With the rate of home burglary across the country climbing, it is important that you have and up-to-date home security system. Consequently, you can replace your existing alarm system or upgrade outdated equipment. Above all, you must protect your family and valued properties against burglars, fires and other hazards.
To determine when to install a new security system or have certain components replaced, take note of these signs when doing an annual home security check.
Hardwired to wireless
Older hardwired versions of home security systems are typically more vulnerable to security breaches. An intruder can simply cut off a wire to disable the entire home security system. Some wiring can become compromised with age such as having breaks or bends in the wiring that may affect performance. You need to update your home security systems if you are still using a plain hardwired system.
Low-resolution camera to a high-powered device
If the images from your security camera are barely recognizable, it’s time to update your devices. Your outdated camera probably feeds you blurred images. In short, that camera does not help you very much.
Onsite to offsite monitoring
You need better home protection if your home security systems can only be examined onsite. Remember that criminals are getting smarter and well-equipped with the availability of advanced technology. Install offsite monitoring capability that will allow you to receive alerts on your smartphone, tablet or laptop remotely. You can also view live feeds from your camera via a web browser or smartphone with many systems now.
Onsite to remote alarm monitoring
If you still solely depend on your neighbors to alert authorities during emergencies when you are not around, you need an up-to-date home security system with an alarm monitoring service. This security innovation provides 24/7 protection by linking your alarm system to an off-site central hub. The alarm system sends a signal to you and to a team in a monitoring center when an intrusion, fire or any threat is detected. The center confirms the threat and alerts the appropriate authorities.
Manual to automatic software/firmware updates
It is crucial to update your security system software as often as necessary. It’s time to change your home security if it does not provide for automatic software or firmware upgrades. Doing manual updates can be troublesome and expensive. Automatic updates apply patches to the system to fix bugs right away. In this way, you ensure that your security system is always protected against vulnerabilities.
Transition to home automation
Home automation boosts security, saves energy and increases your level of comfort and convenience. Therefore, it literally puts the control of your security system and appliances into your hands. It links your devices to a central system that you can access from a remote point such as a smartphone app. You can turn on the lights of your porch when you are away to ward off intruders or adjust the thermostat as you prepare to head on home.
To sum up, use an up-to-date home security system. Isn’t it time to replace your security system with one that includes automatic updates to arm your system against vulnerabilities? Contact us today to get started.
