Bank-level encryption is the term that financial institutions use when referring to their security measures that are used to help protect you and your assets. This term gets thrown around a lot in the online and financial world, but how safe is bank-level security?
In today’s world we all have to be hyper-aware of protecting our financial security online. There is no shortage of hackers, ID thieves and malware out there that are trying to gain access to secure information. We hear about major security breaches what seems like all the time on the news.
This is the age of convenience and this includes online transactions. Unfortunately, utilizing online transactions comes with a risk. Hackers are constantly after your social security number, credit card numbers, banking information, and log-in credentials.
Most expense tracking providers have made it their priority to keep their clients safe from identity breaches and some even use the term bank-level security or encryption to convey how serious their security level is.
What Banks Actually Use for Security
Banks work tirelessly to make sure the security of their clients is not compromised. A security breach can mean detrimental consequences for a banking institution and is avoided at all costs by implementing an advanced security protocol that goes beyond username/password and security questions.
Financial institutions employ firewall software as a first line of defense against cyber attackers. The software is constantly being updated to keep ahead of the hackers and viruses that are also always improving and enhancing.
Additionally, financial institutions implement a level of encryption over all of your digital files and transactions. What does this mean? Basically, everything gets encoded in a way that prevents cyber hackers from easily accessing your information.
The standard bank-level encryption is 256-bit AES, or advanced encryption standard. Most professional-grade security systems — including those we sell — use a similar encryption standard to protect your data from being intercepted by third parties.
What does 256-bit Encryption Mean?
256-bit refers to the exponent that represents the incredibly vast possible encryption combinations that your financial institution data has been coded with. This means that there is an indescribable number of possible encryption combinations that a hacker would need to go through in order to crack the code.
There is also the 128-bit encryption level that many companies, besides financial institutions, use to encrypt their secure data. Although this number is half the size of 256-bit, it is still incredibly large and safe when it comes to protecting data.
Let’s put it this way, the 128-bit encryption represents about 340 undecillion. Which is 34 followed by 36 zeros. To say this is a huge number would be an understatement. Even a company who is not using bank-level security, but is using 128-bit encryption, is still proving high quality security that is virtually impossible to breach.
While many companies use only 128-bit encryption, the main benefit to switching to 256-bit is for marketing reasons. Think about it, if you are looking to choose between two expense tracking companies and one boasts 256-bit encryption and the other is only 128-bit, you are probably more likely to choose the one with the big number.
Why Data Encryption is Essential for True Security
In a world where cyber attacks and security breaches are a part of the everyday news, it is more important than ever that security be implemented to prevent such occurrences.
Banks and other financial institutions use bank-level security as an industry standard for protecting themselves and their clients from serious identity and financial threats.
While there are no guarantees, and with hackers working overtime to develop software to beat the system, you can still feel safe in the knowledge that your financial institution employs the highest level of security possible to keep your information secure.
How Security Systems use Bank-Level Encryption
Like banks, we protect your assets. Your safety is our top priority. Due to the latest home security systems integrating with smart home apps and your smartphone, it is more important than ever to keep your personal data under lock and key. A vulnerable alarm system provides a false sense of security, and could potentially have serious consequences.
The Qolsys IQ Panel 2protects your wireless home security system using 128-bit encryption, while Alarm.com cameras use 256-bit encryption. Even with just 128-bit encryption, it would take the world population 77,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 years to crack the encryption key by testing every possible combination.
The more secure your data is, the more secure your home is. To learn about more ways you can secure your home, download the Ultimate Guide to Home Security.
Mold is a type of fungi found both indoors and outdoors. Mold is not a welcome sight for homeowners: It produces nasty smells, and some varieties of mold can even cause health problems. Black mold is one such variety.
You have probably come across black mold (also known by its biological name Stachybotrys chartarum) in an old house, or maybe even in your own home.
Black mold is a type of fungus, and although it appears to be black at a distance, it can appear dark green upon closer examination. It is those black marks you see on walls, particularly low down near the skirting.
Room walls are an excellent breeding ground for black mold as it loves surfaces that contain cellulose, such as plasterboard, chipboard, or paper. Mold grows in damp, warm conditions. That is why mold is more common in shower rooms, bathrooms, and laundry rooms.
On its own, black mold is not dangerous, but it can release harmful toxins into the environment, affecting air quality and causing health problems for people who inhale those toxins.
That’s why it is important to make sure your home isn’t a breeding ground for black mold. Here’s how to identify black mold in your home, remove it, and prevent it from growing in the first place.
Identifying Black Mold in Your Home
One way of identifying black mold is from its color. Other molds you might observe are usually different colors, but black mold is distinctively black. Black mold grows slowly and only takes on its distinctive black color when it is fully grown. It can sometimes be mistaken for dirt or dust due to its color.
Another big giveaway of black mold growth is the smell: It has a distinctive musty odor, even if you can’t see it.
How to Test for Black Mold
There are now a plethora of mold test kits on the market to help you determine if you have black mold.
With some kits, you can get a result within minutes. With other test kits, you send the results away for analysis by qualified labs, which is likely to get more accurate results.
In general, home testing kits are not reliable enough to make any conclusions. We recommend that you get in touch with experts to determine if you have black mold present in your home, especially if you or other people in your home are experiencing any symptoms or health effects that may be caused by mold.
Symptoms and Health Effects from Black Mold
Mold exposure affects people differently. One person living in a home with black mold may have reactions, while another person living in the same space may experience no physical effects.
Some people have genetic predispositions or immune system responses that make them more sensitive to mold than others. Age and general health can also be factors: The elderly and young children are most affected by exposure to black mold.
The symptoms of exposure to black mold range from fatigue, headaches or migraines, mood swings, tremors, eye irritation, sneezing, and coughing. One of the problems identifying a reaction to black mold is that the symptoms are also common in other respiratory disorders.
If mold exposure or a mold allergy is suspected, a doctor may order allergy tests. An allergy test might involve dropping liquid containing the mold onto the skin and monitoring the reaction.
Preventing and Removing Black Mold
Black mold needs four things to develop and grow:
Oxygen
A water source
A food source
Optimal growing conditions
With these four factors in mind, there are certain areas in the home where black mold is more likely to accumulate.
Where to Look for Black Mold
Any drywall areas might be a breeding ground for black mold, as well as areas that are wooden and cellulose-rich. Look closely, because the mold might be growing behind the wall.
The basement is probably naturally damper than other areas of your home, making it an excellent breeding ground for mold. Look around water pipes if you have any, as they tend to sweat in a humid environment. If you have a washer or dryer in the basement, check the inlet and outlet pipes for both.
Another common place for black mold growth is in the shower room or bathroom. Avoid using any carpet in a bathroom, as that would be a perfect home for mold infestation. Bath mats outside the shower or around the toilet should be washed regularly for this reason.
Check the shower stall, at the bottom of shower curtains, and in the crevices in built-in shower screens because moisture can collect behind them.
Finally, another area of the home susceptible to mold growth is in the attic. Look for any moisture collecting in the attic space and signs of frost that indicates water collection.
Black Mold Removal
If you find black mold, you can usually clean it with water and bleach. Keep in mind that bleach will kill surface mold, but it will not get a mold that has penetrated wood. After the bleach and water has dried, apply a fungicidal product.
If your mold infestation is greater than 10 meters in length or height, you should call a professional mold inspector. For mold infestations this extensive, it takes professional expertise to determine the proper course of action.
How to Prevent Black Mold
You can take several steps in your home to prevent black mold.
Keep humidity levels in your home as low as possible. Use an air conditioner or humidifier to control humidity.
Ensure your home has enough ventilation. Make sure your clothes dryer vents outside the building.
Fix any leaks in your roof or leaking pipes so mold does not have the moisture to grow.
Clean bathroom and showers regularly with mold-killing products.
Remove or replace carpets that have been soaked and can’t dry properly.
Don’t use carpets in rooms exposed to water and moisture, like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or damp basements.
While most homes on the market today come equipped with fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors, most homeowners usually forget to test these crucial safety systems to make sure they work.
According to the NFPA, nearly three out of five deaths from home fires come from homes with non-existent or defective fire alarm systems.
Additionally, in 2015, the CDC reported that 393 people in the United States died from carbon monoxide poisoning, with thousands sent to emergency rooms across the country.
What’s shocking about these statistics is that proper maintenance and understanding of these alarm systems could have prevented some of these tragedies. The death rate in home fires is cut by more than half in homes equipped with functional smoke detectors.
The numbers are similar in carbon monoxide-related studies. In a study done in New York City, the NCBI reported a stunning 50% drop in carbon monoxide poisoning cases after New York City enacted a carbon monoxide law requiring CO alarms in dwellings.
The first type is Ionization-type smoke detectors. These smoke detectors work by having two plates that each produce either negative or positive ions.
These ions then traverse between the two plates, and this creates a complete circuit. When smoke enters the detector, the path between the two plates become blocked, which is what causes the alarm to trigger.
Photoelectric
When smoke enters the detector, the laser, which usually travels in a straight line, becomes disoriented and scatters around the gadget. When this fractured laser hits one of the many light sensors inside of the system, the alarm then triggers.
Which type of smoke detector should I get?
Each type of smoke detector has its advantages. Ionization-type detectors are better at detecting flaming fires, which are fires that produce a lot of flames and less smoke.
Examples of flaming fires are cooking accidents, fires from candles, flammable liquids and burning wood or paper.
Photoelectric-type detectors are better at detecting smoldering flames, which are flames that build up over time. These usually come from unattended flammable materials that slowly burn up, such as charcoal and cigarettes.
You will want to put the right type of smoke detector accordingly. In places such as the kitchen, you should probably opt for ionization-type alarms. Areas near the woods, or places where you cook grilled food, might better benefit from photoelectric-type alarms.
Additionally, some alarms come with both types of detection. While they may cost more, you can be sure that those alarms can protect you and your home from both flaming and smoldering fires.
How to Test Your Smoke Detector and How to Maintain It
Testing your smoke detector should become a part of your housekeeping routine and according to FEMA, should be done at least once a month.
While the specific way to test your detector depends on the manufacturer of your smoke detector, most detectors have an easily accessible test button on the face of the device. Once you press this button, wait a few seconds, and then a loud and piercing sound should emit from the device.
If you do not hear the device or if the sound is not loud enough, consider replacing the battery and test the device again. If the alarm doesn’t sound off even after you’ve replaced the battery, the device itself is probably faulty. Replace the detector as soon as possible.
Additionally, here are some guidelines you should follow while testing your smoke detectors:
Remember to test your smoke detectors monthly as suggested by FEMA. In many cases, this is as simple as just pushing a button.
Besides testing the device, clean out your smoke detector as well. Dust, spider webs and other debris may hinder your smoke detector from operating at its maximum capability.
You should also replace the batteries at least once a year. Some systems, however, come with a “long-life” battery. These are usually not replaceable, and you may have to replace the smoke detector when the “long-life” battery runs out.
Figure out if your smoke detector is a stand-alone or is an interconnected model. A stand-alone model will only trigger itself when it detects smoke, while an interconnected model triggers all the alarms in the system if even one smoke detector goes off. If you live in a large house, consider getting an interconnected system so that your whole residence is made aware of a house fire that may be happening on the opposite side of the house.
Station someone at the farthest areas of your house from your smoke alarm. When you test your alarm, they should be able to hear alarms go off. If they don’t, consider using an interconnected smoke detection system or get an alarm with a louder alarm.
Some smoke detection systems sold nowadays are also wired to inform your local fire station or home security system when it detects smoke. When testing your smoke alarm systems, notify your fire station so that they don’t send personnel to a non-existent fire. They’ll be thankful for the heads up, and be glad that you’re diligently testing your smoke detection system.
Keep an up-to-date escape plan. These smoke detectors only alert you and cannot put out fires for you.
Check the dates on the back of your smoke detectors. Once an alarm reaches its 10-year life span, it is advised to replace it entirely. However, you can also consult the alarm’s manual as it may suggest replacing the entire system earlier.
Types of Carbon Monoxide Detector
Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors come in a variety of mechanisms that detect carbon monoxide levels in the air. System Sensor, a manufacturer of fire protection equipment, lists out the three main types of mechanisms for monitoring carbon monoxide levels.
Biomimetic
Biomimetic sensors, as its name implies, mimics the effect of carbon monoxide on hemoglobin. There is a laser in the device that becomes blocked when carbon monoxide levels increase, which then triggers the alarm.
These detectors are usually cheap, although they are more prone to false alarms and take longer to recover once they set off their alarm.
Metal Oxide Semiconductor
Metal Oxide Semiconductor sensors, or MOS, work by heating a semiconductor in intervals. Once it reaches its operating temperature, its resistance changes when carbon monoxide is present. The alarm triggers once the resistance threshold is broken.
These alarms have a long life span. However, they also draw more electricity than other variants and are prone to false alarms in the presence of other chemicals or gases.
Electromechanical
Within electromechanical sensors, platinum electrode and an acid combine to create a reaction between the air and carbon monoxide, generating an electric current. When these currents pass a certain threshold, the alarm goes off.
These sensors are highly reliable and react fast to carbon monoxide. They also draw less electricity than other variants. Their only downside is that they may make a false alarm when in the presence of ammonia-based cleaners.
Which type of carbon monoxide detector should I get?
In most cases, the electromechanical sensor is sufficient. However, if you need a carbon monoxide detector in other places such as a workshop, you may want to consider getting a MOS or biomimetic-based detector.
How to Test Your Carbon Monoxide Detector, and How to Maintain It
Like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors ought to be tested regularly. The testing procedure is quite similar:
Press and hold down the test button on the face of the device. After a few seconds, you should hear two beeps which signify that the device has entered testing mode.
If you are unable to hear any sound or if the alarm is too weak, replace the battery and retest.
If after battery replacement the device still doesn’t beep, replace the whole detector as soon as possible.
Guidelines to Test Carbon Monoxide Detectors and CO Alarms
Additionally, here are some guidelines you should follow while testing your carbon monoxide detectors:
Like smoke detectors, test carbon monoxide detectors monthly.
Clean the carbon monoxide detector thoroughly so that there’s nothing obstructing the entryway to the sensors.
While most carbon monoxide detectors are plugged into a wall socket or are hardwired to your house’s electrical system, almost all of them have a backup battery in case of power failure. You should replace your backup batteries once a year.
Have an escape plan updated in case the alarm goes off. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, so it rises. When the alarm goes off, crouch and stay low to the ground while making your way out of the building.
Inspect your ventilation systems. Carbon monoxide poisoning happens when there’s a buildup of the gas in an area. Making sure that all the areas in your building are well ventilated. This will drastically reduce the risk of CO alarms and carbon monoxide poisoning.
Must-Have Features for Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
When looking for which smoke or carbon monoxide detector to purchase, there’s no singular device on the market that will cover all needs. Each household or building has a different layout and rooms with different purposes, which will require different types or numbers of detectors.
It is best to consult with your local fire department and read up on local ordinances to determine what safety standards your state requires.
Keep an eye out on the standards that each device has passed. Manufacturers will state on the packaging or the manual of the device which standards these detectors have passed.
These devices are usually tested by Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories (NRTL), which are approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to test these products. Major NRTLs include the CSA, FM, INTERTEK, TUV, and UL.
Alarm New England is a trusted home security provider having served MA, CT, and RI businesses for over 50 years. Interested in a smart thermostat? Learn more about our home security solutions.
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It is estimated that, on average, more than one million people are victims of stalking every year. While the majority of victims are women, there is also a high rate of men being stalked.
In many cases, the stalker is someone you know — someone you were in a romantic relationship with or currently are seeing, a co-worker or even a casual acquaintance. Stalkers can also be complete strangers.
Stalking can come in many forms — ranging from willful, unwarranted and repetitive contact to following someone or harassing them. In more extreme case, it can include physical threats or assault.
Many victims will be unsure or scared when it comes to responding to a stalker. Some may try engaging or reasoning with the stalker in hopes of deterring them in a more civil manner, while others may confront them directly.
In any situation, it is imperative to know how to stop a stalker while still ensuring your personal safety.
6 Tips On How To Stop A Stalker
1. Explicitly Tell Your Stalker Once to Stop Contacting You
The first step may be daunting but once you have done this, you have clearly defined your boundaries. Thereafter it is imperative that you cut off all communication with them. Any kind of engagement or response could reinforce or encourage the stalker’s actions.
2. Always Be Prepared
In many cases, stalkers may not respect your wishes, so it is vital you keep your cell phone with you at all times. Keep numbers of trusted friends, family members and the local police department on speed dial. If you are in imminent danger and unsure of what to do about a stalker, call the police immediately.
3. Understand that Stalking is Illegal
It is normal for you to want to solve this problem on your own, but support is always available. Trust your instincts. If you ever feel uncomfortable, even if nothing serious is happening at that moment, reach out to a trusted friend, family member or law enforcement.
You are not responsible for protecting anyone except yourself. Knowing how to stop a stalker is not easy, but you are not alone! Statistics show that 1 in 19 men and 1 in 6 women have been stalked during their lifetime, so it is not something to be ashamed of, and it is therefore crucial to know how to stop a stalker.
4. Create a Safety Plan
Another key step in knowing how to stop a stalker is considering the worst-case scenario and having a safety plan in place. Enhancing your home security and changing your locks are two initial steps you may want to take.
Thinking through and having a safety plan will help you act quickly if you assess that a particular situation may be dangerous. A safety plan should include:
The quickest and safest way to exit your home or workplace (and other places you frequent)
Having a list of go-to people to call in an emergency
Knowing the location of the nearest police station(s) around you
If you are lost and unsure of how to stop a stalker, whether in a moderate or extreme case, it is advisable to seek assistance from trained law enforcement.
5. Ensure Digital Safety
Technology has become a key tool used by stalkers/ If you are being stalked online, through text messaging, email, or phone calls there are important steps you can take including:
Blocking the phone number
Blocking and blacklisting their email
Blocking them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and any other social media platforms
Setting your social media accounts to private
Changing your passwords
Another important step you can take to make yourself less vulnerable to stalking is to be aware of what information you are sharing on the internet and on which social media platforms.
Ensure all your online profiles have the highest security settings and limited personal information, as stalkers tend to be extremely resourceful, especially regarding technology.
6. Keep Records of Any Contact Made by Your Stalker
One of the most important steps in the process of stopping a stalker is documenting any encounters, or evidence you have about your stalker by:
Recording and saving all written or verbal communication
Documenting details of any situations where physical contact was made
Collecting any ‘gifts’ given or sent to you
Taking pictures of any damage to your property
Documenting any attempted or actual contact made with your friends or family
It can be easy to underestimate the threat of a stalker. However, many victims have later stated that they should have taken the situation more seriously.
By documenting everything related to the stalker, you are providing law enforcement officials with potential evidence. Stalking is a serious criminal offense. Understanding how to take action to stop a stalker can be critical to your safety.
You do not deserve to be intimidated, harassed or stalked by anyone. Support and help will always be available to you if you reach out.
