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Locksmiths play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of our homes and businesses. However, when we need their services, we can find
Where Are My Keys? Top Tips for Finding Lost Keys
Are you tired of losing your keys and experiencing the panic that comes with it? Don’t worry, in this article we share practical tips and
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How to Make Your Smart Home Hack-Proof
One of the biggest concerns people have when considering a smart home is the danger of dealing with hackers. To dispel your fear, we will go over some measure you can take to make your house hack-proof.
Before we get to what you can do, though, let’s clear the air about the dangers of hackers.
The Smart Home Hack Threat
The Internet of Things industry is booming. That means that a lot of companies are trying to get in on the action as fast as possible. In this race to create the first product that does something, some companies may neglect security.
That is their fault, and the only thing you can do is be careful what you buy which is why we recommend trusted brands such as Yale (as opposed to third party brands you’ve never heard of).
You don’t have to panic, though. The image of the hoodie-wearing hacker that can take control of your home with two clicks is just a myth. We have movies to blame for that.
Hacking a smart home is not as easy as some would have you believe.
With some basic precautions, you can shut down the plans of most would-be hackers. Here’s what you should do:
Make Sure Your Router Is Secure
The router is the heart of any smart home. It will also be a prime target for hackers because it’s connected to all your devices. It should be the most secure appliance in the house.
The first step is to choose a quality device. When shopping for one, learn about its security measures. Choose one that has a good record and the newest encryption software. If it has these features, it will most likely have great speed and reach as well.
After you buy and set it up, change its password immediately. The default password is almost as bad as having no password. Make sure you use a strong one and change it from time to time.
Since we’re on the topic of passwords, do this for every device you get. Every wireless product needs a secure password so it doesn’t become a target.
Don’t use the same thing for multiple devices. If a hacker manages to get the password for one device, they will try it on everything else.
Always Update Your Devices
Every software update offers new features and more importantly, better security. By using an older version of the software, you put your smart home at risk.
Most devices should update themselves automatically, without any input from you.
Don’t take that for granted, though. Checking for updates takes only a few minutes and ensures your security. It’s always best to be proactive against hackers.
This safety measure is short and simple, but it makes a huge difference.
Store Your Information on the Cloud
You may be concerned that the data on one of your devices will fall into the wrong hands. In that case, you have the option to store all your information somewhere else, namely the cloud.
The advantage here is that a cloud service provider will have superior security. That kind of encryption software is very expensive, being a viable option only for companies.
You will have world class security and every file at your fingertips.
Cloud services are also becoming cheaper and cheaper. You can have more space than you’ll need without making a big dent in your budget.
You can rest easy knowing all your personal information is safe.
Other Security Needs
Now that we’ve put the hacker problem behind us, let’s remember that they’re not the only threat. Run-of-the-mill burglars are still dangerous. You need security measures against them as well.
Don’t worry, though. Smart homes have many solutions to that problem. For example, you can get some smart locks, smart cameras and smart alarms.
With that setup, burglars will know not to mess with your house.
Wireless device security is a serious matter and should be treated accordingly. Share this article with your friends so more people know how to protect themselves. Hit us up on Facebook and Twitter for more content.
Smart Home, Smart Owner – 3 Ways to Be Security Smart
Owning a smart home offers many cool advantages, including new security options. The problem is that most homeowners either rely only on their new devices or don’t have any at all.
To ensure the safety of your home, it’s best if you use some smart devices. Add some time-tested methods of keeping burglars out and you’ll be fine.
1. Keep Everything Locked
It goes without saying that you’ll lock the door when leaving the house. Still, you have to take more safety measures, though.
Garage doors, windows, and balconies are equally dangerous if left unlocked. A burglar could climb through your windows and enter your home. Keep them locked!
Thieves tend to target houses with no one in them. That’s not always the case, however.
A more desperate thief could see your smart home and try to enter immediately. Lock the doors while you’re home. It only takes a few seconds, and it increases safety.
If you live on the ground floor, safety bars are another good idea. They will keep any would-be burglar from entering through your windows.
The quality of your doors and locks also matters. A thief could try to use brute force to open them. Make sure the locks aren’t a decade old and the door can’t just be kicked open in a swing or two.
2. Don’t Attract Unwanted Attention
Burglars don’t only take security into account when choosing a place to rob. If your smart home seems full of expensive stuff, it’s more likely to become a target.
There are a lot of things that can attract the attention of thieves. Make sure you don’t leave these things in your garden:
- Empty appliance boxes – Don’t leave the box your new TV came in anywhere where it’s visible. Burglars don’t need to know when you buy something new and expensive.
- Flashy garden ornaments – We understand that you want the place to look nice. The problem is that you’re practically saying that you have a lot of money to spend.
- Tools that can be used for a break-in – Your gardening tools should stay someplace safe. Otherwise, a thief could use your own tools against you and get in your house.
- Signs that you’re out of town – Under no circumstances should you leave a note by the door saying you’re not home. If some people need to know, call them. Burglars take advantage of such notes.
Keep your drapes closed when possible. Seeing the expensive products in your home could offer a thief the incentive to try and break in. You’re better off if strangers don’t know what you have inside.
The less inviting your home seems, the better. You don’t have to hide your stuff. Just don’t put it on display.
3. Get a Smart Home Security System
There are already a lot of products on the market that offer you lots of liberty and security.
For example, smart locks can completely remove the need for keys. Instead, the door opens when it recognises your phone’s unique signal.
Furthermore, with smart cameras, you can always keep an eye on your home with your smartphone. If you accidentally forgot to lock the door or need to let someone in, your phone can do that too.
For that extra peace of mind, you can install sensors for your doors and windows. If something opens or breaks, you’ll be immediately notified. Nothing will go on in your smart home without you knowing about it.
The Conclusion
With these three tips in mind, you won’t have to worry about break-ins anymore. Burglars shouldn’t want to try to get in.
Even if they do try, they won’t succeed. If they try something shady, you’ll know the moment it happens.
You can apply the first two tips on your own. When it comes to smart security, we’ll help you. We’ll set you up with smart cameras, smart alarms and, of course, smart locks.
If you learned a few new things in this article, don’t forget to share it with your friends. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter where we will post more informative articles.
4 Smart Ways to Keep Your Home Safe in the Summer
Summer is the perfect time to take a well-deserved break and relax. The problem is that burglars don’t take holidays.
On the contrary, with so many empty houses, they are more active than ever. You need to keep your home safe in the summer, so we’ve come up with four tips for you:
1. Get Smart Locks, Sensors, and Alarms
Old-fashioned locks don’t really cut it anymore. Plenty of robbers know how to pick a lock. They see it more as an inconvenience than anything else.
A smart lock will keep your home safe in the summer. It doesn’t have a keyhole so burglars can’t pick it. Rather, it needs a keypad code or a wireless signal that only you can generate. When someone tries to enter, you get a notification.
There are sensors as well. After all, a thief could opt to go in through a window. The moment they break it, the sensor catches the commotion. Again, you are notified immediately.
Then, the smart alarm comes into play. When it goes off, the noise will attract onlookers and neighbours. At that moment, the burglar will most likely drop everything and run for it.
These devices will be your main line of defence. It the minimum required to keep your home safe in the summer.
2. Use Lights to Keep Your Home Safe in the Summer
Thieves go for houses with nobody in them. If they think that you’re inside, they’ll just give up. You need a way to trick them into thinking you’re home. You do that by leaving a light on.
The problem with this idea in the past is that keeping a light on for a long time was costly. Smart technology eliminates that problem with programmable lights.
That means that you can leave the house, and the light will automatically switch on at night. You can choose which rooms have light and at which hours. Burglars won’t suspect a thing.
Light switches are not only great as a thief deterrent. They’re useful to have in most situations.
3. Always Keep an Eye on the House
Before you get the wrong idea, we’re not saying that you should stay at home. The wonders of technology have made it possible to watch your house no matter where you are.
What you need are a few smart CCTV cameras. They are a big part of any smart security system. These cameras can send a live feed right to your phone. If something is amiss, you’ll notice it immediately.
Even if you’re not paying attention, the cameras will record any would-be burglar. It will be much easier to identify and catch them.
4. Look at Your Home through the Eyes of a Burglar
A homeowner shouldn’t rely solely on smart technology. They should use their own wit as well. Try to think like a robber and see if there’s any weakness in your security system.
To make things simpler for you, we’ve come up with a few questions that you should ask yourself:
- Does my garden obstruct people’s view of the house? If it does, burglars will have an easier time sneaking around.
- Does my yard or home exterior look unkempt? That is a sign that the owners aren’t home.
- Is there a key hidden somewhere near the entrance? As convenient as it may be, thieves will also search for them. It’s unsafe to leave one lying around.
If you can get in the head of a robber, you’ll know how to keep your home safe in the summer. Just use your imagination and see what you can improve.
The Key Takeaway
The safest house is always the one with a good security system and a cautious homeowner. Stay sharp and smart technology will do the rest for you.
Now that you know how to keep your home safe, share this article with your friends too. If you’ve got any question, don’t hesitate to reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.
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Locksmith Services
If you’re locked out, we can get you back in! We’re experts at picking locks and gaining entry.
We change, repair and fit a wide variety of locks, including : Mortice Locks & Euro Cylinders.
Our expert locksmiths can supply and fit the latest digital smart locks. Including the Yale Linus.
Our trained locksmiths can supply and fit the latest High definition CCTV to your home or business premises.
Our locksmiths can provide boarding services to secure your home or commercial premises.
We offer a full security survey service. Do you really know how secure your home or property is?
We can cut extra keys for your home or office. Our locksmiths carry a range of key blanks.
Smart Security Installed
Yale Linus
Smart Lock
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale Conexis
Smart Lock
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.
Yale Keyless
Connected Smart Lock
The Keyless Lock allows you complete control over how you lock your home. Unlock with a PIN, key card, key tag, remote fob or your phone.
Yale Sync Alarm
The Yale Linus door lock. A keyless lock, designed to secure and simplify your life. Lock and unlock your door, no matter where you are.
Yale CCTV
The smart door lock that puts you fully in control. The Yale Conexis gives you the freedom to secure your home without the need for a key.