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Home Security Tips

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According to the FBI’s there were over 1 million home burglaries reported in 2015. That’s a rate of one burglary for every 134 homes making home security more important than ever. At the most basic level, making your home more secure is preventing a would-be burglar from entering your home. This can be accomplished by following a few basic rules and by employing security solutions that are effective and realistic. We’ve compiled a few tips to help guide you on your path to a more safe and secure home. Securing Exterior Doors Securing Windows Garage Doors Make Your Home Look Occupied Keep Burglars at a Distance Securing Exterior Doors Exterior doors are the most used point of entry for burglars. There are several points of potential weakness on a typical door such as: the handle and lockset, hinges and their mounting screws, strength of the door itself, and the door jamb or frame. Sliding patio doors and French doors present a whole new set of weaknesses. H...

Confirmed: 2 Billion Records Exposed In Massive Smart Home Device Breach

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Davey Winder  Senior Contributor Cybersecurity I report and analyse breaking cybersecurity and privacy stories  A team of self-styled “hacktivist” security researchers, with an impressive track record of exposing breach after breach as part of a web-mapping project that searches for vulnerabilities within online databases, has disclosed one of the biggest to date. The researchers in question, Noam Rotem and Ran Locar from vpnMentor, found that a user database belonging to a Chinese company called Orvibo, which runs an Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, had been left exposed to the Internet without any password to protect it. So far, so appalling. But it gets even worse when you discover that the database includes more than 2 billion logs containing everything from user passwords to account reset codes and even a “smart” camera recorded conversation. Who is Orvibo? Orvibo is a Chinese company based in Shenzhen, from where it operates a smart ...

Smart home security: 10 hacks to protect your home from hackers

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By Paul Walton March 13, 2019 Internet Did you hear about the FaceTime bug that allowed users to eavesdrop on one another? How about the US family convinced by their Nest Camera that a nuclear attack was imminent? IoT devices are now a top target for brazen cyber criminals eager to take advantage of anything in order to get their hands on someone else’s personal details. Yet despite the dramatic headlines, there’s no need to unplug altogether. Instead, there are several simple and easy hacks that you can do to add an extra layer of security to your smart home devices. Here’s our top 10 tips on how: Smart homes at greater security risk than ever Protecting your data in the age of smart homes 6 ways to secure your home Wi-Fi 1. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) For most devices, there is usually an option to set up 2FA. With 2FA you’re asked to enter a secondary form of verification after submitting your username and password. This second layer of security...

How to Protect Your Smart Home From Security Vulnerabilities

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October 9, 2018 | By Patrick Sinclair, All Home Robotics While the use of smart home devices is on the rise, experts predict there will be over 20 billion connected devices in the world by 2020, with more than half of them being in our homes, according to Gartner, Inc. If you think about it, it’s not hard to envision. How many smart devices are in your home? Smart assistant? Yep. Smart thermostat? Check. Smart lights? Of course.  When we talk about smart home devices, we often refer to them as IoT, or Internet of Things. IoT devices are essentially any device that connects to the Internet, such as smart thermostats, cameras and locks. Unfortunately, IoT users may potentially face security vulnerabilities — from a lack of authorization to privacy concerns. These vulnerabilities exist in a wide range of devices as well, from children’s toys to smart appliances and security alarms. The best thing you can do is ...

Beyond Novelty: Smart Homes for Safety, Security, and Personal Well-Being

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By Special Guest Christy Matte, Special Correspondent / September 18, 2018 Smart home technology is on the rise, both in terms of product availability and popularity. But, much like other new tech developments, many people perceive it as a frivolous add-on or a luxury option. In truth, smart home tech offers quite a few benefits, even beyond saving money. Caregiving and Independence For those who have children, aging parents, or disabled family members in their care, smart home technology can provide peace of mind. Voice-activated devices – Voice-activated devices allow those with disabilities or health issues to control household devices even when they’re out of reach. Likewise, someone who is fallen and can’t get to a phone can make phone calls or connect with family using voice commands. Video intercom systems – Video intercoms (some with voice activation), can connect family members who aren’t in the same room, or even in the same house. You can check in...

Emergency Locksmith in Park Ridge

We all dislike locksmith emergencies, so it’s best to end them quickly before they get out of hand. One great way to do this is to call on a fast responding emergency locksmith in Park Ridge, IL that can expertly service your locks, keys and hardware at any time of day or night. Park Ridge Locksmith is no stranger to emergencies – we respond to them 24/7, even during holidays! Just call our live response operators and tell them where you are and what the problem is. It really is as simple as that! Call Us Now: (847) 915-4839 When should you call Park Ridge Locksmith for emergency help? Anytime you feel that the situation calls for it! If the situation puts your safety at risk, you need to call our locksmiths right away. We are here to help 24/7, so you will always find somebody to talk to. Here are a few examples of situations that require our intervention: Lost keys or stolen keys Lock failure due to crime or weather Stuck locks Break-in damage Lo...

5 Different Types Of Personal Alarm Systems To Ensure Your And Your Family’s Safety

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Alarm systems are becoming more and more important in today’s world. Whether they are guarding you against break-ins or helping the elderly when they fall, personal alarm systems are something that everyone can use. This article explores five personal alarm systems and how they will help your family stay safe. A Wearable Alarm with Emergency Calling The first alarm system we are going to look at is called the  Lifeline Vi Alarm Unit . This unit not only has a home base unit, but it also has a panic button that you can wear on your person. This alarm has many features including a loudspeaker, a microphone, a button to cancel an emergency call if you accidentally hit your emergency call button, and a backup battery with a 40-hour battery life. The awesome thing about this alarm is that there is always someone there to help you 24/7, whether they are just calling your family or they have to alert emergency personnel. The next alarm is call...