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.
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.
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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If you’re looking for the latest in home security systems with cameras, you’ve probably considered doorbell cameras as an option to watch over your front door.
And, if you’ve been weighing your options, it’s likely you’ve come across two of the most popular brands in on the market — the SkyBell Trim Plus and the Ring Video Doorbell Pro.
To help you make an educated evaluation, we’ll compare the two video doorbells side-by-side.
What is a Doorbell Camera?
With technological advancements, even an average feature of the home—the doorbell—has evolved to include clear HD video recording and high-quality picture capturing. These incredible devices are the next step in home security and accessibility.
A doorbell camera is mounted where the doorbell would normally be. These vary in size but are commonly small enough to be about the size of an average doorbell.
Depending on the settings of the device, customers can program the doorbell camera to activate when its sensor detects motion or simply when someone presses the button.
Once your doorbell is pressed or the motion sensor is activated, your smartphone will alert you that your doorbell has detected activity. Upon opening the app, you can view a live video of your guest, who can leave a message that can also be saved for later.
Most doorbell cameras also feature two-way communication so that you can also answer the door from locations far away from your home using your phone. Additionally, most video doorbells can tie into your home security alarm system so that you can control all of your devices using the same app.
For the elderly and disabled, doorbell cameras also offer incredible convenience by allowing the homeowner to check on knocks at the door without having to get up.
Things to Consider When Choosing Between the SkyBell Trim Plus or the Ring Pro
Homeowners have different needs and expectations when it comes to protecting their home. Here are a few key questions to ask:
Are you worried about capturing video footage at night?
What technology should your doorbell be compatible with?
How often do people approach your door on an average day?
How many people in your home will want access to answering the door bell camera?
SkyBell Trim Plus
SkyBell is a company that specializes in video doorbells. Several of their products have patents unique to their company which has caused tension between SkyBell and Ring.
There are several reports of lawsuits between the two because Ring Pro has been accused of infringing on SkyBell’s patented features.
Style
The SkyBell Trim Plus has a sleek design that is only slightly larger than the base of a doorbell. There are two available colors: brushed aluminum and the dark, oil-rubbed bronze. The style of the SkyBell Trim Plus is thin and can match practically any home design.
Features
180 Degree View. With a viewing range of 180 degrees, the SkyBell Trim Plus displays a panoramic view to ensure total video coverage of the front door area.
5X Zoom. Even with a high-quality camera, some details can be distorted. SkyBell offers zoom capabilities up to 5X so that you can can easily distinguish name tags, license plates, or package details.
Motion Sensor. Motion sensors will notify you as soon as any movement is detected, or a visitor approaches your door. Even if they do not ring the doorbell, you can keep an eye on whatever activity is happening in the vicinity of your door.
HD Photograph. The SkyBell Trim Plus can also captures an HD photograph of your visitors.
Easy Installation. The entire installation process can be done at home without the help of a professional (although you may prefer one if you’re not a big fan of DIY projects).
Cloud Video Storage. SkyBell Trim Plus records and stores video footage in the cloud which means criminals can’t get access to the footage by stealing the device. SkyBell cloud storage is also free and has no monthly cost.
Weather and Rain-Proof. The Trim Plus can withstand hot summer days, chilly winter nights, and every storm that mother nature can muster.
Ring Video Doorbell Pro
Ring Pro has built powerful name recognition in the market through effective advertising and also makes a complete security system designed to integrate with the video doorbell.
Style
The faceplates are interchangeable on this modern design doorbell camera. It is thin and fits comfortably on your door frame without becoming an eyesore.
Features
160 Degree View. A 160-degree view will easily capture anything approaching the camera. However, it will not be able to see something if it gets too close to the wall on which it is mounted. Generally this is not an issue, but in certain situations, you could miss something that the SkyBell’s 180-degree view would capture.
Zoning Settings. This is one of the more impressive features of the Ring doorbell. While motion sensors are convenient because they allow your camera to activate automatically, the Ring Pro takes this technology a step further with zone settings that allow you to determine what areas or times the sensor is activated.
For instance, you can set your sensor to only cover the walkway so that it isn’t tripped each time the dog goes out or when the garbage is picked up.
Web Application. Ring Pro has an app that notifies users of activity via their smartphone or tablet. This same app can also be opened from any web browser.
Comparing the SkyBell Trim Plus and the Ring Pro
Ease of Use
Regardless of which device you choose, your doorbell cameras are guaranteed to be compatible with your smartphone, tablet, or PC. The SkyBell Trim Plus and the Ring Pro are compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS.
Both doorbell cameras can be installed by the customer without hiring a professional. However, the process of installing the Ring Pro is slightly more complicated. Either way, you must have pre-existing doorbell hardwiring. Otherwise, you’ll probably need to contact an alarm company to send out a technician.
Monthly Fees
The Ring Pro requires a subscription that includes many add-ons like alerts. SkyBell Trim Plus records and stores your videos in the cloud for easy access at no additional cost over the initial retail price.
Without an active subscription, videos on the Ring Pro cannot be saved, only actively viewed live. While the Ring Pro is competitively priced—with options and additional features available from $30 to $100 dollars per year—the fact that SkyBell has no additional charges is a big plus.
Response Time
This is a quality most might overlook because you would of course assume that you would receive instant notifications from the camera when it detects activity. However, this is not always the case.
The Ring Pro has received some complaints over its delayed notification to the user, which ranges between three and seven seconds. The SkyBell on the other hand will notify you the very moment someone arrives.
Weather Conditions
Both the SkyBell Trim Plus and the Ring Pro are durable enough to make it through the the various seasons. In freezing conditions, however, the SkyBell does withstand lower temperatures, capable of functioning at -40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Video Quality
The SkyBell Trim Plus and the Ring Pro both record high video quality of 1080p. The difference is that the SkyBell Trim Plus comes with a setting to allow for 720p video recording.
The higher the video quality, the more bandwidth it requires to stream. By having the ability to downgrade the video quality, SkyBell made their doorbell more effective in homes with slower internet plans.
When video quality is lowered, the resulting recording takes up less storage space. This can come in handy if you have many recordings that you want to keep on file.
Design
For those who want their video doorbell to be more discrete, the Ring Pro’s mounted camera has an advantage as it is less discernible as a video recording device.
However, some may prefer that visitors are fully aware that they are being recorded. The SkyBell camera is much more easily noticeable and is even labeled on the doorbell “SkyBell”, so it may serve as a better deterrent. While the Ring Pro is also labeled, the branding is minimal and easily overlooked.
Frame Rate
The SkyBell Trim Plus as well as the Ring Pro stream live video of your doorway at a frame rate of 15 fps, allowing them both to record without static or lagging. On this criteria, both brands are equal.
Silent Mode
This is another aspect in which the SkyBell and Ring Pro are neck and neck. Unlike conventional doorbells, you can turn this doorbell off so it remains quiet while the camera continues to record.
Both devices run smoothly without creating any disturbance, which makes it easy to transition seamlessly between their active and inactive modes. When you don’t want to be bothered by visitors or especially the doorbell, this is an excellent feature.
Is a Doorbell Camera Right for Me?
Doorbell cameras can offer some powerful advantages when it comes to home security. Knowing who is at the front door at any time and without having to get up to answer it or look through a peephole or window is a great convenience.
With so many news stories of holiday package theft or other criminal activities, the peace of mind knowing that your front steps are under constant monitoring make doorbell cameras a welcome relief for many homeowners. Talk to a security system company near you to see what doorbell cameras they offer and which ones are compatible with your home.
Bottom Line
The Ring Pro and SkyBell doorbell cameras are both top of the line products that boast similar features to show off their technological prowess.
One of the aspects that boosts SkyBell Trim just ahead of Ring Pro is that SkyBell Trim Plus has the night vision camera in full color vision. While this feature is not mandatory for effective monitoring, having the ability to record video in color at night can be advantageous in identifying visitors near your door.
SkyBell also has the edge on viewing capabilities with twenty more degrees seen from the door. This gives a slightly more comprehensive view of the surroundings.
The Ring Pro has convenient web browser capabilities while the SkyBell Trim Plus does not. But, since most consumers will be viewing activity on a tablet or smartphone, this isn’t a particularly big advantage.
The Ring Pro’s zoning feature is handy, but many users could easily get overwhelmed by the complexity of customizing the settings for a system that is simply “set and forget.”
The SkyBell Trim Plus and Ring Pro are both are viable options for home security, however, we think the SkyBell Trim Plus comes out on top because of its reliability, ease for everyday use, and lower added costs fees.
Few things are as important as the safety of your own home. Ensuring that your loved ones and property are safe from burglary and other crimes is a top priority.
While passive defenses like walls and fences may deter some burglars, there’s always the risk of a criminal who is willing to go the extra mile to break in. That’s why a home security system is a critical component of keeping your home and family safe.
Home security systems are not all designed with the same capabilities. One of the key factors to consider is whether the alarm monitoring system you are considering is cellular-based or landline-based.
What’s the Difference Between ‘Cellular’ and ‘Wireless’ Security?
You might have encountered the terms “cellular” and “wireless” when researching security systems. While both cellular and wireless security systems are characterized by a lack of wires, they are fundamentally different when it comes to home security.
When the term “wireless” is used in a home security context, it means that the sensors and the control panel are linked wirelessly via radio waves instead of physical wires in your home.
Wireless systems allow for a more flexible, convenient setup of monitoring devices. They also ensure that the sensor network will not be vulnerable to the same wire-cutting security risk that plagues landline-based systems.
“Cellular,” on the other hand, refers to how the control panel communicates with your security company’s alarm monitoring center. Cellular-based security systems use mobile cellular networks (instead of a landline phone) to contact the monitoring station in an emergency situation.
The ideal security system combines both concepts—a wireless alarm system with cellular alarm monitoring. This completely wireless system is more convenient and reliable than one that relies on wires.
Advantages of Cellular Alarm Monitoring
Cellular-based security systems have several advantages over landline-based systems. Here are just a few reasons you should consider switching to cellular alarm monitoring.
1. Cellular alarm monitoring is safer
The physical connection of a landline-based home security system is a major weakness because a burglar could cut your phone line prior to breaking and entering.
Cutting a phone line isn’t as complicated as it sounds: Most homes have a compartment built into the side of the wall or near the ground that contains your phone line, among other electrical wiring. In many cases, this panel can be accessed with a regular screwdriver.
If someone were to cut the wiring inside, it would prevent any distress signal from being sent to your monitoring station, rendering the home security system useless.
A cellular-based security system has no such weakness, as it uses the same reliable network of cellular towers that your mobile phone is designed for. Even if you live in an area with poor cell service, in many cases the cell communicator is still able to maintain a consistent connection.
2. It’s more reliable
Security systems need a cellular connection so you can count on reliable, uninterrupted protection.
Landline cables are vulnerable to the elements. Heavy snow, rain, and other weather conditions can damage them, severing your connection to your alarm company.
This isn’t the case for mobile networks, which tend to be more resilient in withstanding a major storm or natural disaster.
Additionally, security systems that rely on a Wi-Fi connection are also prone to failure should the internet at your home go down. Even in the event of internet outages, cellular communicators are unaffected.
3. You get greater coverage
Some areas may be outside the coverage area of a provider’s landline network. This makes it difficult or even impossible to get your home security system connected to a company if you’re using a wired landline, unless you’re investing a lot of money to build local wired infrastructure.
Cellular networks span wide areas, reaching even remote locations. You don’t necessarily require a strong signal for your cellular-based security system to transmit an alert.
The amount of data that passes between the system and the central station is far less than the amount you’d need to hold a conversation or surf the web. This means that a cellular-based security system is able to work even in remote areas.
4. It’s cheaper in the long run
Adding a cellular communicator to your security system to enable cellular and Wi-Fi alarm monitoring can come with an additional cost. However, you no longer need to pay for a landline each month.
Many households don’t use landlines anymore, so if you have little use for a home phone, then it’ll be an expense that serves no other purpose besides being tied into your security system.
5. Installation is easier
A landline-based security system must be physically connected to your home’s phone outlet. Depending on the layout of your phone wiring and various wall outlets, it may not always be where you want to locate your security system’s control panel. With a cellular system, you have the freedom to mount the control panel anywhere in your home.
6. You can monitor your own home remotely
Many security systems that use cellular alarm monitoring also come with newer features like smartphone apps that allow you to remotely connect to them.
You’ll be able to view camera footage, security alerts, and the status of your sensors, even while you’re away from your home.
You can also be notified via text if you get any security alerts. You’ll be informed at the same time as your security company.
7. Cellular monitoring sends alerts faster than landlines
In an emergency, speed is everything. Cellular alarm monitoring can contact your central monitoring station faster than a landline can.
That’s because its signal doesn’t have to navigate landline switches and networks, and it may use very fast protocols like 4G LTE to reach the monitoring station.
Making the Switch to Cellular Alarm Monitoring
The important thing to remember is that home security is only as effective as its weakest link. If you’re considering going for wireless sensors, remember to replace their batteries.
While cellular alarm monitoring requires that you have a cellular communicator in your system, the technology offers significant advantages over landline-based systems.
And choose the right security company to take care of your alarm monitoring needs. After all, more reliable and quicker cellular communication with the alarm monitoring center doesn’t mean much if the company can’t do its job well.
Most good companies will offer remote and on-site maintenance for your home alarm system as well. Find a company with a proven track record for responding to emergencies and dispatching personnel to truly make the most of switching to cellular alarm monitoring.
