Why are Smart homes safer than traditional homes?
“Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing.”
- Helen Keller
Woah! There is much in-depth philosophy in Keller’s take on “danger” as an unstoppable force and the inert need to be daring. We agree and disagree with it at the same time. We agree that the growth of the human mind and body happens in stressful situations, but at the same time, we need to keep hostility at bay. As that is not what she meant, do not confuse straight out malevolence with challenging situations. This is not to be lost in translation. We have been creating a safe space for our family from malevolence and enforcing protection through home security measures throughout time. Only now, with smart devices and automation, have we become capable of not only preventing harm but guaranteeing protection.
Let’s see some more perceivable advantages Smart homes have over regular/traditional homes in the security area before proceeding further in this topic.
- Smart home security is proactive protection, while regular/traditional homes only offer reactive protection.
- Smart security offers you total dominion over your home even when you are not home.
- Smart security enables you to monitor your loved ones along with your home.
- Smart security installations increase the value of your property.
As we establish with this that smart home security is superior to the security of regular homes by a mile, continue reading to go over the smart home security devices and how you can prevent liabilities in the system, if any.
List Of Smart Gadgets Used In Smart Homes And Their Function
According to the Australian government census on crime, published on the government website, there is a 23% decrease in unlawful entry with intent and other burglaries and a 17% decrease in auto theft compared to 2019. And in New Zealand, the number of burglary incidents reduced from 18 per 100 in 2018 to 14 per 100 in 2020. Coinciding with the Covid19 restriction, the number fell lowest in five years. It is not a mere accident that the burglary numbers decreased alongside the steady increase of popularity for smart homes and smart security devices in Australia and New Zealand; instead, it is a showcase of the effectiveness of the concept. In 2020 the worldwide shipment of smart home devices reached 801.5 million, which is prophetic of the future of smart homes.
We just had a look into the popularity and efficiency of the Smart Home Security devices. Now let’s break down their different types:
Smart Locks and Digital locks
Smart locks are electromechanical locks that would perform locking and unlocking the door through a command from wireless control devices like smartphones without manual effort. Digital locks, much like smart locks, are electric locks but with standalone electronic control, assemblies mounted on the top.
Security Camera
These are the well-known forms of security devices for homeowners and builders in the market. Sometimes comes in single but most effective in grouped with multiple other cameras within the compound of your premise provides a complete watch. Smart Security Cameras have an unbelievable depth of vision and can be controlled from anywhere in the world.
Video Doorbell
Video doorbell is a welcomed amalgamation of the peephole and calling bell combined to one. It offers better monitoring of visitors than to the traditional peephole and lets you communicate with them using a built-in peephole camera, microphone, and speaker. They are also connected with smartphones for more convenience.
Home Security Robot
Whether it is the Reily home monitoring robot (which is available in the market right now) or the upcoming Astro by Amazon are coming to be the next step in Smart security practice. These robots can roam around your home and keep a lookout when you are not present. They transmit HD video and audio directly to your phone and also answer a wider range of commands. It is literally the R2D2 coming to life for Starwar fans out there.
Alarm
Another popular choice for home security devices for homeowners and builders. Which is the go-to security for every home built. From fire to impact, any unwelcome act or event will be alerted through sirens if a security alarm is installed. Smart alarms, much like other smart devices, can be controlled using smartphones; the alarm can be switched on and off with a flip of a button.
Further, the Smart home security device market is also populated with different sensors and motion detectors. The motion detection feature present in Security cameras and other visual inquiry devices makes them harder to be tricked. Whereas the sensors present in the smart locks etc, identify when the homeowner is getting closer to the door and unlock them automatically. The line does not stop here; there are more complex devices with more security promising features developed each passing by in the Smart Home Market.
Are Smart Homes Hackable?
Before giving out the obvious answer, let us digress with a small story. John Mcafee, the backer of Bitfi, an open digital wallet in late 2018, doubled down on the product’s original claim that it is unhackable. He went as far as to challenge hackers worldwide with a bounty of $20 million (allegedly) if they could manage the coins off of the “cut-down android phone” wallet. And guess what! The hackers managed to do just that. They somehow managed to get the coins from the wallet. But what happened to the bounty is not exactly clear, but the unhackable had to come down, which brings us to Smart home security devices. Yes, they are hackable like all digital and mechanical devices. Smart security devices offer more resilience against burglars than traditional home security. And whenever they give in, it is because of error or oversight of the person in charge.
Measures To Reinforce Your Smart Homes
Worry not that there are some leave-ways in your smart home security. With the following measure, you can easily reinforce them.
- Do not set a password as something easy like your birthdate or your children’s birth date, which can be easily guessed and obvious. Always keep up the recommended difficulty levels and note down the password safely.
- Develop the practice of changing the password frequently.
- Keep up-to-date with security protocols and software updates.
- Do not leave your wifi router exposed without any password or encryption.
- Do not piggyback or coast your security devices with others’ wifi.
- Routine checking your security camera for anyone nosing around.
- If you are not 100% sure about your DIY security device skills, involve only the competent reputed company to help out.
To Wrap Things Up
We believe it is clear now that Smart home security is superior to regular/traditional security by a mile because of its proactive nature, rather than being reactive. That said, even the leave ways in smart home security devices can be prevented with best practices and effective guidelines.
If you have further questions or are still a bit confused, “The Smart Hive” has been helping homeowners and builders ensure convenience and efficiency for their smart home with the right daily smart products.
Equip and build your homes with these security features and witness a shorter sales cycle, more buyers, increased property value and greater customer satisfaction.
To know more about security devices for your homes, do read our blogs. For any questions, enquiries, feel free to contact us. We are just a call away!
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