The Evolution of Home Security Systems

August 6, 2024 by Anas Mustafa

When you think of the high-tech security systems installed in modern homes and businesses these days, which are equipped with sensors, alarms, cameras, and other features, it is hard to imagine where this all began. The reality, though, is that security has been a fundamental concern for humanity since the dawn of civilization.

From early humans safeguarding their dwellings with rudimentary tools and natural barriers to the sophisticated, interconnected security networks of the modern era, the evolution of security systems is a testament to our enduring quest for safety and protection.

While the security systems of each period throughout history were limited by the technological possibilities of the time, human ingenuity and our innate desire to feel safe have resulted in many extremely clever and innovative security solutions.

By exploring this evolution, we can gain insights into how our ancestors addressed security challenges and how contemporary innovations continue to shape our approach to keeping people, property, and information safe.

Notable Shifts in the Evolution of Home Security Systems

Many impressive possibilities exist today thanks to the next-level tech that has become such a big part of our world. One of the several domains where this has manifested is the realm of security.

Today, we stand on the brink of a new era in security, which is driven by internet connectivity and digital and smart devices. However, humans have been finding ways to secure themselves and their belongings since long before such tech could even be fathomed. The following are some of the most notable shifts in the history of home security:

1. The security measures of ancient nomadic peoples

Hundreds of thousands of years ago, in the nomadic period, it was common to use the landscape to your advantage to enhance security. Many people set up their villages with natural barriers to protect themselves from enemies.

Often, tribes took shelter in caves, against cliffs, and among thick foliage to safeguard themselves and their things from other tribes and from animals that posed threats in the wild.

One of the main reasons why ancient humans began living together in groups was so that they could take turns keeping an eye out for possible threats, and so they could act as a united front against attacks.

In addition, it was relatively common to rig branches, rocks, and other natural features outside of living spaces to create alerts in case someone or something was approaching.

2. The home security advances of the Agricultural Revolution

Around 10,000 BCE, when people started domesticating animals and farming crops as a part of the Agricultural Revolution, they began to build more permanent homes as well as storehouses for their food. Larger settlements began to develop around these structures.

With this shift came an increased demand for updated means of protection. People began building watchtowers along the walled perimeters of their settlements so that they could see approaching threats from far away and could be alerted to them before they arrived. In addition, to conceal valuables from thieves, underground storage pits were developed.

It was around this time that guard dogs began to be used. While dogs were initially used to protect livestock from predators, they eventually were also used to patrol villages and defend their owners. These dogs could be used to alert their owners of intruders and were often trained to pursue and attack them.

3. The home security of the Classical and Medieval Eras

As technological developments increased in the Classical and Medieval Eras, so too did home security. People began to rely more on architecture and design to serve as security measures.

Wealthy landowners used various clever means to protect their property, including moats and drawbridges, guarded entryways, watchtowers, heavy iron gates, and high castle walls.

On the other hand, the commoners who made up the vast majority of the population had to rely on neighbourhood watch organizations, fortified village walls, and simple locks and bolts for doors and windows.

4. The impact of the Industrial Revolution on home security

When technological innovations began popping up more rapidly during the Industrial Revolution, engineers were contracted to find more efficient ways to store goods.

Supposedly, the first official home security systems were invented by Benjamin Franklin in the 1700s, and involved using a small mirror outside the second- or third-story window to view who was at the front door without them realizing it.

In 1807, Pall Mall was the first street in London to have gas lamps installed, which made it easier to spot and catch thieves at night.

5. Home security and the technological boom of the twentieth century

When technological advances really started to take off in the twentieth century, innovations relating to home security innovations saw huge improvements as well. The first video monitoring system was developed in 1966, serving as the prototype for modern-day CCTV.

In the mid-twentieth century, companies like ADT and Brinks began to pioneer electronic alarm systems equipped with sensors and control panels. The development of motion detectors in the 1960s and 1970s improved the accuracy and reliability of intrusion detection even further.

How Canadian Security Professionals Can Help Protect Your House With the Latest Advances in Home Security

Home security has clearly come a long way since its early beginnings thousands of years ago, undergoing many evolutionary advances. These days, it is possible to find a home security system that has more features and capabilities than it would have even been possible to imagine just a few decades ago.

If you want to equip your house with the latest and most effective home security measures available on the market, Canadian Security Professionals can help you do exactly that.

We carry a wide range of top-quality smart security systems. We exclusively use dedicated cellular connections to monitor your security systems, thus ensuring the highest level of protection for your home.

We understand that every home has its own unique security vulnerabilities and requirements, and we will work closely with you to ensure that your home’s security needs are met.

Whether you need video monitoring, smart locks, or fire and carbon monoxide monitoring systems, we have it all. Not only have we helped safeguard over 30,000 homes in Ontario and British Columbia, but we have also earned numerous awards along the way, including many Best of the Best Home Stars Awards, Consumers Choice Awards, and Alarm.com Awards.

For more information about how we can boost your protection with a high-performing home security system, or to learn more about the different security measures we can install in your home, call Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or contact us here.

"Our company has been working with CSP for almost 10 years. We use them to secure our retail stores and have always had a great experience with them. Their technical team is terrific and always..."

Tony W, Greenhawk Inc..

"I own a small coffee shop on the Hamilton Mountain, and after many issues, I was considering the idea of changing companies for our security system. I checked out several reviews of some local..."

Bring Your Dog Cafe And Pub, Jim Ervin.

"What a company, Heather was such a pleasure to work with. Tamim was also a great person to work with. Set my company alarm system in no time. Tamim is very friendly and answered all my questions. And..."

Gastro Market, Anthony Zolkiewicz.

"My whole experience with Canadian security professionals has been positive from the 1st step. I spoke to numerous companies and Curtis from Canadian security professionals was by far the most..."

Delicate Touch, Mark Eisenberg.

"Hands down it’s the best service you can get. Very professional from the time you reach out to them and to the final installation and set up. Heather from the office and Tamim on-site were both so..."

UCA Associates, Arun R.

"Excellent Experience I had my business and home system installed by this company and I can’t say enough about the professionalism.. The installer was so patient, explained all the functions to..."

Paradise Subs, Dan Lafleur.

"We had an alarm setup in our commercial office space by CSP. The amazing service started with Anas, who helped us understand what we needed. From there, the installer showed up on time, installed all..."

The Influence Agency, Tom Yawney.

"Tamim and Anas have helped us on numerous occasions for installation for our business and home! Its not even a question on who we would call to help us feel safe – they are quick, professional,..."

Ciscon Landscaping, Carmen Cisterna.

"What a fantastic company this is. I had a couple of issues with the doorbell camera and these guys were right ON IT. Emily is super fast, super smart and super nice when assisting me. Reminds me of..."

Dante D.

"Great service, I’m glad to have them in my business and would definitely recommend this company to my friends and family. "

Plains Laundromat, Ali Saadati.

"Heather (customer service) and Tamim (technician) were very helpful in explaining and demonstrating the services to myself and team. I had it installed in my home and office. Thank you very much for..."

Responsive Consulting Inc, Nole Coutrouzas.

"Thank you for making the process so simple and easy during a very stressful store opening. The technician was both professional and very pleasant to work with. Have nothing but positive things to say..."

The Thrifty Designer, Leslie Smith-Aragona.

"Received the best service, from first visit from the sales guy to the installation finish, gave me the best product out there and i was really pleased got them at my business and home now never will..."

Sam’s Auto, Sam Eltawil.

"Products seemed well-made and service was excellent; during the install, the technician was knowledgeable and professional. The install itself was straight forward and not intrusive aesthetically. I..."

Ali Al-Hashimi.

"Great feeling to have made right choice selecting Canadian Security Professional for Remote (smartphone) activated Alarm/Monitoring package. I highly recommend. "

Anil Kaul.

"Super helpful friendly team at CSP. Outstanding tech support. Would definitely recommend as a security company and a company that can help sort out all that is new in smart home technology. Not being..."

Kathy Shaw.

"I wish there was a 10 star button. From the first interaction until the final installation, it was an amazing experience. Not only my equipment was set up professionally but the service was..."

Ammar Albaqali.

"Excellent Staff to deal with. Very thorough about everything they install. Very friendly customer service. We were happy that they were a few minutes early to do the installation. They cleaned up..."

Giuseppe Battaglia.

"We had an alarm setup in our commercial office space by CSP. The amazing service started with Adam, who helped us understand what we needed. From there, the installer showed up on time, installed all..."

Tom Yawney.

"Very friendly conversation and nice work done by Tamim in setting up the home security installation. Also would like to thank Chelsee for all coordination and smooth installation. Thank you. "

Asha Topagi.

"Great company from sales to install . Fast install and friendly knowledgeable installers . Helped with setup and made everything easy to understand. Very nice system with cameras . Will recommend to..."

Craig Kawucha.

"We were so pleased when we contacted Canadian Service Professionals. Heather was prompt and very helpful in answering all of our questions. Our service technician, Tamim, was wonderful. He installed..."

Aravinth S.

"Choosing the right alarm company is a daunting task but right from the onset Heather was informative and unbelievably helpful. Heather helped me with my choices, advised and made sure that my alarm..."

Linda Kasprzak.

"Chelsee was so efficient and pleased to help me get the right system for my house. I wanted it installed as quickly as possible after we had a break in. It was installed the next day! Tim showed up..."

Amy Hoo.

"Very quick job, next day installation, good communication with sales person Eric. Next day Tamim showed up in our house and did a quick, professional and clean job with clear explanation and..."

Natalie M.

"Could not be happier with our new alarm system. It is user friendly and was easily adapted to suit our needs. Our Technician (Rabah) went above and beyond to ensure that our system was installed..."

Barry Snider.

"I’m very happy with the service CSP has provided, the discussion I had by email, before the installation of the system, was really helpful for finding what would be the best and the most efficient..."

Loïc W.

"Tamim came extra early to accommodate my doctor’s appointment that day. Unfortunately, some of my other installations were running late (cable, HVAC), Tamim stayed later than he was supposed to..."

Nicole.

"Canadian Security Professionals is a wonderful company to deal with. The team was very knowledgeable and educated me about the product and I felt more comfortable to use the alarm system. It is..."

Angela.

"We’re so glad we did our research and selected CSP! Incredible service from initial to the installation. Both representatives were professional, patient and educated us on how the products..."

Angeline Shawn.

"I would highly recommend CSP. The entire process was very easy and headache free. "

Francisco Peria.

"Excellent service from original contact, who immediately responded to my queries, to providing a quote based on my needs, and the professional installer. System is everything I wanted and then some...."

Luke Desimone.

"Had good communication with the sales person. He explained everything in detail. There was no hidden charges. Everything was straight forward. And the technician was super helpful, professional and..."

Ajay Mathews.

"Installer’s work was exceptionally neat and clean. I’m looking forward to having him install my security system at our cottage as well. The sales person was excellent. I will be pleased and..."

Phil Wiseman.

"Excellent experience! Thorough, professional and patient technician.. Thank you very much. We won’t hesitate to recommend you. "

Jason McMaster.

"I just switched from a well-know security firm to Canadian Security Professionals. The change over was done exceedingly well, the installation was quick and professional and service has been great...."

Eric.

"CSP has exceeded my expectations in both customer service and system quality. The pre sales interactions were handled very professionally and with a keen interest in helping me obtain a security..."

Adam H.

"Just wanted to say thanks for coordinating the install and just say that the installer did an excellent job and I would recommend your service. The installer was very patient and did everything to..."

Aldo.

"From the inital phone call consulation with Jennifer M., she was very knowledgeable and professional. I even had my spouse speak with her in order to help us make this important decision somewhat..."

Bob & Shauna.

"I want to say Thank You for all of your patience, and help. I downloaded the manual for my Simon XT Security System.. Everything is working perfectly. I went to previous employer today (I am retired)..."

From Jan and Bob.

"The installation was great, Equipment seems to be perfect, Your self and the installer was very Professional, courteous and a Pleasure to have met. I could not say enough about the Installer, I can..."

Skye’s Fashion Jewelry.

"I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how pleased I am with the excellent customer service I recently received from your technician Tamim. I wanted you to know that his patience, courtesy..."

Catherine N.

"Hi Jennifer, Great experience ! Rabah was absolutely amazing , very pleasant , friendly and fast. Explained everything very well to me and my hubby. We are very impressed with your outstanding..."

Renata.

"Just a quick note to commend Rabah who installed our alarm on Monday, Oct. 21, 2013. We are very pleased with his installation. He accommodated us, choosing the best possible location for the unit,..."

Joesph & Dee.

"Just had my alarm system set up today, and the gentleman that set it up was absolutely amazing. So kind and professional, my husband and I were truly blown away by the customer service we received..."

Kristina Kamber.

"I recently had a system installed at my house. So far, the system appears to be working great, easy to use and is a real peace of mind. I hope it continues this way. I would like to comment on the..."

Pierre Jean.

"The alarm system is all that I expected. The installation guy was polite and helpful. Thanks again for your help. I’m confident that I made the right choice in going with your company. "

Ed Doherty.

"We are very excited about making the switch. I really like the idea that the home will not only be monitored for burglars but also for fire and the fact that we will finally have a keypad (so my..."

Susie.

"As we were looking into purchasing a home security system, we got in touch with Jennifer Morgan. Throughout the entire process, Jennifer was extremely helpful and went above and beyond our..."

Rob and Sherry P.

"You will be delighted to know that both Tamim and I exchanged good words about you. We both agreed your enthusiasm and ability to compromise wins business. For example, I was dealing with 3 other..."

Raymond.

"Thank you for all the help with our alarm system quote helping us grasp the vital distinctions between the various models and monitoring services available. The installation team you sent were..."

Cliff.

View All