How to Use Tech for a Smarter, Safer Home

When it comes to smart home security, you likely consider how to keep people out, how to let family and visitors in, and how to protect your possessions from disaster. Home automation has kept up with safety and security concerns, with many options to guard your home and your loved ones, both when you are there and when you are not. With wireless surveillance cameras, smart home door locks, and smart home lighting, your home has never been a safer place to live. These smart home security tips will show you how to keep your home safe.

Lock (or Unlock) the Doors

What's one of the oldest home security items? The humble key. But even this standby is getting a technology makeover. It’s been replaced by keyless locks that are operated via touch pads, smartphones, and Bluetooth. There is a range of new smart door lock options, including touch pads with unique codes for entry.

Other models include voice-recognition controls. Still other keyless systems will unlock your door with your smartphone and allow you to send a virtual key to guests or other visitors to grant them entry. They also allow you to see what virtual key opened the door each time so you have a record of who comes and goes. Wireless home security like this could revolutionize the way we work with repair people, delivery workers, tech installers, and more.

Keep Your Home Safe and Secure

If you're not home, you want your security system to not only deter criminals but also give the impression that you're there. Smart home control systems can help with both. You’ll find many options, including do-it-yourself installations, all-in-one products, and systems with all the bells and whistles. Forgot to close the garage door? Want to know if your basement is swimming in water? With a smart home system, you can be alerted to what’s up and can send a command for the system to take action.

Wireless home security systems can include a safety-focused lighting control system that enables you to activate fixtures remotely when you're gone or create preset controls that turn on outside lights should you hear or see something suspicious while you are at home.

Some off-the-shelf products can work with doors and windows to provide an alert if a door is left open, for example. And many professional automation and security camera installations offer monthly or subscription-based monitoring with occupancy sensors, cameras, and door opening alerts. A variety of off-the-shelf wireless home security camera systems are available both for outdoor and indoor use, with a vast array of features, including zoom, recording, facial recognition, and audio functions. And gone are the days of fuzzy footage—high-definition home security cameras are here and are better than ever.

Fully integrated home automation systems include up-to-date monitoring and home alarm systems for security breaches, carbon dioxide levels, and fire alarm activation, to name just a few. As with other safety and security home automation options, most of these are controllable via an app or Internet connection to a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Some also integrate with voice-recognition devices, such as Alexa or Google Assistant.

Keep Your Signal and Data Safe

In much the same way that they target your financial data, thieves can also hone in on smart devices to gain access to your house or personal information. Safety and security home automation options should include password protection on all devices and networks. When choosing a password, make sure you pick something easy for you to remember, but hard for a stranger to guess. You address, last name, or even the word "password" are examples of passwords you should avoid.

As you look at options, consider how not only the system or device is protecting your home, but also how it is protecting your data. As home security becomes more high-tech, more data about you, your home, and your habits is involved and shared. While a sophisticated system can make life easier and add layers of security, you’ll want to make sure your data is safe within the system and it is provided by a reputable company, committed to protecting your data against hackers or malicious use.