Tag Archive for: smart homes

Top 6 Security Trends to Watch in 2020

Cybersecurity issues now threaten personal and corporate data. And, there is no sign of hacking attacks slowing down. With more devices being connected and more information available through digital channels and devices, digital security is of utmost importance. New trends to fight security risks are emerging and here are the top ones to watch in 2020.

1. Expansion of Video Security

Traditionally one of the most useful security assets, video provides real-time coverage of incidents and emerging threats. There are really no limits here. For example, food processing plants and other manufacturing facilities will continue to use video for training, regulatory compliance, and to prevent food recalls and other issues. Video coverage of harsh environments, such as oil and gas facilities, helps reduce the need for personnel in hazardous areas.

With video data, information can be used for everything from real-time situational awareness to providing forensic coverage. Nonetheless, the increasing use of video in smart homes has given rise to privacy concerns. Security companies must have internal controls over who can access feeds. Organizations must adhere to privacy laws such as those that have been introduced by the EU, which govern the use of applications that involve the collection of video and other data on people and assets.

2. Cloud-Based Security

Developing cybersecurity protocols is critical, especially for servers, digital video recorders, IP cameras, smart sensors, and other network-connected devices connected to the cloud. This applies to organizations reliant on CRM systems such as Salesforce and home users who leverage Dropbox and other storage services.

The cloud-security platform industry is already predicted to top $460 million, as it can scale to various requirements, provide greater intelligence and protection, and reduce costs.

3. Artificial Intelligence

Taking video and data analytics to the next level, software manufacturers are beginning to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) to improve analytical capabilities. Facial recognition is one example of a technology being used to more efficiently detect potential threats. Given the vast amounts of data and growth in devices such as intelligent sensors, using AI to analyze video and other data makes sense.

4. Passwordless Authentication

Consumers have been familiar with password protection since the first Internet services became available. But new authentication methods have emerged. These include hardware tokens, biometric authentication such as fingerprint readers, and knowledge-based authentication such as security questions based on personal details.

5. Mobile Access to Security Devices

Physical security has become more dependent on mobility and this trend is expected to continue. It includes access to security devices from browsers and smartphones. There are now many mobile apps for managing video cameras and receiving automatic alerts. Permitted users can even grant or restrict access to facilities and individual access points.

6. Convergence of Physical and Digital Security

This has been discussed for decades. But tracking users throughout a building had been difficult without the technologies that exist today. The Internet of Things, modern data analytics, and cloud technologies are bringing physical and digital security closer together. Edge computing is also helping make this convergence a reality.

Let Boyd & Associates Bolster Your Security

Our business specializes in improving home and business security using the latest technologies on the market. From burglar alarm systems to alarm monitoring services, to intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance for commercial clients, we help manage all your security needs. Boyd & Associates serves clients throughout Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, and Riverside Counties. Request service online or call us at 888-248-6617 for assistance choosing security systems and services today.

Features and Benefits of Home Security Automation

In 2018, more than $5 billion was invested in U.S. smart homes, and about 15% of homes in the nation are using smart technology, according to Statista’s Digital Market Outlook.

The U.S. smart home market was forecast to top $27 billion in 2019.1

With this kind of growth, the benefits of home automation systems cannot be ignored, especially when it comes to security.

What Are Automated Home Security Systems?

Automated home security systems represent the future of connected homes. Once an automated security system is installed, you can program it, monitor your home from anywhere, and control the system remotely via a smart app. You can even link your security system to personal assistants such as Amazon Alexa, depending on the product. From watching video feeds of your front door to controlling lights and thermostats from a smartphone, to unlocking the door for guests from the office or while on the road, you have complete control over home security.

Security automation enables you to configure your security system any way you please. It lets you monitor every aspect of your home and detect and deter crime when it happens. The system can be controlled via an in-home dashboard or your smartphone.

But it’s not only about deterring crime; home fires are typically on the rise this time of year. Connect your Christmas lights, fireplace, and more to avoid situations like one of the 7,000 residential building fires in 2017 resulting in injuries, or the estimated 1,900 fires that resulted in fatalities (based on U.S. Fire Administration estimates).2

Features of a Home Automation Security System

Smart technology enhances home security because alarms, motion sensors, and control panels can all be connected. It consists of several more components than a standard security system, which incorporates an alarm, control panel, and yard signs. Some of the most important features are:

  • Smart Apps: Smartphone apps allow for full control of and access to the system. With an app, you can access a Wi-Fi-connected camera and receive notifications from it. Video feeds can be accessed on demand while you can notify law enforcement or other agencies of a problem. You can even speak over the intercom or lock/unlock the door for invited guests.
  • Energy Management: The ability to control your home thermostat or shut the lights off from your smartphone can save energy. If the kids are home by themselves, watch video feeds and send a text to remind them to close the window curtains. Sometimes, sunshine warms your home, but you don’t want to stress your cooling system with excess heat. Manage your entire HVAC system, appliances, and electrical meters from anywhere.
  • Smart Locks: These electromechanical devices provide some of the greatest benefits of home automation technology. Locked and unlocked remotely, they help monitor who enters and leaves your home and let you grant or deny access remotely. Control the lock with your smartphone or wireless key fob, or use email or SMS to send a virtual key and set a time frame during which someone can unlock the door. Even interconnect locks with security alarms and cameras, and never worry about losing your keys!
  • Smart Video: Modern Wi-Fi enabled cameras allow you to control them and view video feeds from anywhere. Smart video can be used indoors and outdoors, day and night, depending on the model. Some cameras feature motion or sound detection, so they record only when necessary (and send alerts when triggered), but some record continuously, conveniently uploading feeds to the cloud. Features to consider include video resolution, color or black-and-white video, wired or wireless systems, and field of vision.

Advantages of Smart Home Security Systems

The benefits of home automation technology are far-reaching. Some of the most significant home automation benefits you can see by upgrading to a smart security system include:

  • Safety: Home automation systems keep your family and home safe through control of lighting and appliances. If you forgot to turn something off, just do it with your smartphone. Or, turn the lights on before you get home at night.
  • Security: View the status of the front door to verify it is closed and locked. Security alerts notify you when someone enters your home; or, turn on the lights before you get there to make sure nothing is hiding in the darkness.
  • Convenience: A smartphone is something you have whenever you leave the house. Why not monitor everything from your connected device? Many tasks become automatic, so you don’t have to run home or even get up off the couch to set smart locks or turn on the lights.
  • Saves Time: Life today is very fast-paced. Time savings is one of the advantages of smart security for your home you can’t ignore. There’s no need to run home to check on things or if one of the kids forgot to close the door; just check it all from your phone.
  • Saves Money: Turning lights on/off or even dimming them remotely can save a bit of money, as can controlling window shades and adjusting automated thermostats. You also save on gas by not having to drive back home to check on what you forgot to turn off.
  • Energy Efficiency: Program appliances and systems to turn off or control them remotely. Some home automation systems provide continuous monitoring and notify you on their status and energy usage; if your home is warmer than necessary or extra lighting isn’t needed, make the appropriate adjustments to save energy.
  • Comfort: One of the most understated advantages of home automation is comfort; you can control adaptive lighting, sound, and temperature as well as play music. Even record shows on your DVR by setting it remotely. Automation allows you to control all aspects of the home environment.
  • Peace of Mind: Check on young children, or even baby monitors, or view the status of your appliances, window shades, or the garage door. Verify anything on your app without worrying about whether you remembered to close doors or turn everything off before you left.

Additional Resources

Boyd & Associates specializes in a variety of systems and services to improve home security and automation. Customers in Southern California depend on us for quality:

Contact Boyd & Associates

We have been providing full security and alarm services in Los Angeles County, Orange County, Ventura County, and Riverside County since 1967. Our business has specialized in advanced surveillance systems since the 1990s and has been at the forefront of home security automation. Today, we offer state-of-the-art products installed and serviced by trained professionals. To learn more and enjoy the advantages of home automation, plus the security and other benefits it has, call our sales team at 888-478-1543 or request a quote online today.

 

Sources:
  1. https://www.pcmag.com/news/367137/the-us-is-the-undisputed-leader-in-smart-homes / https://www.statista.com/outlook/279/100/smart-home/worldwide
  2. https://www.usfa.fema.gov/data/