Ignoring your security system is a common home security mistake that can lead to agony and cost you thousands of dollars. This typically involves forgetting the password of your home security system or not paying enough attention to the password, paving the way for home security system hackers.
According to the FBI’s 2018 Uniform Crime Report, 36.7% of burglaries were unforced or unlawful entries. Properly armed and password-protected home security system apps can prevent such break-ins and protect your home.
Create Strong Passwords
Passwords are typically the first and most important line of defense against hacking and intrusion.
Here are some important guidelines to create strong passwords for your home security system app:
- Never use the default username and password. Always change the default credentials when you get a new security system.
- Avoid using dictionary words, proper nouns, personal information, foreign words, and regular words with numbers at the end.
- Avoid using your nickname or family name.
- Avoid using your address or parts of your address.
- Use long passwords. The longer the password, the more challenging it will be for hackers to guess. Many homeowners are using paraphrases instead of words to make strong passwords. We recommend 8 to 15 characters.
- Use a combination of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, special characters, and numerals.
- Update the password periodically.
Avoid These 10 Most Passwords
According to CNN, these are the most predictable and easily hackable passwords of all times:
- 111111
- 123456, abcdef
- Password
- Password1
- Abc123 or 123abc
- Iloveyou
- Qwerty
- Superman
- Blink123
- Monkey
Therefore, it’s best to avoid them. Consider using passwords that are nearly impossible to crack (just don’t use these exact ones!):
- A-N-LyHji*7$R2g
- ft1@2W!B
- h%BF&^%B9
- B)^H+frt’hyt=hx2^
- VgPAT1BftFFjhyty14
Use a Reliable Password Management Tool
If you frequently forget your security system password, it would be a good idea to invest in a robust and eligible password management tool or password manager. These tools help in changing and storing passwords; you don’t need to remember anything.
When looking for a good password management tool, explain to the professional what your exact requirements are. You can choose from a variety of password manager applications and services.
Follow These Network Guidelines Instead of Ignoring Your Security System
If a strong password is important to keep your home security system protected, a reliable network is also critical.
Here are some useful guidelines to ensure you’re using a trustworthy and strong network to support your security system:
- Ensure both laptops and PCs at home comprise antimalware and antivirus tools.
- Avoid providing administrative access to all the systems unless necessary.
- Protect your WiFi network with a strong password; deactivate open access.
- Segment the network; create different segments for different systems and purposes. Use virtual LANs (VLANs), virtual private networks (VPNs), separate WiFi channels, and separate physical cable networks to design segments.
Things to Keep In Mind If You’re Using a Mobile Phone to Access Your Security System
If you’re managing your security system with your mobile phone or tablet, here are some important points you need to follow:
- First things first, protect your mobile phone or tablet with a strong password.
- Don’t save any password on your device. Always select the “Require Password Every Time I Log In” option.
- Have a backup method to manage your security system in case your mobile phone or tablet malfunctions.
Incorporating Geofencing Technology
These days, you can also find new security solutions on the market that can arm or disarm your device automatically when you’re within range. Specific smart home rules and notifications – such as the warning system, lighting, and thermostat– can be enacted based on the proximity to your home using this technology, known as geofencing.
Geofencing is a technology that uses your current position to initiate actions. For example, as you approach your driveway, your home security system can detect your proximity—say, within 100 feet—and unlock the front door for you. This feature is available on today’s high-tech smart home security systems, and it’s very simple to set up. You can choose a spot, distance, and a variety of actions using the system’s free, compatible app. A perimeter, or fence, around a fixed point is defined by the distance and position combined.
At ProTech Security, we have a strong history of experience, innovation, and customer service. The ProTech Security Advantage is more than 35 years of service in Northeast Ohio and a strong commitment to providing quality, cost-effective protection for homes, businesses, educational institutions, and government facilities. To see what ProTech Security can do for you, contact us today.
