Category: Security-Cameras

Contrary to what some may think, EMC Security cameras are not a part of your monitored security system. The video is not accessible by EMC Security employees or anyone other than you and those you assign access with a password. Please keep your password in a safe location and change it frequently.

Below are ways to ensure your cameras are safe from hackers:

1. Purchase cameras from a company you trust. EMC Security offers camera technology that employs multiple security techniques at different layers of our network(s) and ecosystem to maintain the integrity of services, such as:

• • The devices do not have an external addressable/reachable interface from the Internet and are accessible only via a private network that is extended into and through a cellular carrier.
  • All information between the communicators to and through the service platform is encrypted using either 128 or 256-bit encryption keys.
  • Data traversing the cellular network is segregated (private) within the carrier traffic group and is routed via VPN connection to the network and service platform.
  • The devices attach to a mesh network where traffic is decrypted, analyzed, and routed accordingly.
  • We employ both industry standard and proprietary mechanisms (firewalls, proxies, port redirects, secure ports and sockets, etc.) to isolate traffic and/or data from public networks at the physical and logical network boundaries and demarcations.
  • Additionally, EMC Security offers personalized service with professionally trained security consultants and technicians that coach and counsel customers through the sales and installation process. This will help them prevent hacking.

2. Change your password. In many cases, hacks are indeed a result of poor management on the part of the user. One of the biggest things you can do to prevent home security camera hacks is to educate yourself about malware, password security, and Wi-Fi network security. And change your password. Frequently.

3. Instead of giving your Wi-Fi password to friends and guests in your home, create a “guest” network. This way, no one but you will have access to your computers or personal data. Many Wi-Fi routers allow you to configure a guest access for this purpose.

4. Never use the same password across different accounts. Many of us are guilty of this because of the convenience. If your security camera password the same as your email, Facebook, or online banking password, you’re greatly increasing your risk of a security breach. For your security camera (and all of your accounts), use a password that’s different from the one you use for any other account. View more tips.

• • Use 12 characters minimum.
  • Avoid any personal info in your password, like birthdays, kids’ names, anniversaries, etc.
  • Your password should be completely random.
  • Include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.

5. If available, always use two-factor or a biometric authentication to secure your account. When two of these factors are required for authentication, the security becomes much more entrenched, making it more difficult to hack. EMC Security’s cameras use biometric authentication for viewing video on the mobile app.

6. Consider using a secure password manager such as LastPass (offers free credit monitoring, two-factor authentication, a password generator, and a secure master password). These programs use a digital vault that lock up your passwords and other login credentials. The information is also stored on remote servers and encrypted on a local machine so there’s no way for a middle-man to compromise your credentials.

7. Double-check who has access to your cameras. Your video app has a location where you can check all users on your account. If you have questions, give us a call.

Security cameras are the most popular form of home security. There are many to choose from so it’s important to know where to place your cameras for optimal protection (and ease of use).

OUTSIDE CAMERAS:

By the Front Door

Whether you have a doorbell camera at eye-level, or an outdoor camera mounted above the door-frame, having a security camera near your front door allows you to:

• See when the kids get home from school
• Tell if that person at the door is a solicitor, a neighbor, a friend, or someone you just don’t want to talk to
• Keep an eye on your packages to make sure they arrive on time and safe
• And get a headstart on the dogs when you have visitors

By the Back or Side Door

Especially if your back entrance faces the woods, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s going on behind your house. After all, a woody backyard makes the perfect cover for someone trying to break into your home unseen. You can also watch what the kids or pets are up to from a much more comfortable location, like your couch.

On the Gate or Fence-Line

If your property is gated, and especially if your fence-line is out of sight of the house itself, posting a camera on or near the main and side entrances will ensure that you and EMC Security can see your whole yard, including where intruders are likely to enter. And in the case of an emergency like a fallen tree, wildfire, or other unexpected damage, you’ll be able to spot the danger before it causes serious harm.

In First Floor Windows

Windows on the ground floor are one of the most common entrances for burglars, so a visible security camera will go a long way in deterring criminals…and catching them if they do attempt to break in.

Up High

Wherever you place your cameras outside your house, try to mount them at least 10 feet above ground level. That way, they will be much harder for burglars to tamper with, disable, or cover up.

INSIDE CAMERAS:

In the Foyer

Even if you have outdoor security cameras, having an extra set of eyes in the entrance to your home will let you see who comes in, when, and what they do when they get there.

In the Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home, and that makes it the perfect place for you to place an indoor camera to watch the comings and goings of your house. Children, spouses, pets, and criminals will all pass through here at some point or another.

In the Garage

If you don’t have a door sensor on your garage entrance, it is especially crucial that you keep an eye on the area. Plus, your garage houses what is likely your most expensive possession: your car.

Facing Medicine and Liquor Cabinets

Prescription drug theft is extremely common in not just burglaries, but also friend and family theft. In fact, medicine cabinets are overwhelmingly more likely to be raided by someone you know than a stranger. That’s why it’s important to have all drugs, whether over-the-counter or prescription, securely locked away and monitored. The same is true for alcohol.

Facing Basement Stairs

Because basement entrances and windows are often not as well maintained or secured as the rest of the house, basements can be the perfect entry point for a would-be criminal.

To learn more about purchasing security cameras for your home, visit this page or talk to an EMC Security Customer Representative at 770-963-0305.

Statistics show that 83% of burglars determine if a home has a security camera before attempting to break-in.

In addition to deterring would-be criminals, security cameras also provide homeowners the convenience of being able to monitored your home at any time, from anywhere. Want to make sure the kids made it home from school? Check your app to see your kids arriving home safely. Want to keep an eye on your home when you’re away on vacation? Peek at your security footage whenever you feel the need.

When deciding on whether or not to opt for security cameras, most customers have questions related to how they actually work and which one will fit their specific needs.

We’ve compiled a few of the most common questions to help you understand all of your home security options.

What types of security cameras are there?

EMC offers three types of security cameras: indoor and outdoor WiFi cameras, doorbell video cameras, and Flir DVR/NVR camera solutions.

Indoor and Outdoor WiFi Security Cameras:

Indoor and outdoor cameras seamlessly integrate with your security system and the latest in smart-home technology through the Alarm.com mobile app.

Doorbell Video Cameras:

Video doorbells allow you to see, hear, and speak to anyone at your door whether you’re in your kitchen or across town. Connect your doorbell camera to your security app and control your camera, security, and other automated features such as locks, lights, and thermostat.

DVR/NVR Camera Solutions:

If your needs require a more vigorous home surveillance camera system, DVR cameras are among the most dependable cameras on the market, designed for those who want to keep an eye on things with exceptional, high-definition live streaming video and on-site storage.

Are security companies monitoring my security camera footage?

Cameras are self-monitored. EMC Securitydoes nothave access to your cameras or video accounts, so we do not monitor your video camera footage. Video cameras record the footage and send you, the user, a notification and video clip. You can then go to the camera app to view live footage.

Where are the best places to put security cameras?

When deciding the best locations to place your security cameras, it’s important to take a walk around your home with your security goals in mind. Consider the places a potential intruder could enter your home: windows, doors, garage door, or even through the basement. Also consider placing them out of reach. Some recommended places include:

Front Door: An estimated34% of all burglars enter your home through the front door.

Back Door:22% of burglars enter through the back door.

Basement Stairs: Most basements are accessible through small windows that are large enough for a person to enter through.

Off-street Windows:23% of burglars enter through a first floor window.

How is my security footage stored?

Video clips are stored on the Cloud and are accessed via your mobile app. Subscribe to EMC Security’s Video Service for $5 for the first camera and just $1 per additional camera.

Can I monitor my security cameras from my phone?

Yes! Receive alerts and clips of motion detected, and control your alarm system, lights, locks, and thermostats.

Will I be contacted if the security cameras detect anything?

Yes, you can program your system to send instant video clips from home of what matters most to you, from alarm activity to your children coming home from school or a package being delivered.

To learn more about EMC’s security camera options, give us a call today at 770.963.0305.

Security cameras are the most popular form of home security. There are many to choose from so it’s important to know where to place your cameras for optimal protection (and ease of use).

OUTSIDE CAMERAS:

By the Front Door

Whether you have a doorbell camera at eye-level, or an outdoor camera mounted above the door-frame, having a security camera near your front door allows you to:

• See when the kids get home from school
• Tell if that person at the door is a solicitor, a neighbor, a friend, or someone you just don’t want to talk to
• Keep an eye on your packages to make sure they arrive on time and safe
• And get a headstart on the dogs when you have visitors

By the Back or Side Door

Especially if your back entrance faces the woods, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s going on behind your house. After all, a woody backyard makes the perfect cover for someone trying to break into your home unseen. You can also watch what the kids or pets are up to from a much more comfortable location, like your couch.

On the Gate or Fence-Line

If your property is gated, and especially if your fence-line is out of sight of the house itself, posting a camera on or near the main and side entrances will ensure that you and EMC Security can see your whole yard, including where intruders are likely to enter. And in the case of an emergency like a fallen tree, wildfire, or other unexpected damage, you’ll be able to spot the danger before it causes serious harm.

In First Floor Windows

Windows on the ground floor are one of the most common entrances for burglars, so a visible security camera will go a long way in deterring criminals…and catching them if they do attempt to break in.

Up High

Wherever you place your cameras outside your house, try to mount them at least 10 feet above ground level. That way, they will be much harder for burglars to tamper with, disable, or cover up.

INSIDE CAMERAS:

In the Foyer

Even if you have outdoor security cameras, having an extra set of eyes in the entrance to your home will let you see who comes in, when, and what they do when they get there.

In the Living Room

The living room is the heart of the home, and that makes it the perfect place for you to place an indoor camera to watch the comings and goings of your house. Children, spouses, pets, and criminals will all pass through here at some point or another.

In the Garage

If you don’t have a door sensor on your garage entrance, it is especially crucial that you keep an eye on the area. Plus, your garage houses what is likely your most expensive possession: your car.

Facing Medicine and Liquor Cabinets

Prescription drug theft is extremely common in not just burglaries, but also friend and family theft. In fact, medicine cabinets are overwhelmingly more likely to be raided by someone you know than a stranger. That’s why it’s important to have all drugs, whether over-the-counter or prescription, securely locked away and monitored. The same is true for alcohol.

Facing Basement Stairs

Because basement entrances and windows are often not as well maintained or secured as the rest of the house, basements can be the perfect entry point for a would-be criminal.

To learn more about purchasing security cameras for your home, visit this page or talk to an EMC Security Customer Representative at 770-963-0305.

Thinking about a video doorbell for a loved one?

You’re not alone. This type of video camera is one of the most popular smart-home products of the year. The reason why is because it’s a doorbell, a video camera, and a two-way communications device all wrapped into one.

5 Really Useful Things You Can Do With a Video Doorbell

1. Answer the door from anywhere in the world

• When a visitor rings yourvideo doorbell, it chimes like an ordinary doorbell but you also get an alert on your smartphone app.
• Tap the alert and you’ll see a live video stream of your visitor. They can’t see you but you can see them, and you can have a conversation using the doorbell’s two-way audio feature.

2. Secure a delivered package

• Have you ever experienced the anxiety of having a valuable package being left on your porch when you’re not there? With a video doorbell installed as part of your smart home security system, you won’t need to worry.
• When the delivery driver rings the bell, you can ask them to leave the package inside, unlocking your front door with thesmart lockand disarming your security system all through one app. No smart-locks? You can still instruct the delivery person to place the package in a different location or ask a friend to claim it.

3. Catch a suspicious person in the act

• A video doorbell is actually a complete security camera, able to capture motion-triggered clips, alert you, and store your clips for later viewing.
• It’s a great way to keep an eye on activity around your porch and driveway, which are the busiest areas on your property.
• Should your camera catch something —a suspicious caller or a package thief, you’ll find it easy to download the clip and share it with your local police department.

4. Keep up with the kids

• You can use your video doorbell as a tool for peace of mind. For example, your doorbell camera can send you a daily video alert when your kids arrive home from school.
• Kids also enjoy using video doorbells as a one-way ‘FaceTime’ device, ringing the bell when you’re at work to say hello and give you a wave.

5. Sleep undisturbed

• Naptime is the worst time imaginable for a loud doorbell to chime through your home. Simply put your video doorbell in ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode which switches the chime off, but still sends you a text alert when a visitor rings the bell. Then just open your app, see who’s there, and decide whether to answer or not.

Give EMC Security a call to order your video doorbell at 770-963-0305 today – OR order online right now for just $149.

60% of burglars would consider the presence of security cameras when selecting a target, and more than 40% said that cameras are a factor in choosing another target.

Law abiding people don’t tend to consider the mind of a burglar. But the fact is, most thieves know more about home security than the averagehome owner. So it’s important to know the best place to put a security camera so they skip your home and move on, away from your property. Learn more from the video below.

Front Door

• Because most burglars try the front door first, installing a security camera here is a great way to deter them before they try to get in.
• Place your camera above the door, about 7 feet up, at a downward angle to best record facial images.

Side and Back Doors

• If the front door isn’t an option, the burglar will most likely try a side or back door. Reports show that 22% of burglars enter through the back door because they know that in most homes the back door is not as secure as the front.
• If there is a window at the door, position the camera so that it covers them both.
• It’s also a good idea to position a camera to cover your entire backyard and any out-building you may have.

Windows

• Approximately 23% of burglars will break into a home from afirst floorwindow if they can’t get in through a door. Windows at the back or side of the house are the most vulnerable.
• This is also a good place for an indoor camera placed on a table focusing on the window and anything that might crawl through.

Garage

• Approximately 9% of burglars get in the house through the garage so consider pointing a security camera at your garage doors.

It’s important to remember that security cameras are not a replacement for monitored home security systems. They are to simply add an extra layer of security. If you want to feel safe and secure inside your home, you should purchase a security system with professional monitoring so if an intruder gets inside, you will have help – quickly.