Blog

ADT Home Security Settlement

February 14, 2019|fsstechnologies

ADT home security is facing a class-action lawsuit. The plaintiffs allege that ADT failed to disclose wireless sensors’ vulnerability to evasion and jamming.

Why should you care? Although this settlement is for ADT, this is a vulnerability all wireless security systems face.

Let’s talk about wireless technology for a second. All home Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to hacking. Companies developed several wireless protocols to protect home wireless networks (keep uninvited guests off your network, encrypt your data, etc.), but they are still hackable.

Encryption Protocols

The encryption protocols used to protect home wireless networks include WEP, WPA, and WPA2. You can do things to make it harder to hack these protocols, such as changing default Wi-Fi network names and setting complex passwords, but that still doesn’t mean they’re foolproof. Don’t believe us? Check out how easy it was in this article from TrendMicro.

Home Alarm Jammers

Another way that wireless home security systems can fail is home alarm jammers. It exists to block the radio signals that allow the sensors and keypad monitor on your home security system to communicate with one another. If the sensors can’t talk to the monitor, a burglar can open a window or door without triggering an alarm.

Monitoring Services

Finally, many wireless home security systems don’t include monitoring services in their costs. It makes the system less expensive, but it also means that your alarm will not notify the police and fire department in an emergency.

There are lots of advantages to wireless technology, don’t get us wrong. Wireless technology has made it possible for home security systems to be easier to install and use our cell phones to see who is at the front door. It’s impressive stuff, but don’t let slick commercials and ads for DIY home security lull you into a false sense of safety.

Explore Our Other Blogs

fire-rating-hero-min

What are Fire Ratings?

Any business owner would be devastated by a fire, and most turn to fire safety systems for preventative and protective solutions. Still, many are unaware that their building’s materials can directly influence how a fire impacts their building’s structure. In addition to investing in a comprehensive fire safety system, it is critical to consider the…

Continue reading
Livly-Hero

Livly: A Modern Residential Community Experience

The Livly property and tenant management system is one of the most cutting-edge and all-inclusive apartment app experiences available today. The system offers low-cost technology and fully integrated experiences that pair well with a variety of existing property management systems. As a proud partner with Livly, FSS Technologies offers this trusted technology solution for both…

Continue reading
monitored-security-system-Hero

Monitored vs. Unmonitored Security Systems

If you’re thinking about installing a security system, you may be wondering if monitoring is a necessary feature. While an unmonitored system is better than nothing at all, there are some critical things you should consider before making a decision. The Benefits of Monitoring The noise and commotion caused by the sirens and lights associated…

Continue reading
Hero-hydrant-min

Why Are Fire Hydrants Different Colors?

The eye-catching colors of a fire hydrant are hard to miss, whether you’re walking through a city or driving around a neighborhood. What many don’t realize, however, is that these colors are integral in helping emergency responders identify and assess their available resources when preparing to fight a fire. Fire hydrant colors are distinct to…

Continue reading
Hero-fire-preven-min

Fire Prevention, Protection, and Suppression Systems

Fire safety is a crucial matter that every business should prioritize. Whether it’s caused by arson or an accident, a fire can cause catastrophic damage to a company’s property, inventory, and equipment if the proper protection measures aren’t in place or there are operational issues. In more unfortunate cases, insufficient fire safety standards can put…

Continue reading
BusinessBurglary-Hero-min

Which Businesses are Burglarized Most?

The idea of business theft and burglary is not a pleasant one; however, the likelihood of your business being burglarized is rather high. In fact, approximately 37% of small business owners were impacted by burglary or theft over the past year. Retail businesses in particular are highly targeted as thieves are seeking the opportunity to either use or resell stolen items. Everything from simple shoplifting to employee theft can contribute to overall business…

Continue reading
HeroWireVsLess-min

Wired vs. Wireless Security Cameras

Wired or Wireless? When we talk about wired versus wireless in-home security, it has little to do with whether a piece of equipment has physical wires attached to it. The terms wired and wireless refer to the communication signal that is transmitted from one piece of security equipment to another. For a security system to…

Continue reading
how-cameras-work-at-night-hero-min

How Security Cameras Work at Night

Security Camera Night Vision Light is crucial for a camera to work. Without light, the camera can’t see anything, so how do security cameras work at night? Infrared radiation (IR), or infrared light, is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to human eyes. It is essentially energy, a heat, that all objects emanate….

Continue reading
2019-12_FSSTechnologies_blogs_alarm-com_hero-min

What Is Alarm.com?

How Does Alarm.com Work? Alarm.com is a cloud-based service that allows customers to manage their security alarms and home automation systems remotely. Alarm.com does not manufacture security components, like alarm panels and cameras. Instead, its cutting-edge software is integrated into hardware systems provided by highly regarded manufacturers. What sets Alarm.com apart? Alarm.com Products Alarm.com’s partnership…

Continue reading
2019-03_FSS-Technologies_Blog_apartment-building

How to Make Your First-Floor Apartment Safe

In business, getting in on the ground floor is great. You are part of a plan early on to gain an advantage. When it comes to apartment-dwelling, however, getting in on the ground floor is only an advantage in some respects. It’s easier for you and your pets to get in an out, it’s easier…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space