Home Security - SmartAlert Limited

How to take care of your smart security cameras

After setup and installation, every video camera security system will require ongoing maintenance to ensure that it continues to operate optimally. This demands a maintenance strategy that is typically executed by either the system provider or internal personnel. How easy it is to maintain a security camera is a key consideration when purchasing one. As a rule, the less hassle involved with maintenance the better.

The Importance of Regular CCTV Maintenance

Regular maintenance of your CCTV system is more than a luxury—it’s a necessity. A well-maintained system can serve you for many years, providing reliable surveillance and peace of mind. Conversely, neglecting regular checks and maintenance can lead to faults, gaps in coverage, and decreased system longevity. Here are seven compelling reasons why regular CCTV maintenance is crucial:

Ensure Continuous Operation: Regular maintenance prevents sudden system failures, ensuring your CCTV system is always operational and recording.
Optimize Image Quality: Dirt and dust on camera lenses can significantly degrade image quality. Regular cleaning helps maintain the clarity of the footage.
Prevent Data Loss: Regular system checks can help identify and rectify potential data storage issues, preventing the loss of valuable surveillance footage.
Extend System Life: Routine maintenance can prolong the life of your CCTV system, saving you the cost of frequent replacements.
Maximize Coverage: Regular checks can help identify and correct camera misalignments, ensuring optimal coverage.
Identify Software Upgrades: Regular system assessments can help identify necessary software upgrades, ensuring your system benefits from the latest features and security updates.
Ensure Compliance: If you’re using CCTV for business, regular maintenance ensures that your system remains compliant with local regulations, safeguarding you from potential fines or litigation.

Tips to Maintain Your CCTV Security System

The best way to maintain your security camera is to create a CCTV maintenance checklist. This will help you keep track of all the tasks that need to be completed and ensure that nothing is overlooked.

Here’s a list of ten CCTV maintenance tips that you can include in your checklist to help you maintain your security camera:

Regularly Clean Camera Lenses

Check your indoor and outdoor cameras regularly to ensure the lenses are clean. Dust, dirt, and fingerprints can all interfere with the quality of your video footage.

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe them down to clean your camera lenses. If there are any stubborn stains, you can use a mild cleaning solution (like soap and water) to remove them. Just be sure to avoid using harsh chemicals, which can damage your camera lens.

Inspect Cables and Connections

Next, please take a look at all of the cables and connections to make sure that they are secure. Loose cables can cause video quality issues, so it’s essential to check them on a regular basis and tighten any loose connections.

Test Your System Regularly

Testing your CCTV system regularly is essential to ensure it works properly. This includes testing the cameras, DVR, and monitor to ensure they function correctly. You should also test your system’s recording capabilities to ensure that it is recording high-quality video footage.

Backup Your Video Footage

Regularly back up your video footage to avoid losing important data. This is especially important if you are using a cloud-based storage system. In addition, backing up your footage will help you avoid any potential issues if your system fails or your footage is accidentally deleted.

Keep Your Software Up-To-Date

One of the most essential CCTV maintenance tips is to keep your security camera software up-to-date. Security camera manufacturers regularly release updates for their products, often including new features and bug fixes. By keeping your software up-to-date, you can ensure your system is always running at its best.

Monitor Your System Remotely

If you have a remote monitoring system in place, regularly check in on it to ensure that everything is working properly. This includes checking the DVR, cameras, and monitor to ensure they are online and functioning correctly.

Check the Power Supplies

Another important CCTV maintenance task is regularly checking the power supplies for your security cameras. This includes checking the batteries (if your system uses them) and ensuring the cameras are connected to a reliable power source. If you notice any issues with the power supply, be sure to contact a professional for help.

Check the Lighting Conditions

When checking your security cameras, consider the lighting conditions around them. So, if you notice that the camera is not getting enough light, you may need to adjust the camera’s position or add additional lighting. Poor lighting can cause video quality issues, so it’s essential to make sure that your cameras are properly lit.

Check the Hard Drives Periodically

Don’t forget to check the hard drives for your security cameras regularly. This includes checking for errors or issues and ensuring they have enough free space. If you notice any problems with the hard drive, contact a professional for help.

Automated Tamper Detection

With the automated tamper detection response, some security systems are able to instantly initiate a backup protocol, and even send users a notification, when they detect an offline security camera. This may not prevent physical damage to the device itself, but if backup footage can be transmitted to cloud storage, you won’t lose any video recordings —and you may even capture video evidence of the culprit in the act.

Hire a Professional

If you don’t feel comfortable maintaining your CCTV system yourself, you can always hire a professional to do it for you. Security camera maintenance is a critical part of owning a security camera system, and ensuring it is done properly is essential. Hiring a professional to do it for you can help ensure that your system is always running smoothly.

Proactive notifications for camera downtime

Camera downtime is a constant concern for any video security system and is something you want to avoid at all costs. Some outages will likely happen, however, and the goal of maintenance is to minimize the duration and impact of these occurrences. Proactive notifications instantly alert users any time a camera goes offline. The alerts can be sent via SMS text, app notifications, email, or other means. This can allow you to quickly assess, diagnose, and fix the problem to make sure every video camera is working as intended.

Security Camera Installation Tips

You’ve finally gotten your smart security cameras and figured out where you want to install them, but before you dive in to install them or have a professional do it for you, here are some important installation tips to help you get the most from your security camera.

Install cameras 8 to 10 feet from the ground

This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals to ensure that no one can easily reach devices to steal, hack or block them.

Consider lighting when positioning surveillance cameras

Ambient lighting is an important consideration when installing security cameras. Each camera needs adequate lighting to capture details needed to identify persons in the footage. Place your surveillance cameras where there’s enough light to see movements and faces in the videos they capture. If ambient lighting is poor even in the best location for a camera, consider installing an outdoor lighting fixture to illuminate the coverage area or choose a camera with night vision functionality.

Adjust your security cameras to the best coverage position

Adjust it to face the area you wish to keep under surveillance and check the coverage area from the camera’s viewpoint. If a vehicle or large object blocks its view at certain times of the day, move the camera to a better location.

Position surveillance cameras to cover points of entry

Position your security cameras to cover main entryways, such as front and back doors, as well as windows on the ground floor. Also, cover secluded points of entry like basement windows.

Hide your cameras’ cables

Hiding your cameras’ cables is an important consideration if you chose a wired surveillance system. Hiding the wires makes it difficult to disable your surveillance cameras by hiding their power and data cables in conduits. Inclement weather, burglars and rodents can all damage or cut exposed wiring.

Decide whether you want the camera to be visible or hidden

Visible security cameras are effective burglary deterrents, but they are also targets for theft and vandalism. Some homeowners choose to prominently install a fake decoy camera and back it up with a real one that’s slightly more concealed, while others add heavy-duty hardware or casing around the camera to make it more difficult to damage.

Consider video storage and retrieval when choosing a surveillance system

When looking for the best security camera system, consider the video storage options. A security camera may record footage to a local storage system or the cloud. Some cameras use memory cards for local storage, while others record to the hard drives of their base stations. However, cloud storage is a desirable option, whether offered as the only option or along with local storage. Besides video storage, the best security camera systems let you view livestreams or recorded clips on your phone and computer via companion apps.

Cloud storage is convenient, as it makes it easy to retrieve security footage even when intruders steal or destroy the cameras that capture them. Surveillance videos sent to the cloud are also much harder to erase, but burglars can easily destroy the memory cards and hard drives used for local storage. Keep in mind that cloud storage often requires additional subscription costs and relies on fast internet connections. These recurring costs are worth remembering when wondering how much it costs to install security cameras.

Secure your surveillance camera system

It’s not enough to protect your security camera system from burglars. You also need to secure it from digital intruders. The best security camera systems have strong encryption and security protocols to prevent hackers from remotely accessing and hijacking clients’ security cameras. It’s also important to follow recommended security rules, such as changing the default passwords shipped with your cameras and other surveillance equipment. Set them up with unique, strong passwords and be sure to install security updates from the surveillance equipment vendor whenever they’re available.

Protect the camera from the elements

Don’t point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what’s going on. Consider the movement of the sun and angle your cameras for indirect light.

Top outdoor security cameras have ample weather- and waterproofing, but they are not all equal. Choose a camera that’s appropriately rated for your climate, and place it under eaves or in another semi-protected area if you can.

Important places to install security cameras in your home

In order to get the most out of your investment in your newly acquired security cameras, you need to ensure that they are strategically installed to help you actualize the goals you had in mind. Here are some important places to install security cameras in your home.

Ground-floor doors and windows

Obviously, burglars can most easily enter homes the exact same way that homeowners do: through doors or windows on the ground floor. It’s important to have cameras on all your ground-level doors and windows, both inside and outside.

Main stairs or hallway

Any centralized area where burglars would have to pass through to access most of your home should also be surveilled; this is most likely a hallway on the first floor or a stairway leading up.

Common areas

You may also want to secure areas that you commonly use, like a living room or kitchen.

Driveway

If you have a driveway, it’s important that you monitor it with an outdoor camera, as this is another common place that thieves will sneak through to enter your home.

Yard

Secure both your front and back yard with outdoor cameras, as these can be good hiding places for thieves, especially if your landscaping is overgrown.

Second Floor

Do you keep jewelry or other valuables upstairs? While we don’t recommend placing cameras in bedrooms or bathrooms for privacy reasons, be sure to secure a main second floor hallway with an indoor camera; it’s a great way to provide more video evidence, if you end up involved in a criminal investigation.

Garages or detached buildings

Especially if your car or other expensive motorized equipment or tools are in there, be sure to have a camera in your garage. If your Wi-Fi zone doesn’t extend there, either get a range extender or use a camera that doesn’t need Wi-Fi

Where Not To Place Security Cameras

As useful as security cameras are for monitoring your home, there are also places that you definitely shouldn’t surveil, for legal and privacy reasons.

Neighbor’s property: Depending on your state’s laws, it may or may not be illegal to surveil someone else’s property. Make sure your security cameras are focused on your home and not your neighbors’.
Bedrooms: Although you may keep valuables in your bedroom, it’s best to leave security cameras out to maintain your privacy.
Bathrooms: It’s unlikely a burglar would get much out of your bathroom anyway, so there’s little to no security risk in leaving them unmonitored.

How to choose the right outdoor security camera system

Many people buy security cameras before deciding exactly where to place them. However, you should take out time to decide on your needs before eventually buying your outdoor security camera. Here are some tips and factors to consider when deciding on the best outdoor security camera for your needs.

Security camera video quality

High video quality is essential for your security cameras so that you can clearly view recordings and easily retrieve required evidence. Here’s what to look out for in your security cameras:

A video resolution of 1080p or higher will provide enough detail to tell people apart through their facial features, clothing, and actions. Plus, 1080p resolution looks good on larger computer monitors and TV screens, so you don’t need to rely on a small phone screen.
A field of view around 130º allows the camera to see a large area indoors and outdoors while keeping subjects a reasonable size within the video frame. You might consider a wider viewing angle around 160º for a video doorbell or outdoor security camera, so you don’t need as many cameras for complete coverage of your property.
A frame rate of a least 15 frames per second (fps) is a must for anyone wanting smooth motion in videos. Smooth video is less susceptible to motion blur, which can reduce detail even on high-resolution cameras. For results closer to what you expect from a TV, choose a video surveillance camera with 24 fps or higher.
A night vision range of 30 feet or more helps a wireless camera produce bright images after the sun goes down. Most security cameras use infrared LEDs to record in complete darkness. Still, you might consider a model with a secondary spotlight which can deter intruders and provide color night vision.

Security camera video storage

Video recording keeps a history of the happenings around your home—without constant vigilance of watching a live feed or responding to every notification that pops up on your mobile device. Whether you choose cloud or local storage depends on your budget and personal preferences, but here’s what we recommend for each type:

A local storage capacity of 32 GB or higher (preferably on an SD card) gives you plenty of space to record a couple of weeks’ worth of video clips. Cameras with resolutions above 1080p, should support 64 GB or 128 GB microSD cards if possible. If you have a security camera system with multiple analog cameras, we recommend a network video recorder (NVR) of 1 TB or higher.
A cloud storage video history of 14 days or more will keep recordings around long enough for you to review and download if something exciting or suspicious catches your IP camera’s attention. Storage plans under $4 a month for a single doorbell camera or $10 a month for multiple cameras will keep your monthly costs reasonable.

Essential security camera features

While video quality and storage do most of the heavy lifting on security cameras, these features can make your camera easier to use and more effective:

A mobile app is the most convenient way to control your Wi-Fi security cam. It allows you to view video footage, receive notifications, and adjust settings for a better everyday experience. It also gives you access to useful features like two-way audio, smart home controls, and sharing camera access with your household. EyeSyte is a good example of a simple but effective mobile app.
A motion detection camera makes it easier to manage notifications and video storage. Models with adjustable motion zones and motion sensitivity are enough for most folks, but you can add smart detection if you have the budget. Smart detection uses artificial intelligence to help a smart security camera identify and notify you of the people, animals, vehicles, and other objects it sees.

Security Tips to Keep Your Children Safe

Safety of your children is paramount whether at home or outside the home. While it’s easier to keep an eye on them while you are around them, it’s much more difficult when you are not present with them. This is when they have to rely more on the knowledge of the security measures you have instilled in them. Along with supervision and ensuring a safe environment, you can also improve home safety and security of your children by teaching them about what’s safe and what’s not, and what to do in certain situations.

Teach Your Kids to Always Keep the Doors Locked

Closing the door after you and locking them should be your number one safety measure to introduce at home. This will not only ensure that intruders cannot access the house and also the younger kids cannot find their way out. Keeping the door closed will give you the confidence that your kids are well protected inside.

At the time when they are infants, it would have been easier to ensure their safety is maintained as there are numerous safety devices to use in the market. However, at an older age, they are able to understand the importance of safety measures you have taught them.

Ensure that Kids Know Your Contact Information

You should ensure that your kids are aware of where to get help in case of an emergency. This is not only beneficial to the kids but also to the entire family. Sometimes, as a parent, you may be faced with a case of emergency and cannot contact anyone for help.

However, having the children understand how to use a cell phone and memorize emergency contacts will be really helpful to the family. In most homes, you will get a contact information sticker and place it on the fridge.

It is important to ensure that the child memorizes some of these emergency numbers. For those who may not be able to memorize that information, just start by teaching them their full names, your names, and other basic information.

Teach the Kids not to Trust or Accept Gifts from Strangers

Teaching your child on how to not interact with people they don’t know or are not close to is a key safety rule that will help minimize cases of kidnapping or other dangers.

You may not always be there with your kid especially after they start school. The only thing you can do is to ensure that they understand ‘stranger danger’ and that they are not supposed to trust people they don’t know.

Moreover, despite how safe your neighborhood may be, you may not know where the danger lurks. Some children are very friendly and do not fear talking to people they don’t know.

Kids may fail to understand the seriousness of the situation, so you should find ways to make the child know how it is not safe. For instance, tell the child that if someone whom they don’t know says “mom asked me to take you somewhere,” the child should stay in the house and call the emergency number.

Teach them to never share Personal Information Online

The internet has its negative side and this includes cyberbullying and other crimes facilitated through the Internet. Teenagers are fascinated by the internet and may spend a lot of their time there meeting and talking with strangers. As a parent, you should create awareness to the kids on the dangers that may lurk on the internet.

Safety measures should be aimed at ensuring your kids understand that they should not give out any personal information to an individual on the Internet.

Teach your children about their body

Incidences of children being sexually abused by strangers and even people they know is on the rise. It is good to ensure that the kids are aware of the dangers that surround them even at an early age.

Teaching children about their bodies early enough will also ensure that they do not get misguided information on the Internet. Moreover, this is a safety measure that will ensure your child is aware of how to carry themselves and how those around them should interact.

Never to take anything given to them by people they don’t know

This is an important safety measure that the parents should teach their children. People with bad intentions may try to win over a child’s affection by offering them gifts.

However, as a parent, always teach them that they should never accept any gifts that are offered to them by people they don’t know and instead decline it politely.

You should also teach the child to trust only a few family members, for instance, the parents, grandparents and other close family members.

Tips on Choosing Security Windows for Your Home

Windows and doors are the most vulnerable parts of your home. They are entry points through which burglars can gain access into your home. So it’s important to duly consider the security features of a window before choosing one for your home. There are many popular window types now that provide you the security you need for your windows without compromising on aesthetics and convenience. Here are some tips to help you choose the right security windows for your home.

Shop For Windows With Security In Mind

If you’re replacing, upgrading, or installing new windows in your home, consider windows with built-in security features such as locks, deadbolts, security film, etc. Your windows contractor is a good source for finding the right style of windows for your needs, your house, and your budget. Consult them thoroughly and be as transparent about your concerns as possible to ensure they have all the information they need to find the perfect fit for you.

Casement Windows

Casement windows are popular in contemporary homes. Hinged at the side of the window frame, casement windows have hand-operated locks that can only be accessed from inside. These hook-shaped locks are a core component of the window’s frame, making them extremely difficult to break.

Double-Hung Windows

With two independently adjustable sashes, these are the most popular windows in residential homes. This window type scores high on safety. They feature easy-to-use balance that lets you operate them easily and extensive pressure that keeps them in place at any given spot along the rail.

Choose Impact-Resistant Windows

As the name implies, impact-resistant windows are designed to withstand the impact of various weather, debris, and elements. The window is constructed of impact-resistant glass mounted within a heavy-duty frame, which is then securely anchored within the window’s interior frame.

While no window is completely impenetrable, rather than shattering, the impact-resistant glass will splinter (but still hold) after impact. Burglars strive for swiftness and stealth, so impact-resistant windows often deter burglars and slow their entry.

A common feature of impact-resistant windows is their glaze. An impact-resistant film could also be placed over each pane of glass. While not as sturdy as the inner membrane of the laminate, it similarly helps keep shards of broken glass in place should the window shatter. How well the window film functions depends on the stability of the window glazing and the window frame.

Tips on Choosing the Right Security Doors for Your Home

Security doors are the first line of security for your home, especially your front door which is the main entrance for burglars to get into a home. As a result, it is highly important to install high quality security doors. The main purpose of installing security doors is to strengthen all the external entry points into your home, especially the front door, and prevent unauthorized access or entry.

Security doors are doors made ‌of strong materials designed to resist forced entry. They typically have reinforced frames, stronger hinges, and deadbolt locks. Some may also have additional features like security bars or grilles. It is important not to compromise on installing high quality security doors as criminals target homes with low level of security and poor quality security doors.

Deciding on a security door could be quite tasking as there are many factors to consider like opening size, security level, swing or vertical lift, ornamental or standard and the material of the door. Together with these listed factors, you should also put your requirements into consideration. Here’s some tips to consider when trying to choose the right security door for your home:

Security

If you are looking for strong and reliable security doors for your home, then steel security doors are a great option. Steel doors are strong and durable, and they offer greater security from burglars and impact based break-in attempts. Aluminium security doors also offer great security for locations or parts of your home with low to medium risks.

Appearance

Just because they are security doors doesn’t mean you have to compromise on aesthetics. Security doors come in a variety of designs and visual impressions. Some designs are intimidating with the intent to scare away intruders while some others are aesthetically pleasing and welcoming. It all depends on what matters to you most. Steel security doors are available in smooth, textured or wood finishes in a wide range of colour combinations. Aluminium security doors are lightweight and slimline with a pleasing appeal.

Durability

When maximum protection is your goal, steel security doors are your best options. But they are not just high-end security doors. They are durable. Steel security doors won’t shrink, crack or warp. Aluminium security doors are also highly durable and resistant to corrosion.

Maintenance

Security doors rarely need service and maintenance. However, steel security doors require low maintenance and servicing as compared to aluminium security doors.

Cost

The cost of steel and aluminum doors will depend on the style, coating, and other treatments and additions placed on the door. But, generally, steel doors will cost more to manufacture and install than aluminum doors. In most cases, aluminum doors are the most cost-effective option — they’re cheaper than steel doors, but can last just as long given good-quality manufacturing and maintenance. Even in rigorous use, you can expect an aluminum door to last decades.

Door & Window Security Tips

Doors and windows are the most vulnerable parts of a property, as majority of burglars gain access into a home or office through a door or window that is either not strong enough or left unlocked. Poor lighting around doors and windows and other factors also aid burglars break-in. To keep your home or office secure, it is highly important to assess the state of your doors and windows when moving into a new home and from time-to-time.

Here are some door and window security tips to help you keep your home and office secure from burglary.

Door security tips

Change your Door Lock

If you have just moved into a new house, it is advisable to change the door locks, especially the exterior doors. This is because you can never always be completely certain or feel comfortable if all previous occupants, their relatives, neighbours, or workmen have returned their key copies. Also, it could be that you are not comfortable with the quality of the current lock and wish to change to a new lock of higher quality. It is a good idea to change the door lock so as to give that peace of mind and control over your door.

Choose Door with Multipoint Locks

If you choose to change your door entirely, consider doors with a multiple lock system. They add an extra layer of security. For example, you can install a deadbolt. In addition to a latch and deadbolt, multi-point locks are equipped with a bolt that comes out of the top of the door panel (head bolt) and another that comes out of the bottom (foot bolt). It would take a formidable offender indeed to break through a door secured in four separate places.

Make sure your Doors are well lit

Walking up to a door that is surrounded by complete darkness would give most of us the chills. That is why having a well lit door is a key tip to keeping you safe. If there is no light at your door there are a few easy fixes for that. The simplest and cheapest fix could be getting a strand of decorative lights and hanging them up around your door or porch. This will give off enough light to brighten up the door space as well as the simplicity of small lights that can be easily removed. If you want a more permanent fix, there are outdoor lights available at most hardware stores that can be bought.

Replace Glass with more solid options

Glass doors and glass inlays on doors are nice to look at but could also pose a danger if hit. Glass can be a pain to clean up and could also result in injury. Try replacing the glass with tempered glass or finding a door with fiberglass inlays to decrease the dangers of broken glass. Tempered glass is much stronger and is more heat resistant than regular glass. It falls apart into small pieces rather than large shards with sharp edges making it much easier and safer of a clean up. Tempered glass is great in any window or door for the increased safety benefits it provides.

Window security tips

Get Windows with interior locks

It is important to have interior locks on your windows. Many windows now have security latches at two different levels to allow for the window to stay open for ventilation in a safe way. This allows for fresh air as well as the safety of having your window locked.

Consider Windows with Tempered glass

It doesn’t take much to break standard window glass. But a window fitted with laminated glass is not so easily penetrated. Laminated glass is made by sandwiching a thin, virtually invisible, vinyl film between two layers of glass. That thin layer won’t prevent the glass from cracking, but if it does get broken the glass will stay in place within the window sash or frame.

Window Safety for Children

Keeping children safe around windows is a top priority. You should keep all furniture away from open windows. Children are full of energy and if they are playing on the furniture near an open window it increases the likelihood of an accident happening. Make sure all furniture is a good distance away from the window so that a child could not easily access it.

Install Smart Windows and Doors

You can either set up motion detectors that detect movement within the house or install lock status sensors that will let you know if your doors and windows are locked or if someone unlocks them. Both systems can be built into a new or existing home.

How to protect your Smart Security devices from Cyberattacks

Because your smart security devices require internet connectivity to function, they are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Smart security devices require connection to your Wi-Fi router to function. Your smart security devices are also connected to other smart devices such as smart hubs, mobile phones and tablets which are also vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. It is paramount that the Wi-Fi router and other devices connected to your smart devices are well protected from potential cybersecurity threats. Criminal hackers gain unauthorized access to networks and devices to steal sensitive data, including financial information, company secrets, and compromise your security system.

Here are ways to protect your smart security devices against cyberattacks.

Keep Software or Firmware Updated

You should regularly update your smart security system. This can help protect against security vulnerabilities and other bugs. Your smart security device software may need to be updated to add new features or fix security flaws found by the manufacturer. Always accept any updates a device requests, and if possible, enable automatic updates. The more frequently the devices update, the more the security is enhanced.

Secure Your Wi-Fi Router

Routers don’t usually come with the highest security settings enabled. When you set up your network, log in to the router and choose a password using a secure, encrypted setup. This prevents intruders from infiltrating your network and messing with your settings. In addition, installing a virtual private network (VPN) on your router is an excellent way to secure your router and protect your smart security devices from cyberattacks. A VPN will make it harder for malicious actors to access or intercept your data by ensuring that any data sent to or from your smart security device is encrypted and protected against cyberattacks. Other than that, use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to secure your router further.

Use complex passwords to prevent network intrusions

Using strong passwords is a crucial way to prevent network intrusions. The more secure your passwords are, the harder it is for hackers to invade your smart security system. Secure passwords are usually longer and more complex. Use a password with at least eight characters and a combination of numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and computer symbols. Hackers have tools that can easily break short, easy passwords in minutes.

Don’t use recognizable words or combinations representing birthdays or other information hackers can connect to you. Don’t reuse passwords, either. If you have too many passwords to remember, consider using a password manager, such as Dashlane, Sticky Password, LastPass, or Password Boss.

Other ways you can protect your smart security devices from cyberattacks include turning off Bluetooth of mobile phones while not in use. Be mindful of the Wi-Fi networks you connect to. When setting up your smart security system ensure that you use a secure network from a reputable internet service provider (ISP).

Looking for smart devices to bolster your home or office security? We can help you find the best solution that meets your needs. Check out our smart security devices here. Alternatively, you can speak to us via email or call +234 706 993 7577 now! We’ll sure be glad to help!

How to choose the best smart security system for your home

So you finally decided to hop on this smart security everyone is talking about. But you don’t know where to begin or how to choose the right devices for your home. Well, you’re in luck. Hang on tight while we guide you through it.

There are many different smart security systems and devices out there, and it’s important to find the right one for your home and budget. Every home is different and has different security needs. Your security system needs to be designed to fit the layout of your home.

Here are important things you need to consider to help you pick the best home security system for your needs.

The size of your home

When choosing the ideal smart security system for your home, you have to consider the size of your home. Larger homes have more areas to monitor than smaller homes. You may need to get extra equipment if you live in a big house, like entry sensors and outdoor cameras to protect vulnerable spots.

What you want to monitor

Decide what you want your system to monitor. Do you want a security system that just keeps your home safe from burglars and break-ins, or do you want one that will also help keep your family safe from other dangers, like fires, floods, carbon monoxide, and so on?

Knowing what you want to monitor can also help you decide which type of equipment you need for your system. For example, a doorbell camera with a 90-degree field of view will only allow you to monitor the area directly in front of your front door. If you want to see everything on either side of your doorway, you’ll need a video doorbell camera with a field of view of 180 degrees.

Device selection

A home security system is made up of several different pieces of security equipment that work together to keep your home safe. Here are some security devices that make a a quality smart security system.

A control panel communicates with all the parts of your security system and allows you to activate and control them from a central location.
Sensors in vulnerable parts of your home like your doorways, or near windows tell you when somebody is trying to enter. Some sensors even have the ability to differentiate between human movement and animal movement to prevent false alarms.
Security cameras can be placed both inside and outside your home to capture activity while it’s in progress. Some home security cameras have night vision so you can see what’s going on in the dark. Doorbell cameras allow you to view visitors at your front door and even communicate with them using a two-way communication feature.
Motion detectors sense when people are moving around inside or around your house, depending where the sensors are set up.
Glass break sensors can tell you when glass is shattered in your home. For example, the window sensor will alert you with a high-pitched alarm whenever a window is broken.
Home alarm systems can alert you to dangerous situations and often ward off potential criminals.
Smoke detectors warn you whenever there is harmful smoke in your home.
Carbon monoxide detectors determine if there’s carbon monoxide in your environment and will warn you if they sense any.
Flood sensors and leak sensors tell you when there’s water in your home.
Lighting such as floodlights can shine brightly when someone gets close to your home. Sometimes, this is enough to deter intruders.

Customization

A quality home security system should be customized for your specific security needs. An installation expert can help you decide things like which devices you need and the best location for your motion sensors.

Whether you want to combine a doorbell camera and outdoor cameras with motion sensors and 24/7 monitoring, or you’re just interested in smart door locks and a doorbell camera, all products work together to create a fully integrated system.

Professional / self monitoring

You might choose a home security system that you monitor yourself. This means that the system will send a notification directly to you whenever suspicious activity is detected. Then, it’s up to you to take necessary action. On the other hand, you can opt for professional security monitoring. This means that the system will automatically notify the police or fire department whenever a threat is detected. Monthly monitoring can be a useful tool for your security system, but it also comes with a monitoring fee.

App Integration

A great home security system needs a mobile app that lets you connect with and control your system from anywhere. Not only should the app be reliable but it should also work well with all of the security and automation tools in your home.

EyeSyte’s intuitive app makes managing all of your EyeSyte smart security devices simple — no matter where you are. It gives you the power to control all of your security and smart home devices, like security cameras, smart locks, and smart lights.

Do you have a smart home security system yet? Or you’re not sure which smart security devices to get. We can help you get started. Check out our smart security devices here. Alternatively, you can speak to us via email or call +234 706 993 7577 now! We’ll sure be glad to help!