When you’re away from home, it’s important to keep your property safe and secure. One of the best ways to do this is by installing a security camera. There are many types of cameras out there that can be used for this purpose, but we’ve compiled some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.
The home security tips from a master burglar is a blog post that offers some helpful advice for keeping your home safe while you are away.
Last month, I joined the summer travel rush. I remembered to pack my luggage, submit a scan of my vaccination card, and download my boarding ticket in the midst of it all. I didn’t remember to plug in the security camera that overlooks my studio flat before rushing out the door. Meet palm to face.
Smart security systems from companies like Ring, Nest, and Arlo make DIY at-home security simple and cheap, which is why they’ve become popular among tech-savvy families. According to Strategy Analytics, cameras are the second most popular smart-home gadget behind thermostats. Aside from providing security, cameras may assist you in keeping track of pet sitters, couriers, yard workers, and other visitors who may have a legitimate purpose to be at your home while you are away.
These gadgets can only assist you in monitoring your house if they are switched on and linked to the internet. You’re not an idiot, so you won’t do what I did and leave your camera unplugged. However, there are several additional factors to consider: Don’t be left in the dark because of a dead battery or a poor signal. Before your next vacation, double-check that your security cameras are working and that they are both digitally and physically secured. Here’s how to conduct an audit on your video surveillance system.
Check the strength of your Wi-Fi signal. Many gadgets include options that allow you to evaluate this. Ring customers may check their internet speeds and signal quality on the Device Health page. Connectivity may be hampered by large metal or structural items, such as a television or a water tank. Try relocating your router to a more open, central position, or closer to the device. If you have numerous devices spread around your house, consider setting up a mesh Wi-Fi network, which provides wireless internet throughout your home and may enhance indoor and outdoor connection.
Make a safe and one-of-a-kind password. “Credential-stuffing attacks” often target these services, according to Craig Young, senior security researcher at Tripwire, a cybersecurity company. “An attacker will guess logins for other sites using usernames and passwords obtained in previous breaches.” Hackers may see and listen in on live video streams in your house using your login, so use a strong password and activate multifactor authentication.
A decent password manager can assist you in creating lengthy, unique passwords, remembering them, and auto-filling those credentials for you, making the login procedure for all of your online accounts much easier.
Firmware should be updated on the camera. Companies provide security updates on a regular basis to assist avoid hijackings. Check the app on your smartphone to check whether it has the most recent update.
Also, safeguard your Wi-Fi network. Is the password to your home Wi-Fi strong and difficult to guess? If it doesn’t, make a modification. Also, ensure sure the encryption is set to WPA2 or WPA3. Snoopers will be unable to get access to the home network that powers your security equipment as a result of this. This option is usually found in your router’s app. (If your router doesn’t have an app, you may still access it by entering in the web URL, although this may indicate that your Wi-Fi network needs to be updated.)
Consider establishing a guest network, which is a pretty common option on modern routers, if you frequently provide your Wi-Fi password to guests. This allows you to share your Wi-Fi without allowing others access to your network’s gadgets.
Enable end-to-end video encryption. For video and audio recordings, Ring just implemented complete end-to-end encryption. This means that the videos can only be seen on mobile devices that have the functionality switched on; they can’t be scanned by Ring or its parent firm, Amazon. Go to Control Center in the Ring app, then choose Video Encryption, Advanced Settings, and Video End-to-End Encryption. For the encrypted videos, you’ll need to establish a password. If you forget your password, there’s no way to retrieve it, so store it in a password manager or somewhere else secure.
Other brands provide various levels of security.
Person, vehicle, and animal detection are all included in Arlo Smart, the brand’s camera subscription service.
Arlo (photo)
Charge batteries and use power backups as necessary. Some gadgets run on batteries, while others need to be plugged in. Before leaving town, make sure your batteries are completely charged. Consider backup alternatives, like as this Arlo weather-resistant solar-panel charger, if you’re concerned about battery depletion.
Also, keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries, such as those used in certain Ring doorbells, drain more quickly in cold temperatures.
Your internet router, unlike battery-powered gadgets, is not shielded against power outages. Ring’s Alarm system, which costs $10 a month and includes expert monitoring, has a backup cellular system in case the power goes out. You may also buy low-cost battery backup devices, such as Schneider Electric’s APC Back-UPS box, to protect your modem and router against power spikes and outages.
Turn on the motion detection feature. Most smartphones have this function, and some can tell the difference between a human and other moving objects, so you don’t get inundated with alerts. Check to see if the device’s manufacturer has any particular suggestions for motion capture. For example, Arlo cameras are better at detecting movement from side to side than movement toward the camera, so you’ll want to place the device appropriately.
Examine your illumination. Despite the fact that many cameras feature night vision, total darkness may result in poor sight. Overexposure may sometimes make faces appear washed out. Changing the camera’s angle may assist with this.
Motion-activated LED floodlights, a 1080p video camera, and a 105-decibel siren are all included in Ring’s Floodlight Cam Wired Plus ($180).
Ring (photo)
Lights may be used as a deterrent as well. Floodlight cameras from Ring and Arlo can flood an area with brilliant LED lights (and even emit a siren to scare off would-be burglars). Ring users may also connect their gadgets. When one camera detects activity, it may switch on a floodlight and walkway lights, as well as start recording other cameras.
Sound detection on smart speakers should be enabled. Nest cameras, as well as Google speakers like the Google Home, Home Mini, and Nest Hub, can detect the sound of smoke alarms or glass shattering with a Nest Aware subscription ($6 per month).
Nest cameras and speakers may alert you if they detect a person, the sound of shattering glass, or a delivered item if you have a Nest Aware subscription.
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Glass shattering and smoke and carbon-monoxide warning noises are also detected by Alexa Guard, which is free to use with Echo speakers. It can also switch smart lights on and off for you while you’re gone. Guard Plus ($5 per month, but also included with a $10 per month Ring Protect Plus subscription) is a premium version that can listen for human activity like footsteps or conversation and play a siren—or the sound of a dog barking—when it detects an intruder. On your behalf, an emergency hotline operator may contact the police, fire department, or ambulance.
Mount somewhat higher than arm’s reach, but not too far. Place your camera near entryways (front door, back door, garage, basement stairwell, etc.). Keep a conspicuous security camera in plain sight to discourage prospective attackers. Leave the status light on if the gadget has one.
Outdoor cameras should be positioned approximately 9 feet above the ground, according to Ring, while Arlo advises placing its devices at least 7 feet high and within 15 feet of anticipated activity. Devices should be placed at a height where they can’t be readily tampered with, yet near enough to view people’s faces clearly.
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The ring home security cameras is a helpful article that provides tips for how to keep your home safe while you are away.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I secure my home camera?
There are a few ways to secure your home camera. You can use a password, you can use an app like Nest Secure, or you can buy a smart lock from Amazon that will automatically lock when the door is closed.
How do you stop window glare on security cameras?
A black or dark tinted window would be the best solution.
How do you keep outdoor security cameras from being stolen?
There are many ways to prevent outdoor security cameras from being stolen. The most common way is to make them hard to see, which can be done by using a dark color or hiding them in bushes or trees. Another option is to cover the camera with something that will not allow it to be seen, like a tarp or blanket.
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