Our homes are much more than a roof over our heads – it’s a place that should make us feel safe and protected, and rightly so.
should not only protect you, your family and belongings, but it should also give you peace of mind. Throw in a security system with smart features and you can take safety to a whole other level. Smart home security can do anything from deter unwelcome intruders to allow you to monitor your home from anywhere.
With so many smart security systems on the market, it can be tricky to determine which is the best for you. A little guidance goes a long way – so in this article we’ll take you through everything there is to know about smart home security systems. Once you have all the information at hand, you’ll be able to make an informed decision towards making your home a safer and more comfortable place.
Smart home security comprises of a set of devices which are connected via the internet to enhance the safety of you, your family and home. For example, these could include a mixture of:
Smart home security devices work by being paired with a smartphone app, where you can manage and control the entire security system. This can be in the form of receiving alerts, viewing photos/video footage taken by a security camera and, in some instances, you can control other aspects of your home e.g. lighting, heating and blinds. Best of all – all this management can be done remotely, regardless of whether you’re at home or on holiday.
As you welcome a set of devices into your home controlled by the internet, whilst you’re making home more secure, at the same time, you also increase the risk of becoming a target for hackers. These individuals can steal and abuse your personal information and banking details. Plus, some can even take control of devices such as smart cameras or microphones, in order to spy on you. Therefore, if you’re investing in a smart home security system, you need to also invest some time into securing it from the bad guys. Below is a list of ways you can do this:
Your Wi-Fi router is essentially the door to your smart home. Therefore, you wouldn’t want it to break if a cybercriminal managed to kick it down. So, establishing a more protected smart home begins with your router, as it’s the central point which links all your internet connected security devices together.
Your router’s default name will usually be its make and model. Therefore, it’s important that you don’t leave the name as it is. If someone was to find out the make and model, they could look up the default login and password, gaining easy access to your smart home network. This why we recommend changing it to an uncommon name that’s unrelated to your personal details. Get creative here with the name to keep those troublesome hackers away!
Similar to the process with the router name, set the router’s password to something that’s genuinely unique. You can use complex passwords made up of letters, numbers and symbols to do this. Think about using a random password generator so that you can create a near enough unidentifiable password.
Go for the highest level of encryption which as it stands is currently WPA2. If your router only supports WPA or WEP protocols – it may be time for an upgrade.
Fortunately, most modern routers have the option of setting up a guest (or secondary) network. By creating a separate network dedicated to your smart home security devices, you can keep your main network safe and sound against cyber threats. This means your local smart home network will only be accessible by you and those you give the login details to. Even if hackers do manage to break through, they won’t be able get access to more important devices like your smartphone or laptop.
The more security, the better right? Multi-factor authentication uses a one-time code sent to your smartphone for an added layer of protection, to keep hackers out of your accounts. If your smart-device apps offer this feature – utilise it!
Keep intruders away through a connected, simple and intuitive security solution – welcome Somfy Protect – the mobile app that controls your smart home security devices with just one tap. Just connect your smartphone to your security gadgets so that you can keep a close eye on your home.
With the app you can do the following:
If you’re considering a smart home security system, you’re in luck as there’s plenty to choose from! Ramp up the security inside your home – and outside – with these smart security solutions:
If the thought of installing surveillance equipment all over your home fills you with fear, a smart alarm system may be the answer to your prayers. Smart home alarms are much more than just an intelligent adaptation of a traditional burglar alarm.
These nifty gadgets normally use wireless sirens, sensors, keypads and cameras to take your home security system to another level. Like a typical alarm it will produce a loud noise that will trigger when the sensors are activated. Conventional burglar alarms are armed and disarmed through a control panel that’s normally in your hallway. However, your smart alarm is controlled via an app on your smartphone. This means you’ll also be able to adjust settings from wherever you are, and receive sensor trigger warnings straight to your pocket – convenient right?
Invite the Somfy Home Alarm into your life – the only plug and play alarm system that chases away burglars before they can even get in. If you opt for the full set, you can protect your whole house without having to install lots of obvious sensors on walls. Its IntelliTAG window/door sensors (x3) safeguards your main entrances and exits. Don’t worry though, even if someone does manage to break in, they’ll instantly be detected by the individual motion sensors. Plus, the two key fob badges that come with this kit ensure that you and one other household member can easily activate or deactivate the alarm.
The benefits of this system are endless:
The last thing a criminal wants is to be caught on camera. Therefore, indoor smart cameras are an ideal deterrent. With smart technology it has never been easier to set up and enhance your own home security.
Smart cameras take the traditional security camera concept and turn it up a notch. Using a Wi-Fi connection, the cameras can be viewed and controlled remotely using a smartphone app. As soon as motion is detected, you’ll get a notification through to your device.
The Somfy Indoor Camera will make sure nothing escapes your eye, plus you can install it in under 10 minutes – what more could you want? This plug and play indoor camera records everything and sends a notification to your smartphone if it detects anything suspicious.
Unique features you can enjoy with this product include:
As well having alarms inside your home, why not take it up a notch and install them outside too? Having outdoor sirens will help stop burglars from even getting inside your home. Rehabilitated offenders have expressed that they would actively avoid homes they’re aware have alarm systems outdoors. Compatible with the Somfy Home Alarm, the Somfy Protect Outdoor Siren is designed to deter burglars with its built-in orange flash. Plus, it can be used on any surface outdoors (IP 43). Offering complete control, you can arm and disarm from the Somfy Protect app on your smartphone – it’s really that simple to keep burglars away!
Smart motion sensors can give you that extra peace of mind. Fitted either inside or outside of your home, they’re designed to trigger an alert when they detect movement. Motion sensors are an effective way of monitoring a large area, catching intruders before they can even attempt to break in. Sounds good?
Well, then don’t hesitate to install the Somfy IntelliTAG anti-intrusion sensor in your home. This clever system can tell the difference between normal events like a knock at the door or a ball bouncing, and potential threats such as drilling or hammering – so no more false alarms. Within nanoseconds of a break-in attempt, IntelliTAG triggers the siren and sends an alert to your smartphone. The intruders certainly won’t get away with it this time!
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Smart home security systems play a vital role when it comes to protecting your home. Most can be expanded to cover all your security needs, as well as work together with other forms of home automation such as lighting, heating and blinds.
Smart security systems are a worthwhile investment as it guarantees safe and comfortable living from wherever you are. Go further with Somfy and explore all our security solutions, from cameras to alarms, to find the perfect one for you and your needs.
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