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The need to feel secure and safe in our own home is absolutely normal and widely spread. We all want to know that everyone and everything in our homes is well-protected at all times.

So, some form of a security system is becoming an essential part of every home. 

From additional locks, reinforced doors, alarms, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, to full, high-tech security systems where all the components (and even some household appliances) are fully-automated.

If you are looking for something more advanced than your regular alarm system and you need some suggestions, keep reading.

Different models

We are used to having everything on our smartphones (laptop, tablet, etc). One small device that tends to hold all our information, something that we use in order to conduct business, maintain social connections, etc. 

So why not use it to monitor and control the home security system?

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Some of these more advanced security systems are fully automated and might even need a professional installation (unlike the more affordable DIY systems).

They can include components like motion sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras, around the clock monitoring, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, door and windows sensors, glass break detectors, automated light switches, video doorbells, intrusion alarms, etc.

All these components you can control via your smartphone (even with voice control).

Here are some of the best advanced security systems with different features:

• Vivint
• Frontpoint
• SimpliSafe
• ADT
• Link Interactive
• Scout
• Brinks
• Armorax
• Protect America
• Nest Secure

All of them have their qualities and potential disadvantages. It depends on what are you looking for in a home security system.

Of course, you want to get the best security system you could possibly afford. 

So with the little bit of research, calculating all the pros and cons, you can find the security system that best suits your needs (and budget).

Fees

With almost every security system, you will have to pay certain monthly or annual fees. The cost of these expenses will of course depend on the security system itself. 

It might include monitoring services, additional hardware components, software updates, etc.

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The more advanced the system is, and the more features you install, the regular maintaining fees will be higher. 

The most expensive security system are, of course, the high tech ones, with 24/7 professional monitoring (you will have to pay a monthly fee for monitoring services). 

The good thing about this feature is the fact that someone is always keeping an eye on your home, especially when you are away. 

In case of anything suspicious, they can dispatch an emergency service. That way, you can rest assured that everything will be managed as quickly and effectively as possible.

So, before you choose and install your security system, make sure you are aware of (and prepare for) any and all potential expenses.

Risks of hacking

Everything is going digital these days, and that makes it vulnerable to one particular risk – hacking. Since it is connected to the internet, this risk is present in your home security system as well.

But how easy is it to hack into a home security system?

There is this constant fear of someone hacking into our smartphones and stealing all of the valuable and personal information. 

So the thought of someone gaining access to your house with a click of a button is obviously even scarier. 

Additionally, the notion that someone could be controlling the security cameras and monitoring the video feed is enough to make your skin crawl.

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But there are some additional steps you can take in order to secure your home even further and make it less prone to hacking.

Here are the five main ones:

• password – change the default password to a unique one, with numbers, symbols, and different size letters (this is something that most people do anyway). Also, try to remember to change the password from time to time.
• software protection – make sure your home network is secure at all times. There are programs that can provide you with that additional protection.
• additional features – there are some extra features of the security system that you can get from the manufacturers, such as embedded encryptions or frequency hopping tech that prevents signal jamming.
• camera logs – occasionally check the camera logs, making sure that no one else is accessing them.
• updates – make sure that all devices and software are always up to date, that way it can notify you if there are any issues.

Final thoughts

The modern technology is (most often) there to improve our lives, to make it easier and, in this case, safer. 

Since nothing is perfect, even the most sophisticated technology is prone to risks and failures.

But even with these potential flaws, your home will be much safer with the right security system. And you will sleep much better knowing that everything is protected. 

So enjoy all the advantages and perks of modern technology and a fully-automated home that not so long ago seemed like a thing of a very distant future.