Smart Technology to Secure Your Home
Advances in technology mean that it’s never been easier or more affordable to secure your home.
The devices remain pretty much the same but now alarms, locks, sensors and cameras are connected by Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. They can be monitored and controlled remotely by apps and any data like audio or video can be stored in the cloud to be viewed later. And now with the internet of things, they can all be controlled from an automated hub like Amazon Echo, Google Home or Hive. With a little DIY know-how, you can protect your home and not break the bank doing it. Here's how...
Cameras
Camera technology has advanced at an unbridled pace since the introduction of the smartphone and that affordable tech can be found in the home security camera. Even some of the most basic camera kits come with High-Definition and night-vision capability and can record onto a hard drive or to the cloud via Wi-Fi. And with an app, you can even check in on your home when you’re lying on a beach in the Costas.
Cameras can be mounted externally, internally and even on out buildings. However, there's one obvious weakness to a Wi-Fi only set-up and that's your Wi-Fi itself. If the Wi-Fi goes down and the modem isn't rebooted, your cameras won’t have anywhere to send their video. Hard-wiring your cameras into a hard-drive is an obvious solution, but would almost certainly require a professional to install the system.
Video Doorbells and Smart Locks
Once the preserve of the very wealthy, video doorbells are becoming more and more commonplace as they become more affordable. With Wi-Fi and an app, you can now see who's calling at your front door without having to leave the comfort of your armchair. Indeed, you can instruct delivery drivers to leave parcels at your door while you're in work through the face-time function on the app. They come with HD, night vision and recording also.
Some video doorbells connect to a smart lock that allows you to remotely open the lock so a child or workman can enter your house while you're not at home.
Smart locks not connected to a video doorbell use a variety of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth that connect with your phone to lock and unlock, but you can also choose from a wide range of touchscreen and fingerprint locks.
Window and Door Sensors
A smart window or door sensor will send a notification to your phone when the window or door is opened. They also come with alarms and can be programmed to suit your needs and some even come with tiny cameras.
Smart Lights
Smart lights are a great way of making it look like your home is occupied when you’re not there. You can switch on and off lights to make it look people are entering and leaving rooms. If you have cameras and monitor something suspicious outside your home, or even if you just hear something, you can switch on your external lights from your phone to discourage any threats.
Automated Hubs
You can connect all your security devices to an automated hub like Amazon. Google or Apple, but remember to match the right device with the right hub. They don’t all speak the same language, so if you have Alexa, get smart devices that pair well with Amazon Echo.
One of the advantages of using a hub is that you can monitor your security in real-time on your smart TV, phone. tablet or laptop. If you’re lying in bed and you’ve been alerted to something inside or outside your home, you can set off the alarm, turn on the lights and call the police without having to go downstairs and possibly confront someone.
Evaluate Your Security With an Expert
While self-installed home security has never been more accessible or affordable, you'll still need to get your system evaluated for vulnerabilities by a home security expert. Wi-Fi technologies are vulnerable to cyberattacks and your cameras, sensors and even lights can provide a back door to hackers seeking to gain access to your laptop, tablet and phone. A professional will quickly be able to advise on your system’s flaws.
Professional Installation
If, like the vast majority of people, you're not DIY minded or tech savvy, it would be best practice to get your security expertly installed. There are many solutions to home security and you don’t have to tie yourself down to a monthly subscription service with a big supplier. Shop around and speak to a few professionals before opting for the service that best suits your needs and pockets.
Home Insurance with Liberty
Using technology to secure your home is sure to provide peace of mind, but so too is having great Home insurance. At Liberty, we offer both Buildings and Contents cover as well as a range of great benefits, such as Emergency Home Repair and Loss of Rent or Cost Alternative Accommodation. You can also get up to five weeks of free* Home insurance when you quote and buy online.