ADT Home Security Settlement
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
The Safest Neighborhoods in Detroit
Low-Crime Neighborhoods of Detroit SafeWise released its rankings of Michigan’s 20 Safest Cities of 2021. On the 2021 list, 9 of the 20 cities are considered suburbs of Detroit. They include: Gross Ile Township #3 Oakland Township #4 Huntington Woods #9 South Lyon #13 Addison Township #16 Highland Township #17 Rochester #18 Berkley #19 Brandon Township…
What Do Villages Require to Add a Security System?
What Is a Village? A village in the United States is defined as a small municipality with limited corporate powers. A village government usually consists of a village board made up of trustees and a village president. Village Building Codes Have Minimum Requirements Every village adopts its own building codes to establish minimum requirements for…
How Your Internet Speed Affects Your Security System
Internet speed is a precious commodity in today’s connected homes. Internet speed is responsible for how quickly or slowly data moves from the internet to the application on your computer. Things like your mobile phone, television, computer, gaming system, and even appliances use the internet. And your home security system probably does too. The average…
Is the Use of CCTV Cameras in the Workplace Illegal?
Know the Law Business owners are responsible for the security and well-being of their employees and company property. Many companies use technology such as cameras, motion detectors, and other tools to keep an eye on their building or cash areas. Many new businesses and employees may be wondering: Are CCTV cameras illegal in the workplace? Let’s…
Fire Safety for Kids
Setting up fire alarm systems and fire monitoring are fundamental elements in your home’s fire safety plan. However, that is only the beginning. Educating your children on fire prevention, fire safety, and how to manage an emergency are vital in keeping your family safe. According to the American Red Cross, not only are children under five…
Has Chicago’s CCTV System Helped Lower Crime Rates?
It’s been 19 years since the Chicago Police Department (CPD) kicked off its pilot of Police Observation Devices (PODs). Today, there’s a network of 50,000+ surveillance cameras in use all over the city. But Are They Working? This simple question has no simple answer. According to the Chicago Police Department, in some areas, narcotic related crimes…
Motion Detector Installation Basics
Motion detection devices are a crucial component of any security system, commercial or residential. They allow owners to cover a relatively large amount of space with a small number of devices. Motion detectors also are known to detect activity that window sensors might miss. When it comes time to install motion detection devices, remember these…
Analog vs. IP Cameras: Key Differences
When you are considering different security systems and potentially implementing surveillance cameras into your home or business, a big question is whether you want IP or analog cameras. Global Market Insights estimates that the IP camera market will be worth more than 20 billion by 2025. With today’s technology both IP and analog systems can be viewed…
What Are The Different Types of CCTV Cameras?
Your company’s security camera is part of a closed-circuit television system (CCTV). CCTV uses one or more cameras, through either wireless or wired transmission, to send the broadcast from the camera directly to a monitor, set of monitors, or a recording device—providing you peace of mind in the case of crime, fire, theft, or accidents…
3 Ways Security Contracts Help You
Are Contracts Required with All Security Companies? No. Not all security companies require a contract, but that doesn’t necessarily mean a no-contract company is a better option. There are pros and cons to contracts. The key is to know what you are paying for in a contract and details about the reputation of the company….