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When you think about your safety, myths and rumors appear like weeds in the garden. People believe a lot Incorrect security information They’ve been told for years and never questioned – but these days, that’s a big mistake. Believing these rumors not only puts your safety at risk, but also… It can also cost you money And peace of mind.
From how burglars break into homes to how renters protect their rentals, I’ve identified the biggest mistakes. I’ll also explain why these myths about home safety are so common Security systems Incorrect.
Myth: Home security systems are expensive
What is the benefit of A Home security system If the initial and ongoing costs outweigh the value of what was destroyed or stolen? It’s a fair argument, but home security may be less expensive than you think, especially if you’re gone DIY way.
While it’s true that the costs of a professional home security system can add up quickly, it’s not uncommon for home security companies to offer specials that can save you hundreds on equipment and installation costs. Depending on the provider and available promotions, it’s entirely possible to get a free platform with installation included (yes, you’ll have to sign a contract, but more on that in the next section).
On the other hand, you will have to buy all your own equipment to set up home security yourself. However, you can get everything you need to monitor your home inside and out, complete with cameras and motion sensors A few hundred dollars or less.
Professional monitoring isn’t available with all DIY devices, but if that’s an option with your camera or security system, expect an additional monthly fee of $10 to $25 for usually an unlimited number of devices. Fees are often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly.
A DVR can display home security views but not every system needs to be that complex.
Myth: You have to sign a contract or at least pay a subscription
Again, this originated from professional home security providers, and admittedly is still true in some cases. Most home security companies require a one- or two-year contract, especially if you opt for any promotions like free equipment or installation. However, a contract is not always required: some providers like it SimpliSafe And Xfinity doesn’t make you sign one.
And you don’t have to worry about knots at all with DIY setups, like systems from Arlo, bell Others are always contract-free. In the same way, Monthly subscriptions It’s not required, although you may want to add one for professional monitoring or more storage options. Subscriptions can cost up to $10 per month to cover an unlimited number of devices. For a single device like a camera, prices can go as low as $3.
If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, no problem. Cameras and motion detectors Other DIY home security devices It comes with an app that lets you do your own monitoring and options like local video storage that lets you skip the extra fees.
Myth: Home security systems are complicated
I completely understand this potential hesitation. When a home project involves wiring, it looks like a professional job.
However, when you choose a professionally installed home security system, someone else (a professional installer) will do the hard work for you. They will also guide you on how to use the system at setup time, and technical support along with online resources are available 24/7 for any issues you may encounter in the future.
As for DIY security devices, there shouldn’t be any wires involved outside of plugging them in and connecting them to your Wi-Fi network. Video doorbells are an exception, but I can say firsthand that installation is still fairly quick and straightforward. Smart locks are also a simple DIY project. Either way, the app will guide you through all stages of installation, setup, and use.
Home security systems can be incredibly affordable, especially during sales.
Myth: Thieves can cut lines to your home security system
This myth hasn’t been true for a very long time because home security systems no longer use landlines (and many people don’t use landlines anyway). From professionally installed complete systems to DIY packages, home security systems operate via wireless signals like your Wi-Fi network, as well as specialized signals like Zigbee, Thread, and backup cellular connections in case wireless connections don’t work.
The result is systems that thieves cannot “cut” or otherwise disable. Even if thieves gain access to a security keypad or hub inside a home, many are designed to alert owners about tampering and lock them automatically. With cloud video storage, thieves can’t automatically get rid of recorded video storage either.
Kangaroo security keyboard.
Myth: Thieves can use Wi-Fi jammers or other technology to disable my security system
It’s a sensationalist title and gives police departments an easy excuse to talk about community crimes, but such high-tech burglaries don’t really exist. Wi-Fi jammers are real, but thieves need to know the make and model of security system or at least have in-depth knowledge of sophisticated spyware. For this reason, one of the few confirmed cases of a successful home burglary was through jamming the Wi-Fi network of someone who already knew the homeowner and their home. Jamming security signals will not magically open doors or windows for thieves. You can read all about it here in our complete guide.
In that note, Concerns about smart home hacking are largely formed as well. Cybercriminals have a million other things they would rather do than try to hack home security devices, and today’s modern encryption technologies are very effective in stopping any efforts. This type of “hacking” is usually done by a security center employee or an old acquaintance who already has access to the smart home system.
The new exception to this rule is Rapid programs, or giving quick AI injections at home Which makes her obey malicious orders. However, security companies are working to make their AI system secure against spot bots, and again, following important safety practices can largely remove the risk.
Myth: I rent, so I can’t get home security technology
Your property and safety is important, regardless of whether you own it or rent it, and there are a lot of things Home security solutions for renters. These devices are often non-invasive (no holes in the wall, wires, or permanent mounts) and can come with all the home security features you need, including access to live camera feeds and recordings, push notifications, professional monitoring options, and emergency response assistance.
Even if you’re just renting a room, you can still find plenty of them Safety answers if you’re concerned about your roommate’s behavior.
Check with your leasing office or landlord before installing the system, and be sure to avoid any devices that might violate your neighbor’s privacy.
Myth: Home security systems are not effective
The Arlo series is unique in its doorbell compatibility.
This depends on what you mean by “effective”. If someone is determined to get into your home, even the best security system won’t stop them. He said that, if someone Looking Breaking into your home or Pass the package from your porchThe presence of a security system or surveillance camera is a good deterrent.
Study from North Carolina State University It found that about 83% of career criminals interviewed said they would try to find out if a home or business had a security alarm before attempting a burglary. Nearly 60% claimed they would search for an alternative target if an alarm was detected.
Even if the thief succeeds, your security services may capture photos, videos or audio that lead to their identification and arrest. At the very least, you can use the information to alert your neighbors and help prevent this from happening in the future. Don’t forget, this guide is very helpful when filing a homeowners insurance claim after a theft.
Keep in mind that many security guard companies and other security services will try to convince people that security systems are not very effective or can be easily jammed. This is not trueSo don’t mistake the marketing for actual home safety advice.
Myth: I don’t need home security because I have a big dog
dog It can act as a security deterrentbut they cannot replace any real home security, for several reasons that all pet owners should know about. First, it is difficult to train a dog to be ferocious only toward suspicious trespassers and not toward innocent strangers or family visitors. And if your dog attacks someone, even a thief, he has strong grounds to file a successful lawsuit. (We also don’t think it’s cool to raise dogs this way.)
Secondly, many thieves will attack when you and your dog are away for a walk or when you are on vacation and your dog is in the kennel, so pets will not be of much help in these cases.
Third, homeowners insurance tends to frown on some of the more popular guard dog breeds. If you get a Rottweiler, Doberman or similar breed to protect the home, your insurance company may deny theft claims or threaten to cancel your policy.
Myth: It’s illegal to record video in your home
The long-lasting Blink outdoor camera includes object detection and comes with floodlight versions.
Privacy laws apply to video recorded in your home, but only in certain cases. You cannot film or record any video Where people expect privacy. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms, etc. But your living room, kitchen, or patio are all fair game. Just keep the cameras pointed away from the neighbors and you’ll be fine.
Likewise, you don’t technically have to tell someone if you have a security camera posted in a more public area, but it’s still polite to let people (babysitters, roommates, etc.) know if you do.
Myth: Outdoor lights will keep all thieves away
The Aqara smart lock replacement sounds great.
Outdoor lights at night can scare off some intruders, especially if they are Motion activation includes the ability to recognize humansso they can send you an alert. But there’s a small problem: Most burglaries happen during the day when thieves don’t think anyone is home. Lights don’t help much in these cases.
Alternatively, an affordable or even home security system Just a smart lock Or a video camera can help a lot, no matter the time of day.
Myth: I live in a rural area, so I don’t need any extra security for my home
This assumption does not work because it varies a lot by region. While property crimes (which include burglary and vandalism, which should not be confused with violent victimization or other statistics) are considered… Generally on a downtrend everywhereThere is no guarantee that rural areas are free of property crimes compared to nearby urban or suburban areas.
In fact, property crime rates are higher in some rural areas than in cities. Even on average, property crime rates in rural areas are as well about 50% (PDF) To 75% of them are in urban areasso there is still a lot of risk. Remote locations may be more tempting for thieves trying to avoid the eyes of neighbors.
For more, read above Home security mistakes you can make. Learn how The pirates stood on the balcony, Reducing the risk of car break-ins and What you should keep in a safe place. For more tips on home security, see The 3 places you should never put a security cameraand How to use an old smartphone as a security camera.