurance claims, as video footage can help you identify the specific items taken from your home.
For the most basic modern video technology on the market, opt for a 1080p resolution camera and a back-up system that stores your recorded video. For more cutting-edge features, consider motion-sensors, night vision, zoom and tilt, and built-in encryption that prevents hackers from infiltrating your digital security system.
House keys are a huge question mark in terms of home security. Keys can be lost, stolen, misplaced, or copied, giving virtually anyone access to your home. Similarly, keyed locks are not always reliable, as they can be broken or picked, depending on the skillset of the intruder. Digital locks, however, are much more reliable and safe, as they can only be opened with a code or via remote access from a phone or tablet that has been previously approved.
For more information about how to upgrade your home security system or add on modern security features, call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-229-7252 or contact us here.
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