Choosing a home security system is a big deal. It’s a tall order to find a company with a system and a team that you trust to protect your home and your loved ones. Like most people, your first priority is probably to find a system that will protect your home against crime.
But, before you have all your cameras and other cutting-edge technology installed, you need to ask yourself: Have I chosen a company that will also protect the personal information, like video footage, habits and passwords, it is now gathering for me? In this case, it’s not the burglar you should be worried about, but the hacker!
With that in mind, what should you be looking for when it comes to data protection for your home security system?
1. Two-factor authentication
Are you entering only one password to log into your security system? If so, that is an immediate red flag. This data feature basically means that a company will use two different techniques to confirm your identity before letting you view personal data. This typically looks like entering in a password, like normal, then getting a numeric code sent to your phone or email to input into the system.
It’s important to know that, on a lot of systems, two-factor authentication is an optional feature. However, we strongly recommend you turn it on, because by adding on the extra layer of security with a second password, you greatly reduce the risk of being hacked.
2. Encrypted customer data
Think of encrypted data as a 500,000 piece puzzle. But there is a catch: you are missing a lot of middle and side pieces and you don’t have a picture to tell you what the puzzle looks like when it’s assembled. It’s impossible to finish.
Data encryption is a security method where your information is translated and can only be opened and accessed only by someone who has permission and a special code. When data is encrypted, it is essentially unreadable. This feature is especially important when sending pieces of personal information back and forth across the internet, as a security company could do with your video footage, key codes, etc.
3. Automatic software updates
It’s a commonly known fact that, with technology, nothing ever stays the same for very long. That’s why you should look for a home security system that offers products that have the capability to receive and install automatic software updates. The updates are often important because they are fixing any current flaws in the system – and hackers love finding those flaws. When you leave your system vulnerable and outdated, hackers can get sensitive information or, in the case of a home security system, access to your home via cameras or automatic locks.
Now you know why your phone and computer demands updates all the time!
4. Thorough logging and monitoring by the security company
There are several perks to choosing a security system that is monitored by professionals 24/7. Besides the fact that they will alert you anytime suspicious activity happens in or around your house, they will also alert you if they detect any suspicious activity happening with your data. Professional security companies collect logs of all activities on their cameras and panels. When something does not match past records or patterns, they have the ability to quickly identify a potential hack.
Don’t let the data protection aspect of home security overwhelm you. You deserve a company that offers both great security products AND the data protection features above. Find a system that will keep your home safe from both burglars and hackers.