Advancements in technology have changed the way people interact with their homes. Smart home devices have made extended personalization, enabling people to create a tailored at-home environment, while simplifying tasks previously thought to be unimaginable.
As more people are making their homes smarter, many are choosing security as an indispensable feature. In one survey, around 77 percent of consumers who have embraced smart home technology have said that these devices have improved their quality of life.
Smart home security systems are a pragmatic feature that allows homeowners to prioritize specific functions, and align safety features with the immediate needs and preferences. In fact, 85 percent of consumers are believed to prioritize certain features based on their current needs, instead of working toward an ideal smart home.
There are plenty of smart home security systems available, and for homeowners, choosing the right smart system means investing in the long-term security of their family and nearby surroundings.
What Are Smart Home Security Systems?
Any homeowner or consumer looking to improve their home protection must understand the basic features of smart home security systems.
For starters, these systems can be individual devices, such as smart doorbells, video cameras, or window sensors. Secondly, newer digital systems can seamlessly integrate with various devices to create a more comprehensive network.
Smart home security systems can provide homeowners with real-time alerts, or have the ability to live stream footage via cameras and allow for more immediate response to any threats or suspicious activities.
These systems are not only used to protect and safeguard property. Newer technologies have made it possible to enhance a person’s lifestyle, creating more customizable features, and providing more automation for basic things around the house.
6 Must-Have Smart Home Security Upgrades
Here’s a breakdown of the seven top smart home security upgrades to invest in your next renovation project.
Live Video Surveillance
Home surveillance is perhaps one of the most popular security features in modern homes. Research shows that the majority of homeowners, around 68 percent, will install a home security camera at critical entry points in their home which includes the front door, back door, and any blind spots.
One important feature of home security cameras is live surveillance, allowing people to view live footage of their property, and inside their home. These camera systems can be connected via a mobile application, allowing people to have on-the-go access to video surveillance.
Door and Window Sensors
Alarm contact sensors have undergone an upgrade in recent years, with newer technologies allowing for better audio and mobile security notifications. Door and window sensors protect against intruders.
These devices have gotten smaller, and smarter. Some devices now come with video and voice recording, can be connected to the internet, and will seamlessly integrate with the rest of your home network systems. Door and window sensors help to protect entry points, and allow them to automatically trigger alarms during unauthorized access.
Remote Access Control
With remote access control, homeowners have the ability to monitor and control various security features of their home’s security system. For instance, homeowners can grant access to visitors by remotely unlocking doors, and opening security gates without having to be present on the property.
More than this, with remote access controls, homeowners can view live camera feeds, and initiate security protocols should they detect a threat or notice suspicious activity taking place on their property.
Cybersecurity Infrastructure
Having more digital devices increases cyber security vulnerabilities such as having a security system compromised or breached. Having sufficient cyber security infrastructure in place would allow us to counter any malicious threats, data breaches, or hacks.
A primary layer of protection would be to use antivirus firmware to minimize threats of digital viruses which can be released via a wifi network connection or opening suspicious links. Other system vulnerabilities may be protected through the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
For instance, using a USA VPN or any other location-specific private network connection could deter hackers from accessing sensitive information stored on a home security system.
Emergency Services Integration
Something new that many homeowners have started is to integrate emergency services into their home security system, which allows them to automatically contact emergency services in the event of a possible threat.
This integration is usually prevalent among older individuals who live by themselves. For instance, in the event of an injury, a slip or fall, emergency services can be automatically contacted via a mobile app, or through the house’s security system using voice controls.
Security Automation
Automation features enable homeowners to control their security system more effectively. These features will automatically detect when a security system is not activated and will activate it on behalf of the homeowner. Other things such as automatically detecting suspicious movement around the property, or detecting possible carbon monoxide leaks in the house. Security automation helps to improve the security features of a home, creating more convenient, safer, and efficient home security systems for residents.
Why Invest In Smart Home Security Upgrades?
The development of smart home technology security systems has enabled homeowners and residents to enjoy a safer, more relaxed environment that caters to their safety needs.
These systems have moved beyond the clunky robust security alarms many of us have been used to, and instead transformed into an intelligent ecosystem that enhances security capabilities, and automatically adjusts to adapt to the surrounding environment.
Investing in a tech-driven home security upgrade will provide you with:
Increased security deterrence: Having better security in place will help to minimize the potential threat of outside intruders, burglars, or unauthorized access to your property and home.
Digital controls: Home security systems can be fully integrated into an existing home system, for instance linking the thermostat with door and window sensors gives homeowners fuller, and more convenient control over every aspect of their home.
A digital home security system is more than an alarm and can provide added peace of mind to residents. These systems have become fully automated, allowing for remote digital control, and providing owners, residents, and visitors with more security controls.
