But statistics tell a different story.
Even in those countries that have relativelyhigh crime rates, crime is decreasing.
Whats behind the numbers?
Its a short leap for tech pros to make from lower crime rates to the proliferation of security technology.
But a lot of civilians are making the leap using just common sense.
Thats a lot of ring-a-ding doorbell cameras.
General security anxiety is the top reason why people invest in home security systems.
Having been victimized once is enough for some people and many invest in home security systems following a break-in.
But innovations in home security technology and the improved performance of todays systems are also driving sales.
Patents past and pending
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She was motivated by a powerful instinctsurvival.
The underlying concept of home security systemsnotice danger, call for helpremains unchanged.
Dont discount the fun factor, either.
We probably dont have to tell you that gadget collecting is a popular hobby.
Self-installation and self-monitoring options have made them more affordable.
The popularity of home security systems is also part and parcel of consumers lightning-fast adoption of home technology.
Can I have some privacy with my protection?
While smart home security systems are great at people-pleasing, they arent perfect.
Some of their flaws can be invisible to consumers, though.
Like any system that relies on the internet to transmit data, home security systems arevulnerable to hacking.
Generally, the cameras at the heart of many home security systems are the weak links.
Systems that employ IP cameras are considered more vulnerable to hacking but no brand of camera is completely immune.
Recent reports of hacked security systems have ranged fromcreepy to blood-chilling.
The very cameras that are meant to keep us safe have been transformed by hackers into harassment devices.
Cameras are being exploited in real-time to spy on users.
Theres a lot of feature parity among home security systems.
So its important to usegood password hygieneand apply all the rules you probably know by heart.
Set a complicated password.
Dont share your password with anyone or reuse an old one.
If a re-used password has been hacked in one account, all accounts using the same password are vulnerable.
Change your password frequently.
You might even consider using a password manager to add an extra layer of security.
Systems that offertwo-factor authenticationare less vulnerable to hacking and are increasingly available.
You might also recommend a system that incorporatesredundant signal transmissionandpower-sourcing.
Yes, backing up is critical in this category, too.
Homeowners should also be alert to the signs that an installed system has been hacked.
Hearing strange noises in a home is one such sign.
Blinking lights on cameras mean theyve been accessed remotely.
Camera movement can be another clue on cameras that pan and tilt.
But experts advise against it.
What kind of home are you trying to secure?
What are you trying to protect?
Parents were the earliest adopters of systems that incorporate cameras and baked-in audio.
In some homes, protecting elderly family members is the foremost concern.
Kids take to technology like candy because they were raised with it.
Older people may struggle temperamentally, mentally, or physically with remotes and keypads.
If you employ a housekeeper periodically or youre having your home painted, that can be handy.
Bells and whistles add cost, of course.
But system monitoring will, in the long run, cost more than system design and installation.
Self-monitoring a security system, though less expensive, isnt generally recommended by security pros.
But it pays to be choosy about professional monitoring services.
Some require a long-term contract and charge hefty cancellation fees.
Pay attention to who is responsible for false alarm fees under your contract.
Communities levy fines for that.
For the mechanically inclined, choosing aDIY installation productcan save money.
But particularly in a large home, its time-consuming.
Thats a lot of doors, windows, fences, and outdoor hiding spots to remember.
So before choosing a DIY system, ask yourself this.
Are you sure youll think of everything?
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