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Month: February 2021
What to Expect from EMC Security This Year
As with most important electronic products, giving your alarm occasional “check-ups” goes a long way.
Based on the length of service, click below for a list to make sure things continue to work properly down the road.
Choose how long you’ve been a customer from the images below:
Is It Time to Upgrade Your Security System?
Most homeowners experience excitement when installing their first home security system but as time goes on, they tend to overlook the evolution of truth – in order for home security to be and remain efficient, they need to be upgraded every so often.Nevertheless, some homeowners keep their same security systems for decades and tend to think as long as it functions, there’s no need for a new one. In some ways, you could argue that they have a point, right? As the old adage goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. But if there’s anything that life has taught us all it is that change is inevitable, which is why it’s important to consider essential options to raise the efficiency of your home security system by upgrading.
One of the biggest threats for any homeowner with an older security system is that most of them still rely on a landline in order for them to work properly. Savvy burglars can easily disable the entire unity by severing the line, thereby leaving your entire house unprotected. Upgrading to a modern home security system would bring your home security up-to-date and make it independent from the landline by using wireless monitoring via cell towers instead.
In addition to making your home safer, newer security systems provide unparalleled convenience compared to their predecessors.
For example, upgrading an older alarm panel board will allow you remote access to your home security system via smartphone.
Even small things like keypads can be upgraded to a whole new level. Say goodbye to those plain rubbery buttons and exchange them with new features like fully colored touch screens, date, time, and even weather forecast.
Cameras are also a popular addition to a security system. Add a video doorbell or few cameras around the house and never wonder what’s happening again.
Security System Upgrade with EMC Security
Ready to take the plunge into the latest advances in home security? Contact EMC Security to schedule a visit from one of our technicians or shop our line of smart home security devices by visiting us online.
3 Ways to Use smart Home Technology for Pets
For many Americans, pets are not simply viewed as animals but rather family members instead. Our cuddly friends deserve all a world of love, and technology makes caring for them easier and better than ever. In the same ways that smart home technology improves our lives, it can also improve the day-to-day life of our four-legged friends. Although smart home technology was invented to make life more convenient for humans — there are some practical benefits for your precious little wonders that can help you keep an eye on your pet when you’re away, and provide them a safe, fun, and clean environment.
Here are the 3 best ways to use EMC Security’s smart home technology to make life sweeter for pets:
1) Use the EMC Security smart camera to keep an eye on them while you’re away from home. Make use of the camera’s two-way voice communication to make them feel like you’re there with them.
2) Monitor, automate or adjust the room temperature to keep them comfortable year-round.
3) Sure — cats and dogs can see well in darkness but that doesn’t necessarily mean they like it. Use motion sensors to trigger lights in their eating areas at night, and schedule lights to come on after dark on nights when you’ll be home late.
Our pets would do anything for us, so it’s our job to care for them the best we can. EMC Security’s high-tech, pet-friendly home devices can help keep your best buddy happy, relieve boredom, and make your life just a little bit easier.
7 Things To Do If Your Identity Is Stolen
Each year, millions of Americans fall victims to identity theft, resulting in loss of money, but also a huge consumption amount of time and energy on their behalf.
So what should you do if your identity gets stolen? Here are 5 simple things you can do to reduce the damage.
File Reports
You will need to file two reports to the officials — one with the Federal Trade Commission and one with your local police department. The FTC does not have the ability to pursue criminals but law enforcement agencies like the FBI use information collected by the FTC. So this is an important step in helping protect others from criminal activity. Then, file a report with your local police department. Filing a report will likely not assist the police in the event your identity was stolen online, but it does protect you.
Begin a paper trail
Once you’ve verified your information has been compromised, take an account all of the steps you’ve taken in an attempt to clear your name. This includes noting emails/phone calls by date, time, contact, and resolution status. Mail documents with a return receipt request so you have a record of those transactions. Some types of fraud have a timeframe for reporting, so create a calendar to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines.
Tighten security on your accounts
Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your passwords often and never using the same passwords or variations of a single password for all sites. Using a password manager is a great way to generate passwords that cannot be easily guessed and save them so that you do not need to remember each one. You can also invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your web browsing while on public WiFi. If you really want to protect yourself, shred documents with your personal information and invest in a home security system like Scout Alarm. Also delete any personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and birthdays off of public profiles on social media and other sites.
Contact Credit Reporting Agencies
Contact one of the three major Credit Reporting Agencies: Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion. It does not matter which agency you choose because any agency is required to contact the other two and share information. However, it doesn’t hurt to contact all three since that will place them on alert as soon as possible. When you contact them, you’ll want to request a fraud alert. This alert, which lasts one year, will make it more challenging to open new accounts using your information.
Consider a credit freeze
For maximum protection, you may want to put a freeze on your credit, which means potential creditors can’t get your credit report and no new accounts can be opened in your name. Putting a credit freeze in place doesn’t impact your credit score, and this simple identity theft tip can block identity thieves more effectively.
Review your Credit Reports
After placing the fraud alert but before freezing your credit, you need to obtain copies of your credit report. Looking at all three reports is a good way to make sure you are not missing anything important since each agency’s report can be different. Go over any accounts or transactions you do not recognize. There many websites that promise free credit reports but the official site to request them is AnnualCreditReport.com. You should also scan credit card and bank statements for other unauthorized charges
Tighten security on your accounts
Cybersecurity experts recommend changing your passwords often and never using the same passwords or variations of a single password for all sites. Using a password manager is a great way to generate passwords that cannot be easily guessed and save them so that you do not need to remember each one. You can also invest in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your web browsing while on public WiFi. If you really want to protect yourself, shred documents with your personal information and invest in a home security system like Scout Alarm. Also delete any personal information, such as addresses, phone numbers, and birthdays off of public profiles on social media and other sites.
Additional Things to Do If Your Identity is Stolen
Now that you know the basics of what to do if your identity is stolen, it’s a good idea to implement some additional safeguard in your daily routine such as: using cash rather than credit cards, only giving your social security number when necessary, and 2-way factor authentication on your social media accounts.
Finally, to help avoid future theft, you should ramp up protection. Hackers have been known to retarget the same victims, so getting hit once doesn’t grant you immunity from future theft. Follow these tips. Remember, having your identity stolen is a serious security breach, but you can recover and come back stronger than ever.
