When people think of home security systems, they usually imagine a loud motions-detecting alarm system and tons of security cameras recording footage of your properties perimeter but these days, home security systems are far more high tech, wireless and accessible from any mobile device. Now you can unlock the doors, turn on the lights, activate the security alarms and monitor your property with live video feeds at an affordable price.
In this era of home automation, it was only been a matter of time before companies began developing and offering IP-based security and monitoring services to homeowners. Now companies are bringing the newest and greatest security measures at an affordable price.
What Does a Home Cyber Security System Offer?
Only about 20% of homes have home-security systems – many are not even used by families dues to their inconveniences. Interactive systems enable consumers to arm and disarm systems from personal computers, smartphones or iPads via the Internet no matter where they are.
Manage Security Remotely
- Turn security systems and features on or off from any internet-ready mobile device. Unlock the door for the babysitter and to make sure the system is turned back on after they leave. No need to give out keys or alarm-system codes.
- Turn on and off lights to make it appears as though someone is at home.
- Adjust thermostats to reduce energy use or warm up the home before returning.
- Check smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms.
- If cameras are included, get picture messages or video clips when doors are unlocked or motion-sensors triggered.
- Wireless home cyber security systems rarely require homeowners to drill or damage the home to mount equipment.
Determine How Much Information You Want to Access or Share with Providers
Some home cyber security systems are set up to provide homeowners with notifications for every minor action. Others have interactive tools with images and sensitive information of the home’s inhabitants.
- Elect when you want to be received notifications. For example, a homeowner may want an email or text each time a door is opened, or only during the time when kids come home from school and you aren’t there to supervise. These setting should be located in your mobile application system tools or directly through customer service.
- Set how you would like to receive notifications. While emails you can check at home, it may not help you to receive SMS text messages when you can touch your cell phone during work.
- And be cautious of information is being sent to your mobile device. Not because your home security company is likely to send you a virus (it’s possible but rare), but because you may not want people around you to see who is or is not at your home, what your children look like, etc..
Get Protection at an Affordable Price
These high tech home-security systems, as well as the interactive features, are just another tool to protect your home and family, but protection should not outweigh the dent in your wallet. Thankfully, advances in technology and small devices, these home cyber security systems are increasingly affordable for homeowners and renters. Beware though, some new high tech functions can add to the costs associated with home cyber security systems.
Typically, additional services can run about $10 a to a monthly home-security contract of $35 to $60 a month – not including initial contract expenses of about $1000 and up. And contracts often require 12 months to 3 -year contracts before they can be altered or closed. Add a few more cameras, motion detectors, wireless locks and thermostat controls, and it can add thousands to your initial start-up costs.
The Pros and Cons of Home Cyber Security Technology
Advantages
- Price: The new services are typically less expensive than going through a dedicated security firm – starting as low as $10 a month.
- Interactive Capabilities: Smart-security systems are purposely constructed to allow you to access window and door sensors, interact with cameras apps and customize your system to react differently in various scenarios.
- Mobile access and other smart features: Since most systems are bundled with other technology, most services will allow you to control other features while you’re away, too, such as the thermostat, lights and door locks.
Drawbacks
- Equipment charges: Although monthly prices are low, there are sometimes equipment charges when you initiate a contract or improve features. And homeowners with larger properties will need to purchase additional equipment to account for size risk.
- Other non-advertised charges: For those who want remote and interactive capabilities to control home devices, there are likely to be extra charges. Services may charge extra for connectivity to a cellular network so alarms will sound even if the power goes out. False alarms are an issue with home-security systems. Most police departments give homeowners several false alarm calls a year. After that, they start charging, Rogers says, often $50 or more.
- Contract Commitments: Providers may require long contracts to recuperate their costs or distribute security deposits for expensive equipment over time.
Take Precautions to Ensure Your Home Computers and Security Systems are Safe from Cyber Threats
Some of the following tips everyone can initiate and increase the protections around their home cyber security system. Others, however, may require the assistance or services of a computer or network professional.
When you start your home security contract, you will be asked to set a username and password, provide network address and account information. Do not give you login information to just anyone. Use passwords with upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols, then change these settings often.
2. Turn on WPA / WEP Encryptions
All Wifi equipment supports some form of encryption technology to scramble messages or login data sent over wireless networks so other humans cannot read it. Pick the strongest form of encryption that works with your wireless network.
Change your router SSID. Manufacturers normally ship their products with the same SSID set. For example, the SSID for Linksys devices is normally “Linksys.” True, knowing the SSID does not by itself allow your neighbors to break into your network, but it is a start. More importantly, when someone finds a default SSID, they see it is a poorly configured network and are much more likely to attack it. Change the default SSID immediately
3. Change or Disable SSID Broadcast
In Wi-Fi networking, the wireless access point or router typically broadcasts the network name (SSID) such as “linksys” or “netgear”. Set up an individual and easily recognizable SSID for your router when configuring wireless security on your network. And disable roaming broadcast features in the network administrator.
4. Only Connect to Secured Wi-Fi Networks
Connecting to a free, public or even your neighbor’s Wi-Fi network places your computer, personal information and home security at risk. Ensure your computer settings require notifications before linking to networks and block user (even yourself) from accessing these networks except in temporary situations.
- Use Firewalls and Assign Static IP Addresses to Devices
Turn off DHCP on the router or access point, set a fixed IP address, then configure each connected device to match – yes you may have to change the setting of each family member’s smartphone, but it will be worth the hassle.
Ensure that your router’s firewall is turned on, then for extra protection, install or run personal firewall software on each computer connected to the router.
6. Secure Routers and Wireless Networks
WiFi signals normally reach to the exterior of a home. A small amount of signal leakage outdoors is not a problem, but the further this signal reaches, the easier it is for others to detect and exploit. Wi-Fi signals often reach through neighboring homes and into streets, for example. When installing a wireless home network, the position of the access point or router determines its reach. Try to position these devices near the center of the home rather than near windows to minimize leakage.
Take steps to protect your home with new mobile technologies offering cyber security and peace of mind. Get help from the experts with setting up and maintaining your home cyber security system. Finally, speak with your trusted insurance broker to determine if your security measure make you eligible for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance policy.