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

HeroPlainSight

How to Hide a Camera in Plain Sight

Hidden Security Cameras When it comes to security cameras, you can choose whether you want them installed in visible locations or have them hidden within your building. There are two different perspectives with this topic. Keep them in plain sight to deter crimes from occurring. Thieves are less likely to target your home or business if they…

Continue reading
Hero-FireAlarmPanelsWork-min

How Do Fire Alarm Control Panels Work

A fire alarm control panel is the brain of any commercial fire system. It constantly monitors connected devices, processes signals, and activates alarms when necessary. Understanding how a control panel works can help business owners, facility managers, and safety professionals recognize just how vital this piece of equipment is in protecting people and property. What…

Continue reading
fire-alarm-pull-stations-hero-min

Where Should Fire Alarm Pull Stations Be Located?

While they generally go unnoticed until a moment of need, fire alarm pull stations are an integral part of a business or large residential building’s commercial fire system. What is a fire alarm pull station? As opposed to a smoke detector or sensor, human intervention activates a manual pull station and is the catalyst for setting…

Continue reading
tips-to-prevent-hackers-hero-min

Tips to Prevent Your Security System from Being Hacked

The Risky Business of Ring’s Vulnerable Security and other DIY security systems can leave your home as a potential target for hackers or thieves. When you are investing in a security system, you are hoping for peace of mind, and you are trusting this technology with your safety and property. Have I Been Hacked? A hacker may…

Continue reading
workplace-fire-procedures-hero-min

Fire Safety Procedures for the Workplace

The bad news—a fire breaks out in your workplace. The good news—you are ready because you have done your homework and prepared for the possibility of an emergency. Emergency Action Plan The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires most employers to have an emergency action plan for various scenarios, including fires in the workplace. There are…

Continue reading
Hero-Detroit-min

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…

Continue reading
Hero-ADT-Settlement-min

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…

Continue reading
2020-01_FSSTechnologies_blogs_training_hero-min

What Kind of Certifications Make Our Team Security Experts?

At FSS Technologies, we pride ourselves on the fact that we are not your typical fire safety or security company. When people call us, they don’t want a one-size-fits-all solution — they want our experts to design a system that perfectly fits their needs. We take “First in Security, First in Satisfaction” seriously to ensure every…

Continue reading
inside-the-mind-of-a-burglar_hero

Inside the Mind of a Burglar

What Message Are You Sending? Whether you know it or not, your business could send a message to potential burglars about how easy or difficult it is to break in. Professional thieves can quickly assess a property, also known as “casing,” to determine if it could be an easy and lucrative target. Unfortunately, many employees…

Continue reading
need-to-know-sign-contract-hero

Ins and Outs of Contract vs No Contract Security Systems

Many people see signing a long-term contract with a reputable alarm company as a stressful experience. In truth, contracts are in place to benefit both the alarm company and the homeowner. Developing a relationship and signing a long-term commitment to a security company allows you to get to know a team and benefit from the peace of mind that…

Continue reading
24h emergency
Secure My Space