Over the last few years, new smart technology and home automation have transformed home security as we know it. From 24/7 monitoring via your mobile phone to wireless security cameras and smart home device integration, traditional home alarm systems are slowly but surely being replaced by bigger and better technology. Protect your home from both online and offline criminals with the latest trends in home security. Here are four you should look out for this year.
Wireless Security Systems
Long gone are the days a home security system meant installing a simple alarm system with motion sensors in and around your home (doorways, windows, etc.) With the rise of wireless home security, such as those offered by Verisure Smart Alarms, even high-tech wired security systems are making an exit. Instead, Wi-Fi security cameras are making their debut with their convenient and easy-to-use features. There are three types of technologies: Wi-Fi Cameras, Wireless Security Cameras, and Wire-Free Security Systems.
Wi-Fi cameras are standalone cameras that connect to your Wi-Fi network and record to a microSD card. Wi-Fi security cameras are placed anywhere inside and outside of your home anywhere within reach of an electrical outlet, providing you easy and convenient protection all around. Bear in mind, some models of cameras don’t work outdoors.
Wireless security cameras connect to a DVR system with no wires between the camera and DVR. But just as Wi-Fi cameras need to be near a power socket, the cameras still need to be plugged into an outlet.
By contrast, Wire-Free Security Systems feature battery-operated cameras that start to record on motion. As the name suggests, they are completely wire-free, and include a specific DVR.
Each type of wireless security camera system allows you to monitor your home whether you’re there or away, giving you the ability to be on the lookout for suspicious activity outside of your home or simply have an extra pair of eyes to see what’s going on under your own roof.
Integrative Smart Home Devices
One of the most popular trends in home security is using smart home devices with your home security system. It provides an added layer of protection and convenience. Most home security systems integrate into your smart home devices, or have their own smart home system, like the Aqara Camera Hub G2H. Then, they are controlled via a mobile app or smart home assistants like Amazon Alexa or Google Home. For example:
Smart door locks
These are locks provide keyless door entries that require a passcode or unlock from an authorized mobile device.
Smart lighting
Installing smart lighting in and around your home allows you to turn your lights on or off at any time. This could help deter any criminal activity and make it seem as though someone is home, even if you’re not.
Smart environmental monitoring devices
Smart environmental monitoring devices such as carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, and flood sensors alert you of dangerous conditions immediately; saving you time and helping protect your home and family.
Protecting Your Data
Along with protecting your physical property, protecting your data is a crucial part of your home security, too. Criminals aren’t just breaking into homes anymore, they’re hacking into your personal information — which can be just as or even more detrimental. A good rule of thumb is to make sure your home computers and mobile devices are password protected at all times. Using a password manager is a great way to use more secure passwords without having to memorize or write your passwords elsewhere.
Recent research predicts that by 2022, approximately 63 million American households will qualify as “smart” homes. When the time comes, will your home be armed with the protection it needs? Keep a lookout for these and new home security trends to help protect you and your family.