Security Tips

Top Ways to Avoid Digital Dangers During Summer Travel

Friday, May 10th, 2013

 

shutterstock_97358942.jpgI can feel it, can’t you?  For some of you lucky folks, that might also mean you have some family travel coming up for Summer Break. Whether you’re headed for beach fun, snow slopes or a city break – and whether you’re going with friends, family or on your own – a little research and some preparation can make traveling with your technology a breeze.

 

For me and for my family, we’re packing a lot more technology than ever before. We have our smartphones and tablets, music players and laptops, camera memory cards and portable Wi-Fi routers. Yeesh! And I hate to pack them in suitcases where they might not make it to our destination at the same time as us, so my carry-on bag is quite heavy! But, it’s a burden well worth bearing as technology can make life on the road much more enjoyable for everyone — it’s proven to be useful so many times.

 

For example, we’ve snagged reservations to museum exhibits via online systems that would have been tricky without translation programs and high-speed connections. We use online check-in and electronic boarding passes on our phones to simplify airline travel. And our children can be completely occupied and entertained on long flights with videos, films and books they download to their devices.

 

shutterstock_55858828.jpgRecently, we rented apartments during a family vacation in Italy – allowing us to stay in city centers, use local transportation and save a lot of money. We were also able to pick up a local SIM card for my portable router, enabling all the family devices to share a low-cost and password-protected Internet connection for a fraction of hotel Internet fees.

 

It also gave us the ability to set up our own Wi-Fi network helped my family avoid using public Wi-Fi hotspots, a notoriously low-security way to get online when you travel – one of the many digital dangers people unwittingly face when they travel.

 

Here are several other digital dangers to look out for and some tips to stay safe for maximum travel fun:

 

  • Be wary of email or social networking scams offering free airline tickets and hotel discounts, phishing emails around frequent flyer mileage, or offers for discounted excursions. Also, look for “trust seals” like the Norton Secured seal verifying the site’s security before making your purchases.
  • Consider a portable router to create your own Wi-Fi hotspot for your family’s devices. Many popular models allow up to five devices on one secured connection. You’ll need a local SIM data card, usually available from an airport kiosk.
  • Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi, whether in an airport or local café. According to the 2012 Norton Cybercrime report, over two-thirds of online adults use free or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Hackers can spy on your connection, capturing your login details and any credit card info you type in. So when you are using public Wi-Fi, keep your information safe by using personal protection like Norton Hotspot Privacy – which keeps your signal safe and anonymous. Or, wait until you’re on a private network before conducting any potentially sensitive activities online.shutterstock_100995364.jpg
  • Maximize your smart phone’s charge by turning off services you don’t need like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and data roaming. Disable or remove apps you won’t be using that might be pinging the server unnecessarily, causing you to pay for data costs and running your battery down.
  • As you travel, don’t leave anything behind. I’ve found iPads in airline seat pockets. Use bright colored device covers, attach ribbons or other attention getting items. Make sure all devices are labeled with your name and secured with a password. Install security software like Norton 360 Multi-Device before you hit the road, so if your device is lost or stolen, you can remotely locate and temporarily lock it to prevent anyone from accessing it.
  • Checking in via your smartphone? Take a screen capture of the boarding pass to avoid having to reload it when you’re in the queue. I’ve had trouble getting a good phone connection in the airport and having it saved as an image is a lifesaver! And multiple family members on the same flight means you’ll swipe from image to image easily!
  • Using social media when you travel can be a great way to share your family’s adventure. But remember, checking in or posting photos can alert someone with bad intentions that your house is vacant. Make sure you set your house alarm, hire a house sitter or delay those posts until you are safely back at home.
  • For those on college Summer Break, review your social media privacy settings. Don’t let anyone post to your account or tag you without your consent in all those cra-a-a-azy photos and videos.

 

Wishing my readers a safe and relaxing Summer!

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Security Tips- Using Electronic Devices and Staying Safe

Tuesday, April 30th, 2013

EMC Security would like to remind customers to be mindful of how useful electronic tools can be used to put your safety at risk.  New and emerging technologies and devices can make our lives easier at times, but can also put our lives and safety at risk.  Perpetrators can and will use these devices to their advantage.  These scenarios and tips below gives us something to think about with all our new electronic technology.

1. Registration and Insurance Cards

Some people left their car in the long-term parking at San Jose while away, and someone broke into the car. Using the information on the car’s registration in the glove compartment, they drove the car to the people’s home in Pebble Beach and robbed it. So I guess if we are going to leave the car in long-term parking, we should NOT leave the registration/insurance cards in it, nor your remote garage door opener.

2. GPS Units.

Someone had their car broken into while they were at a football game.  Their car was parked on the green which was adjacent to the football stadium and specially allotted to football fans.  Things stolen from the car included a garage door remote control, some money and a GPS unit which had been prominently mounted on the dashboard.  When the victims got home, they found that their house had been ransacked and just about everything worth anything had been stolen.  The thieves had used the GPS to guide them to the house.  They then used the garage remote control to open the garage door and gain entry to the house.  The thieves knew the owners were at the football game, they knew what time the game was scheduled to finish and so they knew how much time they had to clean out the house.  It would appear that they had brought a truck to empty the house of its contents.

Something to consider if you have a GPS – don’t put your home address in it… Put a nearby address (like a store or gas station) so you can still find your way home if you need to, but no one else would know where you live if your GPS were stolen. If you must enter your home address in it, label it something else in the unit such as Grocery Store or Library.

3. Cell Phones

Many have probably never thought of this. . . .

This lady has now changed her habit of how she lists her names on her cell phone after her handbag was stolen. Her handbag, which contained her cell phone, credit card, wallet, etc., was stolen.  20 minutes later when she called her hubby, from a pay phone telling him what had happened, hubby says ‘I received your text asking about our Pin number and I’ve replied a little while ago.’  When they rushed down to the bank, the bank staff told them all the money was already withdrawn.  The thief had actually used the stolen cell phone to text ‘hubby’ in the contact list and got hold of the pin number.  Within 20 minutes he had withdrawn all the money from their bank account.

Moral of the lesson:

a.  Do not disclose the relationship between you and the people in your contact list.  Avoid using names like Home, Honey, Hubby, Sweetheart, Dad, Mom, etc….

b.  And very importantly, when sensitive info is being asked through texts, CONFIRM by calling the person back.

c.  Also, when you’re being texted by friends or family to meet them somewhere , be sure to call back to confirm that the message came from them.  If you don’t reach them, be very careful about going places to meet ‘family and friends’ who text you.  It is so easy to assume it is them, but taking a simple extra step to confirm can mean the difference between life and death.

Please always be mindful of how some electronic devices and be used to put your security and safety at risk.  The more you know about your safety, the more you can do to protect yourself and your family!

 

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Garage Security Tips from EMC Security

Thursday, April 11th, 2013


Garages present special challenges for security. Here are some tips for keeping your garage secure.

  • If you frost or cover your garage windows, burglars won’t be able to tell if your car is gone. 
  • Keep your garage door closed and locked even when your car is not in the garage. 
  • Install a peephole in the door separating the house from the garage. If you hear suspicious sounds, you can check without opening the door. 
  • Are you worried about someone entering your house through your attached garage? If the garage door lifts on a track, a C-clamp can provide extra security since the door cannot be opened if you tighten the C-clamp on the track next to the roller.
  • You can also contact an EMC Security representative at 770-963-0305 to discuss installation options for appropriate alarm equipment to monitor your garage.

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EMC Security Customers- Security Company Scammers are in your area!

Monday, March 25th, 2013

Recently, several customers of EMC Security have contacted us to report a salesman going door-to-door in their neighborhood claiming to represent EMC Security.  The most recent customer reported that the salesman represented himself as EMC Security personnel and was there to offer an upgrade to her system.  This person also claimed that Vivint Security was working with EMC Security on upgrading customers’ security systems.  This is not true in any way.    These claims are classic scammer tactics made by other security companies who are misleading and swindling customers into unknowingly signing a contract for their services.  These individuals are usually well dressed and claim that they are offering to upgrade their security system on behalf of their current security company.  They then offer to perform the “upgrade”  for free.  They will ask the homeowner to sign an authorization to complete the installation, but what the homeowner is actually signing is a 60 month (5 year) non-cancellable contract for monitoring at $45 or more per month.   The customer will then be locked into paying the high monthly payment for the entire length of the contract with no recourse, or face severe penalty fees to get out of the contract and risk being sued by the alarm company that scammed them.

EMC Security will NEVER send anyone to a customer’s home without their prior knowledge.  Please contact EMC Security if you are approached by these scammers and call 911.  Here are some additional tips on what to do if you are approached by one of these scammers.

1. Always think safety first. If you’re home alone and don’t recognize the person, don’t open the door. If they are a legitimate company, they will leave a brochure or business card.
2. Be aware that because you have a security sign or other type of sign in your yard, you could be a target for this type of unethical selling practices.
3. Always, always check with your own security company, or other company, first. You can also ask the sales representative to wait outside while you do. If they are telling the truth, why would they mind waiting?  EMC Security will never send anyone to a customers home without their prior knowledge.
4. Scare tactics may not work on everyone but they can on our senior citizens and others who have no one to turn to for advice. If you believe this type of business practice is happening in your neighborhood, please call the police and let them know. At least there will be a record on file.
5. Finally, if there will be any offers or changes to your service you will be contacted by EMC Security. You won’t hear this information from someone who knocks at your door, and especially someone who tries to scare you.

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Why You Should Never Sign a Contract for Alarm Services!

Tuesday, March 12th, 2013

Please read this recent industry blog written on a national alarm company:

ADT sued over early termination fees by: Tess Nacelewicz, Security System News

03/06/2013

Early termination fees are pretty much standard in the security industry but now The ADT Corp. is facing a lawsuit over them, I’ve learned.

Earlier this week two law firms announced the filing of a class action lawsuit in federal court in California on behalf of ADT Home Monitoring Services customers regarding early termination fees, also termed early cancellation fees.

The law offices of Bursor & Fisher and of Jana Eisinger contend in a news release that the fees are illegal and the “lynchpin of ADT’s ‘never let them go’ strategy.”

The attorneys are urging consumers who believe they were wronged to contact them.

Here’s more from the March 4 release:
The proposed class consists of two groups of consumers: (1) all current or former consumer subscribers of ADT who have been charged an early termination fee or are subject to being charged an early termination fee (also called an Early Termination Fee or Early Cancellation Fee, collectively “ETF”, and comprising the “ETF class”); and (2) all current or former consumer subscribers of ADT whose rates were increased or are subject to increase by ADT without prior notice while in the initial contract period or during subsequent contractual extensions.

This class action is intended to redress ADT’s wrongful practice of imposing early termination fees, the lynchpin of ADT’s “never let them go” strategy. Early termination fees are unlawful penalties used simply as an anti-competitive device and do not compensate ADT for any true costs of breach. These penalties, which are unilaterally imposed by ADT – even when ADT fails to perform the services promised – also violate the consumer protection statutes of California and Illinois and similar laws nationwide.

The early termination penalty is extracted under circumstances which cannot be justified, when ADT has failed to perform the very services that form the basis of ADT’s obligation. The penalty is also extracted from customers who contracted with ADT to simply monitor a system that was previously installed, requiring no equipment to be installed and resulting in a windfall to ADT upon termination. By charging the early termination fee ADT gets paid for years of monitoring without doing any monitoring to earn those fees.

In addition, Plaintiffs seek redress for ADT’s pattern of unilaterally increasing alarm monitoring fees while consumers are under contract for lesser fees. These increases are implemented without adequate prior notice and without providing the appropriate and required disclosures necessary to ensure that customers consent to these increases in advance. ADT relies on small boilerplate text neither signed nor highlighted for customers to claim its “right” to unilaterally increase fees.

I contacted ADT and Sarah Cohn, ADT director of media relations, who responded that the company has a policy of not commenting on pending litigation. She noted however, that “termination fees are common in the industry when a company absorbs the upfront cost of the installation.”  I’ve also reached out to the lawyers involved to find out why they’re targeting ADT. Stay posted!

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EMC Security has never required our customers to sign a long term contract.  All EMC Security customers have the right to terminate service, without any termination fees or further obligation at any time, regardless of whether they installed a new system or monitoring an existing system.  EMC Security will never lock any customer into a contract and will earn your business everyday!

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Prevent Identity Theft by Securing Your Mail!

Monday, March 4th, 2013
Recently there has been an increase in the number of mail thefts in the Metro Atlanta area. Protecting your incoming and outgoing mail may seem like a hassle, but becoming an identity theft victim can be even more time-consuming, costing you hours of work to restore your good name. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes.A mail thief is someone who sees easy money in stealing mail. Mail thieves sift through incoming and outgoing mail looking for:

  • Identifying numbers, such as SSN, bank account number, medical account identification numbers
  • Passwords: Banking account online password, computer passwords
  • Names: Mother’s maiden name, all residents
  • Mailing addresses
  • Personal checks you have written to pay bills – they will alter the checks and cash them for lots of money
  • Credit cards – while they hope to find already activated cards, they are usually successful in using the 800# to activate a new card and use it for personal gain.

It is common practice in identity theft cases for thieves to submit false changes of address orders to the Postal Service. They will also call the victim’s known financial institutions to redirect mail for fraud purposes.

Ways to help prevent mail theft:

Have incoming mail delivered to a secure location (front door slot, P.O. Box or locked mailbox). The United States Postal Inspection Services strongly recommends that you pick up mail from your mailbox as soon as possible after delivery. Have your local post office hold your mail while you’re on vacation, or absent from your home for a long period of time.

Use a mailbox with a lock and keep it locked. Although not completely secure, a locked mailbox can deter a potential mail thief.

Never send cash or coins in the mail.

Whenever you are mailing checks or important personal information walk your mail into your local post office.

Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes).

Report all mail theft to your local police department.

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Severe Weather is No Match for EMC Security’s Redundant Monitoring!

Wednesday, January 30th, 2013

As severe thunderstorms and a confirmed tornado is rip through Metro-Atlanta and the North Georgia area, the nearly 40,000 EMC Security customers can rest assured knowing that monitoring of their home will continue no matter how severe the Atlanta weather.  Customers get this much needed assurance thanks to EMC Security’s exclusive Secure Path Technology that includes redundant monitoring.  The technology of redundant monitoring allows simultaneous monitoring by two monitoring stations- one station located in Suwanee, Georgia and the other station located in Gainesville, Florida.   Each monitoring station is stationed  in two completely different geographical areas for the very reason of natural disasters.   EMC Security customers are continuously, seamlessly monitored through any storm!  For more information on Secure Path technology and redundant monitoring, please contact an EMC Security representative at 770-963-0305.

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Despite Winter Storms, EMC Security Customers Remain Seamlessly Monitored.

Friday, January 25th, 2013

When winter weather storms occur, people will be standed at home, businesses will close for the day, schools and government office may close, but not EMC Security.  The EMC Security monitoring center remains unaffected by the winter weather storms through our redundant monitoring.  What does this mean to you? It means the nearly 40,000 homes and businesses the EMC Security monitors remain seamlessly monitored by two monitoring stations at the same time all the time.   Severe weather is a classic example of why redundant monitoring is key to aiding in the protection of one’s home through a security system.  Redundancy is the best option to keep our customers safe from the ravages of nature or other non-controllable events.   Additionally, it is very important that those two monitoring centers be purposely located in two geographic locations when severe weather occurs.  Not only are our nearly 40,000 customers monitored by our local monitoring center located in Suwanee, Georgia, but they are also being monitored by another monitoring center located in Gainesville, Florida at the same time, all the time 24/7. 

Using our exclusive Secure Path™ Technology, EMC Security is the only alarm company to offer redundant, local, UL Listed, and CSAA 5 Diamond Certified monitoring service.  When searching for a security company to help protect your home, please ask every company that you review if they offer local, redundant monitoring.  It could make the difference between life and death, especially during emergency related events such as the recent storms that ripped through Metro Atlanta.  Please be safe out there in this winter weather!

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Helpful Article: Reasons you need to invest in a home security system now

Monday, January 7th, 2013

Yahoo! HomesBy Kate Mulcrone | Yahoo! Homes – Fri, Dec 21, 2012 3:07 PM EST

Don’t think you need a home security system? These five reasons will change your mind.                                                                                     

Have you thought about installing a home security system, but put it off because you don’t think you really need one?

Well, before you put it off any longer, you may want to consider these facts: In 2010, there were more than two million home burglaries in the United States, over 70 percent of which took place in residential homes, reports the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  What’s more, victims of these burglaries claimed an estimated $4.6 billion in lost property, and the average dollar loss per burglary was $2,119.

With these startling statistics, investing in a home security system doesn’t seem like such a bad idea, does it?

Marshall Marinace, vice-president of the Electronic Security Association, doesn’t think so.  “The number one reason to invest in a home security system is to protect your family and assets,” says Marinace. “The simple fact of installing a security system deters crime. Your police department might not have the eyes and ears out there that they used to, especially in areas where police departments have seen big budget cuts.”

Keep reading to see why else you should invest in a home security system…

Reason #1 – To Deter Potential Crime

You might think that a crazy-loud k-9 is a great way to keep burglars away – and you wouldn’t be wrong – but studies show that investing in a home security system is a proven way to keep burglars at bay.

In fact, according to a 2010 study partially underwritten by the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation, burglars spend less than 60 seconds breaking into a home. So, anything that made a house harder to access, including home security systems, deadbolt locks, bars on windows, and pins in sash windows, acted as a deterrent.

What’s more, the Electronic Security Association’s “Home Safety Fast Facts” report, notes that 9 out of 10 burglars avoid homes with alarm systems and said if they did encounter an alarm, they would not attack the home.

The bottom line: Burglars are on the lookout for “soft targets,” so making your home more difficult to access is likely to deter a break-in.

 

Reason #2 – To Detect Smoke and Fire

So, it’s pretty obvious that a home security system can protect your home against burglary, but did you know that many security systems are also built to protect your home from a fire?

Here’s how: “A home fire alarm system is usually part of a total security system providing burglary protection in addition to fire protection,” according to the U.S. Fire Administration. “Such a system supervises doors, windows, and spaces within the home for break-in and may provide monitoring services by dialing your telephone to report a fire or intrusion to a security office, where it will be reported to your local police or fire department.”

And having a home security system that doubles as a smoke detector is extremely important, especially when you consider the latest home fire statistics.

The National Fire Prevention Association says fire departments responded to an average of 371,700 home fires in the United States each year from 2006 to 2010. Their August 2012 report on structure fires, that include any type of residential fire, found that many fires are started by cooking mishaps or “heating fires,” which are caused by central heating units, fireplaces, chimneys, water heaters, or heating stoves.

And unfortunately, these fires could do a lot of damage. According to a 2008 to 2010 U.S. Fire Administration study on heating fires, about 50,000 heating fires occur in the United States each year and result in approximately 150 deaths, 575 injuries, and $326 million in property loss.

To avoid becoming a part of this statistic, consider how a home security system could help you.

 

Reason #3 – To get a Discount on your Home Insurance

On top of being a burglar-deterrent, installing a home security system could also help lower the premium on your home insurance – and by a pretty penny at that.

In fact, “Some companies may cut your premiums by as much as 15 or 20 percent if you install a sophisticated sprinkler system and a fire and burglar alarm that rings at the police, fire or other monitoring stations,” according to a homeowner’s insurance article published by the Insurance Information Institute.

Why are home insurance companies willing to offer these huge discounts?

Think about it like this: When you install a home security system, it makes it less likely that someone will be able to break into your home, and in effect, there’s less of a chance that your insurer will have to cover your losses due to a home invasion.

Essentially, when you install a home security system, you are less of a risk for your insurer.

 

Reason #4 – To Control Your Home Remotely

Have you ever called a neighbor to ask whether you left your kitchen window open? Now there’s an app for that, in a manner of speaking.

Most home security systems can alert you – via text or e-mail – when there’s activity in your home that you want to know about, say Marinace. For example, you can get alerts every time someone enters your home, the basement light goes on, or every time your liquor cabinet opens.

Many systems even allow you to view live video feeds from your home online or on your phone, adds Marinace.

And if you’re a working parent who wants to keep tabs on when your kids come and leave the house, certain alarm systems will allow you to do just that.

Case-in-point: Marinace says that some so-called “latch key” systems will send a picture of your child returning from school to your e-mail or phone. Yes, this does sound a little like “Big Brother,” but when it comes to the safety of your home and family, it’s probably best to be overly cautious.

And if you’re worried you’ll start to get annoyed by the alerts and notifications, you’ll be happy to know that they’re completely customizable, so you can tone them down or turn them off completely.

 

Reason #5 – To Help Law Enforcement Respond Faster to Emergencies

What’s another good reason to invest in a home security system? How about this: It can actually help children or seniors get medical attention in the event of an emergency.

How so, you’re probably wondering? Well, if someone with health problems is living alone, they could carry a wireless transmitter that triggers their home security system if they need assistance, says Marinace. As with a fire, once the home security system has been triggered, emergency responders are immediately notified.

Marinace also points out that many home security systems include two-way intercoms so that when the system is triggered, you and your family members can communicate directly with the operators in case you can’t get to a phone.

And while this little detail may not sound like much, to someone with limited mobility, who many not be able to get to the phone very quickly, it could prove extremely helpful.

Think it’s time to install a security system or activate an existing system to help protect your home and family in Georgia?  Click here to have a representative contact you or call 770-963-0305 to speak with an EMC Security representative.

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Holiday Fire Prevention Tips for Your Home.

Tuesday, December 4th, 2012

Holiday Lights 

Maintain Your Holiday Lights

Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.

Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets

Do not link more than three light strands, unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch.

Do not leave holiday lights on unattended!

 

Holiday Decorations

Use Only Nonflammable Decorations

All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant and placed away from heat vents. If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Don’t Block Exits

Ensure that trees and other holiday decorations do not block an exit way. In the event of a fire, time is of the essence. A blocked entry/exit way puts you and your family at risk.

Never Put Wrapping Paper in the Fireplace

Wrapping paper in the fireplace can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.

 

Candle Care

Avoid Using Lit Candles

Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

If You Do Use Lit Candles

Make sure candles are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Keep candles at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Never leave a room or go to bed with candles burning.

Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree

Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.

Please never underestimate the power of having fire and smoke detectors as a part of your security system.  Fire and smoke monitoring is a service provided whether the customer’s security system is armed or disarmed.  For more details on how to add fire monitoring to your home, please contact an EMC Security representative at 770-963-0305.  All EMC Security customers receive fire monitoring at no additional cost.

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