Home security requires more than just reliable equipment. You also have to make the right choices to keep your home protected.
In this guide, we’ll show you to strengthen your home’s security. You’ll learn the best ways to cover your vulnerabilities, as well as the things you should avoid.
With these tips, you can enjoy safety peace of mind.
Do arm your security system every time you leave
Failing to arm your security system leaves your home vulnerable to intruders. Even if you’re just going on a short walk or a quick errand, your absence creates an opportunity for a thief to take or damage your belongings.
Additionally, arming your security system should be a habit, like grabbing your wallet and keys. Skipping this step more often increases the chances that you’ll forget to arm it in the future.
Don’t leave windows and doors open for any reason
It’s tempting to leave doors and windows open to reduce power costs or enjoy the weather, but an open house is an invitation for trouble.
Keeping your windows and doors shut makes unwanted entry more difficult. Burglars want to get in and out quickly, so they’re more likely to target a home with open entry points. Plus, when your doors and windows are open, you can’t use your security sensors.
Keep all of your windows and doors fully closed and locked at all times. Never leave your garage door cracked for pets either, as this can attract thieves as well.
Do install cameras both inside and outside the home
Security cameras capture everything that happens at your home, even when you’re not there. You can easily view your live feeds at any time. If you get an alert that someone has entered your home or yard, you can immediately see who it is and talk to them through the camera.
Though indoor cameras aren’t as common, they are equally important. You can capture footage of any intruders that enter your home, using your camera to keep an eye on them until the police arrive.
Don’t neglect your home’s landscaping
Burglars use windows to spot valuables they want to steal, as well as to enter your home. Other criminals, such as “peeping Toms,” may use your windows to spy on your family.
Large, overgrown shrubs and bushes provide ideal hiding spots for these criminals. No one can see them from the street and you won’t notice them from inside.
Protect your home by keeping your landscaping maintained. Trim foliage short to make sure you can see anyone standing near the window. Consider planting short and prickly plants under the windows to keep anyone from lurking nearby.
Do hire housesitters when you’re away
An empty house is a prime target. When you have to leave, ask a trusted friend or family member to stay at the house. They can scare burglars away and report any suspicious activity. Just be sure to choose someone who is responsible and trustworthy.
For greater security, don’t give housesitters keys or permanent security codes. Instead, use a smart lock to provide a temporary access code that will only work during their stay.
Don’t announce your plans on social media
You never know who is looking at your posts online. Sharing information about upcoming trips or events tells thieves when your home will be empty and for how long. Even a post about going out to dinner or your dog being at the vet overnight can be enough to attract the wrong attention. Play it safe and keep your plans private.
Do strengthen your security with smart technology
There are many ways to use smart devices to fool burglars.
If you use smart lights, for example, you can create an automated schedule for when they turn on and off. The lights coming on in the evening can trick thieves into thinking that you’re home. To avoid the risk, they may look for another target.
A smart security camera with a sentry feature can scare lurkers away while you sleep. When someone enters the device’s activity zone, the movement will trigger lights and alarms. Your smart home will resolve the danger before you’re even fully awake.
At the same time, your smart home offers remote access to all of your devices. Whenever movement triggers your motion detectors, you can see what caused the alert. Your system will tell you when you’ve left a door with a smart lock open or unlocked so you can secure your home.
Explore any smart features your security system offers. You can use these customizable capabilities to create a safer and smarter home.
Don’t create vulnerabilities with weak login info
When smart devices or security systems are hacked, it’s almost always because the hacker had access to the user’s login info.
Some people reuse the same passwords for multiple accounts. If this data is leaked, thieves can access any service that’s protected by that password. They can also guess variations of the password.
Others will use simple passwords such as “password” or “1234” to guard their accounts. Or they might forget to update the factory password. Hackers can easily guess or find these passwords, using them to access and control your devices.
Protect your accounts with strong, unique passwords that you don’t use anywhere else.
Do use professional monitoring services
A professional monitoring team will respond to alerts when you can’t. If you’re in a meeting or on a plane, your provider will send the help you need. Without this service, you may not be able to react to threats. Strengthen your security and enjoy confidence in your safety with a professional monitoring plan.
Don’t ignore alerts
It’s crucial to treat each alert like a real threat. Even if you think it’s a false alarm, check your home to make sure. This habit ensures that you’ll react quickly when the danger is real. You’ll be able to protect your family and minimize the extent of the damage.
