An outdated home security system may be better than no safety solution at all, but it won’t keep you as safe as you need to be. When your equipment isn’t up to date with the latest capabilities and software, it may not protect your home from burglars who use more sophisticated techniques.
If your security system is more than a couple of years old, it may be time to upgrade it. You can strengthen your home’s protection with more modern and effective solutions.
1. You don’t have remote access
Remote access allows you to check on your home at any time and from anywhere. Just by opening the app, you’re able to:
- See live security camera feeds, giving you a direct look at your home and everything happening in and around it
- Get instant notifications when something triggers your security system
- Adjust your system’s settings
- View and control all of your smart devices
This capability is incredibly important when you are at work, running errands, or on vacation. Even if you can’t physically be present at your home, you can still see and understand what’s happening.
Remote access also lets you check on anyone at the house. Your kids may be old enough to be home alone, but that doesn’t mean you won’t worry about them. The same goes for any elderly loved ones who live with you. In just a few taps, you can check in to make sure everyone is safe and healthy.
Plus, remote capabilities make your life easier. With devices such as smart door locks and smart garage door openers, your home will be more secure. Even if you forget to lock the door or close the garage, you can jump on the app to fix the problem. You can also adjust your home’s temperature, lighting, and more to make your home more comfortable and cost-effective.
2. Your security cameras lack sound and/or two-way communication
Your security cameras will provide visual evidence of any robberies or vandalism. Sometimes, however, what the criminals say is just as important as what they do.
Without audio capabilities, you may miss crucial conversations and information. The burglars might mention names, why they chose your home, or how they got in. Audio recordings can help you piece together what the intruders are doing when they’re off-camera as well.
Even better than simple audio recording, most modern security cameras include a two-way communication feature. You can use the mobile app to speak to anyone near the camera, even when you’re out of town.
This capability has three top benefits. First, you can let lurkers know that they are being recorded. This reminder, as well as the realization that you’re aware of their presence, is often enough to scare would-be burglars away from your home. Once their cover is broken, they will likely leave to find an easier target.
Second, you can use your cameras to see why the person is at your home. If there’s a simple explanation, such as getting lost or needing to speak to you, you can clear it up quickly without having to be there in person.
Finally, you can use two-way communication to answer your door through a video doorbell camera. Whenever someone approaches the door, your camera will let you know. Whether you’re in the backyard or across town, you can handle visitors with ease.
3. You still use a wired home security system
Wireless systems aren’t just easier to use, they’re also much more secure than traditional wired home security systems.
When your system relies on cables to operate, these wires create an obvious vulnerability. All an intruder has to do is cut these wires to completely disable your security system.
Additionally, wired systems are harder to customize and expand. If your control panel still uses a telephone line, it may not be able to connect to your smart home devices. Your system will be limited by outdated technology, which also restricts your security options.
Replace your wired security system with wireless equipment to enjoy the best that modern home protection can offer.
4. You have grainy, low-resolution surveillance footage
Security cameras are used to record all of the suspicious activity and people in and around your home. If your cameras can only produce low-resolution, grainy video, however, you won’t be able to get the information you need from your footage.
Generally, you know when a crime has occurred around your home. That said, you need your security cameras to fill in the details, telling you who was there and what exactly they did. That means your cameras’ resolution should be sharp enough to show:
- The faces, clothes, and build of the burglars
- What they stole
- How they approached and broke into your home
- The license plate number on their vehicle
- Any other information that will help the police catch them
Security cameras aren’t cheap. If a burglar gets away with the crime because your video was unclear, you’ve wasted that investment. Enjoy the protection you’re paying for with a camera that provides crisp video quality.
5. Your hardware and software have never been updated
Software providers have to regularly update their products to fix bugs and guard against hackers. The longer your system goes without an update, the more problems it will have. Eventually, it might not even be able to stop a burglary when you need it to.
Hardware manufacturers also frequently improve their devices. These updates offer the latest technology and features, making your home more secure. Older models aren’t always compatible with new software and devices as well. Holding onto old equipment can cripple your security system.
If your system’s software and hardware have never been updated, you should reach out to your security provider as soon as possible. Ask about upgrading your equipment and software to the latest version. Make sure your security system is ready to protect you from any and all threats.
Get more home security tips from our blog.
