Home security is a top priority for any homeowner. However, even with the best intentions, many people unknowingly make common mistakes that leave their homes vulnerable to intrusions or theft. These errors often stem from oversight, lack of awareness, or the assumption that security breaches “won’t happen to me.” By recognizing these pitfalls and implementing corrective measures, homeowners can create a safer environment for themselves and their families. Here, we’ll discuss the most common security mistakes homeowners make and how to avoid them.
Overlooking the Basics of Home Security
Neglecting to Lock Doors and Windows
One of the simplest yet most overlooked security measures is ensuring all doors and windows are locked. Many burglaries occur due to easy access through an unlocked entry point. Even if you live in a “safe” neighborhood, leaving doors or windows open invites trouble.
How to Avoid It:
Make locking doors and windows a daily habit, even when you’re at home.
Install smart locks or devices that alert you if an entry point is left open.
Ensure all locks are sturdy and in good working condition.
Using Weak or Old Locks
Older homes often have outdated locks that are easy to pick or break. Similarly, using locks with generic keys or ones that haven’t been updated in years can make your home an easy target.
How to Avoid It:
Replace old locks with high-security options, such as deadbolts or smart locks.
Opt for locks that are drill-resistant and pick-resistant.
Re-key your locks if you’ve recently moved into a new home.
Poor Lighting Around the Property
Insufficient Outdoor Lighting
Dark, poorly lit areas around your home provide cover for potential intruders. Many homeowners neglect outdoor lighting, especially in side yards, backyards, or around garages.
How to Avoid It:
Install motion-activated lights around your home’s perimeter.
Use solar-powered lights for energy efficiency and ease of installation.
Ensure entry points, such as front doors and garage doors, are well-lit.
Not Using Timers for Indoor Lighting
An unlit home at night signals that no one is present, making it an appealing target for burglars.
How to Avoid It:
Use timers or smart home systems to control indoor lighting when you’re away.
Alternate lighting schedules to give the appearance of activity inside the home.
Ignoring the Importance of Visibility
Poorly Maintained Landscaping
Overgrown bushes, shrubs, and trees near windows or doors can provide hiding spots for intruders. Many homeowners overlook how landscaping impacts home security.
How to Avoid It:
Trim bushes and trees regularly, especially those close to entry points.
Opt for thorny plants or bushes under windows to deter access.
Keep your yard clean and well-maintained to increase visibility.
Leaving Valuables in Plain Sight
Intruders are often motivated by what they can see through windows. Leaving valuable items like electronics, jewelry, or cash in plain view can tempt criminals.
How to Avoid It:
Use curtains, blinds, or frosted glass to obscure views into your home.
Store valuables in secure, hidden locations.
Avoid posting pictures of expensive items on social media.
Overlooking Modern Security Solutions
Failing to Install a Security System
One of the most critical mistakes is not investing in a home security system. Many homeowners assume they don’t need one or believe it’s too expensive.
Choose systems with features like surveillance cameras, door sensors, and alarm monitoring.
Consider DIY options if professional installation feels overwhelming.
Relying Solely on Outdated Security Systems
If you already have a security system but haven’t updated it in years, it may no longer be effective. Older systems might lack modern features or have vulnerabilities.
How to Avoid It:
Regularly update your security system’s software and hardware.
Upgrade to systems with smart integrations, such as mobile app controls.
Add components like doorbell cameras or motion detectors for comprehensive coverage.
Social Media Oversharing
Announcing Vacations
One of the biggest security mistakes homeowners make is posting vacation plans or updates on social media. Broadcasting your absence alerts potential intruders that your home is unoccupied.
How to Avoid It:
Avoid posting about travel plans until after you return home.
Use privacy settings to restrict who can see your posts.
Ask a trusted neighbor to check on your home while you’re away.
Sharing Personal Information
Details about your routine, possessions, or even your address can be gleaned from oversharing online. Criminals can use this information to plan a break-in.
How to Avoid It:
Be cautious about sharing personal details online.
Avoid tagging your location in posts.
Review and tighten your social media privacy settings.
Underestimating Garage Security
Leaving the Garage Door Open
Many homeowners inadvertently leave their garage doors open, especially during the day. This provides easy access to both the garage and the main house.
How to Avoid It:
Always close the garage door, even if you’re home.
Install an automatic garage door closer.
Use a keypad with a secure code for garage entry.
Storing Valuables in the Garage
Garages are often used as storage for expensive tools, equipment, or vehicles. These items are tempting targets for thieves.
How to Avoid It:
Store valuable items in locked cabinets or secure storage units.
Avoid leaving garage windows uncovered.
Consider installing a security camera in the garage.
Failing to Utilize Neighborhood Resources
Not Building Relationships with Neighbors
Neighbors can be valuable allies in maintaining home security. However, many homeowners fail to connect with those living nearby.
How to Avoid It:
Join or start a neighborhood watch program.
Share contact information with trusted neighbors.
Inform neighbors when you’ll be out of town so they can keep an eye on your property.
Ignoring Community Alerts
Many communities have platforms or apps for sharing security-related information, such as sightings of suspicious activity. Not participating in these can leave you uninformed.
How to Avoid It:
Sign up for community alert systems or apps like Nextdoor.
Stay engaged with local law enforcement’s social media pages.
Act on alerts and share relevant information with your neighbors.
Conclusion
Recognizing the common security mistakes homeowners make is the first step toward creating a more secure living environment. By addressing these oversights, such as locking doors, maintaining visibility, updating security systems, and being cautious online, homeowners can significantly reduce their risk of burglary or intrusion.
Implementing these practical tips doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Often, simple changes in habits and a proactive mindset are all it takes to ensure your home remains a safe haven. Prioritize home security today and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve taken the necessary steps to protect your loved ones and belongings.
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Holidays are synonymous with visiting family and having fun, often in places away from home which require accommodation. Whether you are the renter or the visitor of the holiday lodgings, having the property kitted out with a smart lock will ensure fewer problems with entry keys.
Is a smart lock a good idea?
Smart locks allow for convenient access to your home. Whether you want to access your own home or are renting a holiday home, smart locks remove the necessity for a physical key to open the door.
The smart lock opens the door with a signal transmitted over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth without needing a key.
Various models of smart locks are available, depending on your preference of which technology you trust the most. You can get locks that open by using your phone or a code you need to punch into a keypad. If you don’t want to ditch the key completely, there are smart locks that act as key safes mounted next to your front door that allow you to access a physical key when you punch in the correct secret code. A definite safety upgrade of “the key is hidden under the third plant under the window, counting from the left” type of scenario.
What are the benefits of smart locks?
As you allow technology to automate various functions in your home, installing smart locks is the next step to a safer, more convenient home.
There are different smart locks available on the market, and you can choose according to what you need the lock to do. For instance, you may want to keep tabs on who enters and leaves your home while you are not there.
A smart lock can record every time the door is opened or closed. Each person allowed to enter is given a specific code, and as the codes are recorded throughout the day, you will be able to see who has entered your home and how long they stay. This feature is especially helpful when you have a cleaning or dog walking service you pay for by the hour. Not only does it prevent those service companies from overcharging you, but it also provides peace of mind that your home has been cleaned and your dog has had his walk.
A smart lock allows you to open and close your home remotely. If you have visitors renting out your holiday property, it saves them the inconvenience of picking up and looking after a physical key. A simple code you send to their phone can open the door and allow them access to come and go throughout their stay.
Smart key technology has made our homes more secure and easier to enter. The various smart locks available are relatively easy to install, but to be sure that the installation is done professionally, it is a good idea to consult your locksmith.
Artie’s Lock and Key locksmith services are always ready to help if you need a new smart lock installation or need to sort out some issues with your existing smart lock. Call us at (703) 273-2177, or visit Artie’s Lock and Key, 11204 Lee Hwy Fairfax, VA 22030.
As the holiday season approaches, it is now more necessary than ever to figure out the best ways to keep your home safe and secure. Many people travel during the holiday season, as such, this means your home might be unattended. There are tons of ways to make sure your home is safe and secure this holiday season, and we are here to help.
How Do I Prepare my House for the Holidays?
One of the best things that you can do is make sure that you are not putting your travel plans up so that just anyone can see them. Putting your plans online can give burglars an insight into when your home is unattended and when the best time to strike might be. Another great tip is to let your neighbors know if you are leaving for a trip. By letting them know when you are going to be gone and who might come by your home while you are gone, they can help keep an eye out for suspicious behavior.
You also want to be sure you are hiding your packages and gifts that might be left out. If you have a mailman that is going to be dropping off packages you want to ensure that you are either having them delivered to the back of your home or out of sight so that people that want to steal them off your porch cannot see them.
How Can I Increase Safety in My House?
When it comes to the safety of your home as a whole, you first want to check your furnace and chimney. You will likely switch on the heat or use the fireplace, so making sure that both are in good shape and safe to use is a must. If you have a chimney that needs to be cleaned, it should be taken care of before you start using it. Your furnace should also be serviced to help prevent fire and to ensure that it is going to work properly this winter.
You also need to make sure you inspect your Christmas lights and take down any that pose a fire hazard. Lights that have frayed plugs or cords, lights that are very old, or lights that are not working properly should be taken down and replaced. If you notice that any lights are getting hot or that you smell an electrical smell, you should take your lights down and inspect them thoroughly.
Your home is a huge part of your life and keeping it safe is a must. During the holidays it can be easy to forget things. Taking the time to check all the boxes and make sure your home is safe can help make this holiday season safer than ever before.
Are there different types of home security systems? Yes, many different types of home security systems are available on the market today. Which one is right for you will depend on several factors, including your budget, home layout, and personal security needs.
Let’s dive further into the different types of home security systems available to homeowners.
What Are the Different Types of Home Security Systems?
Today, you have several options to choose from when you want to protect your home.
Wired Security Systems
Wired home security systems are the most traditional type of system. They require running wires throughout the home to connect the various components of the system.
While this can be a bit of an undertaking during installation, wired systems are very reliable and tend to have fewer false alarms than their wireless counterparts.
Wireless Security Systems
Wireless security systems are becoming increasingly popular, as they are much easier to install and can be easily expanded. As the name implies, wireless systems don’t require wiring, making them ideal for homes that are difficult to wire or for homeowners who don’t want to deal with the mess and expense of running wires.
While wireless systems are convenient, they can be more vulnerable to false alarms and signal interference.
Self-Monitored Security Systems
Self-monitored security systems are exactly what they sound like — you are in charge of monitoring the system yourself. With a self-monitoring system, there is no monthly fee, and you will be responsible for any costs associated with false alarms.
Self-monitoring can be a great option if you are comfortable taking on the responsibility of monitoring your own home security system. Just be sure to stay on top of things and keep your system up-to-date.
Professionally Monitored Security Systems
Professionally monitored security systems are the most common type of home security system. With a professional monitoring service, you will have someone to keep an eye on your system 24/7.
If there is an alarm, the monitoring center will be notified and will contact you (or the authorities, if you’re not home) to make sure everything is okay. Professional monitoring services can be a great peace of mind, especially if you travel frequently or are often away from home.
You Have Many Home Security Options
Choosing the right home security system can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. By taking the time to assess your needs and do some research, you can find the perfect system for your home. And don’t forget, the best home security system is the one that you actually use. So make sure to choose a system that is easy for you to use and keep up with.
Home security systems have come a long way in the last several years. Today, you can secure your home and keep a visible watch over it even when you are away. Voice activation locks make it super convenient to manage your security even when your hands are not free. No doubt, our smart security systems far surpass old-fashioned systems. However, there are still some vulnerabilities to these systems that older systems simply did not encounter.
Smart systems are at risk of being hacked. Understanding where the vulnerabilities lie and how to safeguard against them will help you keep your home secured and safe 24/7.
Can My Home Security System Be Hacked?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes. Any type of smart device that is connected to the internet can in theory be hacked. However, the chances of your system actually being hacked are very slim. These chances are even further decreased if your security company has digital security best practices in place.
What Makes a Home Security System Easy to Hack?
You should understand that all systems are not equally vulnerable to hacking. There are certain factors that would make a system easier to hack than another system. Some of these factors are things you can control and some are things you cannot control. Let’s look at a few of these factors.
Missing or weak passwords. The passwords for a security system should be long and complicated. Although many people like to avoid using long, complicated passwords because they are difficult to remember, this is exactly what you want when it comes to your home’s security system. If you do not make the effort to create a secure password, you are creating a vulnerability for your system.
Missing authentication. A truly strong security system will have two-factor authentication. This means that along with a secure password, there will also be another authentication step that will further secure the system. This could be a passcode sent to connected devices or even fingerprints or facial recognition. A two-step authentication process is a good way to further secure your home.
Data breaches. A data breach at the company your system is run through could also create a vulnerability. If this happens, companies are required to inform you quickly so that you can create new authentication for your system.
Types of Hacking
There are different types of hacking that can take place. Hacking can include:
Blocking access
Gaining access through another device
Collecting data
Note that not all security system hacking is directly connected to gaining access to your home. Hackers may be even more interested in accessing your personal information or payment information through the company.
How Hacking Happens
Hacking can take place through a few different methods as well.
Phishing. Phishing is a type of account in which phony emails are sent to you requesting your authentication credentials. The email will appear to be legitimate but there will be small differences that can tip you off. Any time you receive a communication asking for authentication credentials, be sure to double-check the source of the email before responding.
Programing Hacking. This requires a hacker to gain full access to the system and is much harder to accomplish. This type of hack, however, can be more devastating as it pertains to data breaches.
