Category: Security-Cameras

The first electric doorbell was invented in 1831 by Joseph Henry, an American scientist who later went on to serve as first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution. Fast-forward 170 years later and it’s evolved to a video camera, and a two-way communications device all wrapped into one. In light of the modernization of this nifty invention, it’s hard to imagine being confined to the basic functions of the original device. Here are five really useful things you can do with today’s smart doorbell.

Answer the door from virtually anywhere.

The video doorbell chimes like a traditional doorbell but you also receive a notification on your smartphone which allows you to see a live video of your visitor. You can even converse with your visitor through the doorbell’s two-way communication system.

Monitor for any suspicious activity.

The video doorbell is a great way to keep an eye on activity around your front door, porch, and driveway. If your camera catches something suspicious, you can download the clip as evidence to share with your local police department.

Keep an eye on the kids.

You can use your EMC Security video doorbell to alert you when your kids arrive home from school. As well as knowing they’re home safe, you can see exactly who they’re with when they arrive.

Protect your delivered packages.

Package delivery has become a way of life. The average person in the United States receives 21 packages each year. And for many people, that number is much higher. If a delivery driver is dropping off a package, you can ask them to leave the package inside, unlocking your front door with a smart lock. When they step outside again and close the door, you can lock up just as easily.

Many years ago, home security cameras were reserved for wealthy homeowners and were typically thought of as luxury items but nowadays, home security cameras have become a very common security feature in homes throughout the world. This is due in part to ongoing advances in technology and mounting competition from security companies which have a strong effect on costs.

With the rising rates of home invasions throughout Georgia, it might be an ideal time for homeowners to start thinking about how they can help protect their family and household. There’s nothing more important than ensuring the safety of your home, especially when there are kids or elderly family members involved. When it comes to improving home security, there are many options to consider but one of the most reliable security options is implementing home security cameras, and we’ve listed our top three reasons below:

1. Discourage Burglars

Few people would argue that protecting your family from intruders is the most important reason why you should install home security cameras. The mere act of installing a camera in a visible location will help deter potential criminals from attempting a crime because houses without security cameras are more appealing targets. Another advantage is that you get to identify people on your property before they enter, therefore, giving you some time to get prepared (going to a safer place or calling the police).

2. Remotely Monitor Your Kids

It’s no secret that children love to play throughout the house which could potentially expose them to risks and dangers. Indoor security cameras make it possible for you to keep an eye on your children and know where they are at all times.

3. Exhibit A

Being able to present video footage of a theft or any other incident from your security camera can be an extremely useful form of evidence in court. Similarly, home surveillance footage can help the police solve neighborhood crimes.

If you are ready to make your home a safer place for you and your family, contact EMC Security for the best home security camera systems in the market.

Every home could use an indoor security camera as an extension of their home security system. They are great for peace of mind when you have a new baby, kids at home alone, if you travel, and of course, for extra security and protection against crime.

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.

Below are 5 places inside your home that you should consider for an indoor camera:

Front and Back Doors

• It makes sense to monitor the main entrances of your home. Most burglars will try the front doors first, and then side and back doors next.
• For indoor security, point the camera directly at the door. If possible, aim to keep the camera about 7 feet off the ground pointing down at a slight angle. This is ideal to capture a clear view of an intruder’s face.

First Floor Windows

• If an intruder cannot get in through a door, they might try the first-floor windows. Having a security camera sit on a table facing the window (diagonally to reduce glare) can work as a great deterrent. Because burglars know more about home security and security systems than most law-abiding citizens, they might deduct that they have been caught on video and make an escape.
• Cameras may deter would-be burglars, or record their crime, but they do not physically reinforce your first-floor windows. Installing a security system with sensors on both your doors and windows should always be a priority in making your home the most secure.

Master Bedroom

• The master bedroom is usually the first place a burglar heads to because many valuables are stored here. The master is also a great place for a camera with two-way audio. Speaking to the intruder directly might cause them to flee the scene without taking anything.

Stairways

• Home burglaries happen very quickly, and as a result, the criminals are in and out of the home in minutes. The stairs are an area that forces a person to slow down, especially on the descent. Placing a camera here guarantees two looks at the perpetrators, as they will need to go up and down.

Garages & Sheds

• Approximately 9% of all break-ins occur through garage doors. But even if your home isn’t invaded, open garages can offer a wealth of opportunities to steal resalable items. Place the camera inside the garage at an angle, facing out to reduce glare.

Check out EMC Security’s selection of video cameras at emcsecurity.com.

A home without a security system is 3 times as likely to get broken into than one with a security system.

Video cameras add even more protection because they often deter criminals before attempting to get into a home.

According to the survey, “Understanding Decisions to Burglarize from the Offender’s Perspective,” conducted by the University of North Carolina, 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 average home 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.

Where To Place Your Security Cameras

We’ve uncovered the best places to install security cameras around the outside of your home to help deter burglars.

Front Door

• Because most burglars try the front door first, installing a video doorbell or security camera here is a great way to deter them before they try to get in. You can order your online now for just $149.

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 a first floor window 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.

Below are more stats that may help you decide where to place your outdoor security cameras:

• 81% of break-ins occur on the first floor
• 4% of burglars will enter a residence via a basement
• 12% walk in casually through unlocked entrances

Check out EMC Security’s selection of video cameras including our indoor camera priced at just $79. Security system not required.

When it comes to safety, there’s nothing we depend on more than our abodes, not only do they contain most of our possessions but it’s what we rely on to keep our families safe.

And withrecentincrease in crime throughout many cities in Georgia, it’s clear that we need to be taking precautions to protect ourselves and our homes at all costs.

Years ago, well-known tricks like leaving lights on while you were away from home were strategies we might have depended on to deter unwanted visitors, but times have changed and homeowner are forced to start thinking bigger.

Video doorbells have quickly become a homeowner’s best option when it comes to keeping opportunistic burglars and thieves at bay. Not only will this give you peace of mind but installing these extra security measures could even lower the cost of your home insurance.

Let’s take a look at the top reasons why you should consider upgrading to a video doorbell – the latest in smart home technology to protect your house, family and valuables.

1. Record events and provide evidence

A video doorbell is comprised of a set of internet-connected security tools and equipment which can send data about movement and trespassing to your smartphone via an app. This system allows you to monitor what goes on outside your home. Video doorbells can ensure you know who is on your property without you having to go to the door and will lessen an opportunity for a thief to enter your home.

2. Check on your property from any location

Most video doorbellslinksto your smartphone and make it possible for you to connect and monitor real-time footage from almost anywhere. This functionality gives you a much highersensepeace of mind when you go away and can also give you an opportunity to thwart any potential attempts of burglary to your home. Additionally, many video doorbells include the option to remotely set off an alarm to scare trespassers away and draw attention to your home.

3. Tower home insurance premiums

Your home insurance is usually broken down into two sections: buildings insurance and contents insurance. The first covers any damage to the structure of your home, which also includes the replacement cost of pipes, garagesandfences, whereas contents insurance covers internal possessions and furnishings.

In some cases, installing a video doorbell becomes an incentive for insurers to give you a discount on your coverage. Having an added layer of protection around your home and its contents, along with the reduced opportunity for theft or damage to your property usually appeals to insurance companies because they may see your property as less of a risk, and not claiming on your insurance can lower it over time.

4. It can increase property value

When it comes to selling your home, the likelihood of getting a good deal increase if the home includes smart home security gadgets, such as video doorbells. One good suggestion is to add this extra protective layer to your home to make it more appealing to would-be buyers to help promote the assurance of a lesser chance of burglary and theft in the event that criminals are made aware the additional security measures being taken to monitor them.

Although some smart home security may seem expensive, with an increase in interest for these protective measures, there are now more affordable models coming out. So, everybody can guard their homes and families, whether they’re in or not.

With a lot of choices available for you, it can often be tough to find the ideal home security system that can keep your home and family feeling safe from harm.

Security cameras come with a lot of features that make one different and often better for you than others.

We’ve put together our list of key features you should look for when choosing your home security cameras.

High Resolution Camera

This is the most important feature because the camera is useless if the image isn’t clear. The higher the resolution, the sharper the image. A full HD resolution of 1080p is best, but HD 720p is OK if you are on a tight budget.

Field of View

A higher viewing angle will give you the most recording coverage but depending on your needs, you may not need something so expansive. Field of view ranges widely by the camera so check this specification to make sure it’ll work properly in the chosen location.

Recording/Storage

There are a few types of recording that are common for home security cameras.

The most popular cameras use cloud storage. This option makes it easy to view video anytime. The length of time or amount of storage varies by camera so make sure you understand what you are getting so you aren’t surprised when you need to access video that might have been deleted. Some cameras include a memory card space for additional storage.

Alternately, DVR/NVR camera systems record on-site. The footage lives on the DVR/NVR in your home to be viewed at any time.

Infrared Night Vision

Make sure your camera has IR night vision. Even if your camera can capture footage hundreds of feet away during daylight, if it can’t capture video at night, it’s doing half its job. IR lights can capture crystal clear video, even in total darkness.

Two-way Audio

Camera with two-way audio allow you to speak through the camera and can capture background noise. This is a great feature because it allows you to be at two places at once. You can communicate with anyone around your home – pets, infants, aging parents – without the need for a phone.

Integration with Your Security System

Get the most out of your security cameras with integration to the security system. For example, if a camera detects motion in a specific area, your camera can activate the alarm or a light. Integration is the best way to stop crime as it’s happening.

Mobile App

The reason why security cameras have become so popular is because of the convenience of viewing video from anywhere through a mobile app. Many cameras provide real-time access so you can answer your front door from your kitchen or across town.

Keep in mind that not all security cameras are made equal, so it’s important to research to make sure you get the best for your needs.

Take a look at EMC Security’s line of wi-fi based IP cameras that are both advanced and affordable starting at $79.

Have you seen the latest news about the popular security cameras and doorbell cameras being hacked?

Cameras are supposed to create peace of mind. Instead, these cameras enabled creeps to view the home (and occupants) and speak through the speakers. Young children have been traumatized. Their parents have lost faith in what should help them sleep better at night. “This is our first house,” the mother said. “It’s really sad to not feel safe.” Read full article here.

Among others, on Dec 30, a class action lawsuit was filed in California targeting Amazon Ring’s alleged negligence with regard to security practices. The filing shows that hackers created a tool specifically for compromising Ring cameras.

Amazon has responded to the various incidents blaming poor password practices and warning customers to change their passwords frequently. This might sound like a convenient excuse but it’s always a good idea to understand the technology in your home and how to protect yourself against hackers.

How to protect yourself from security camera hackers

1. Purchase cameras from a company you trust. EMC Security offers the latest in 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. Amazon blamed poor password practices for the hacking. It sounds like a cop-out but 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.

• • Change your Wi-Fi password every few months. Use random and unique passwords that would be difficult to breach.

4. Never use the same password across different accounts. Many of us are guilty of this because of the convenience. But it is a big no-no. 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 authentication to secure your account. Three methods of authentication are used: username and password, something physical like a mobile phone or card, and something unique like a fingerprint or other biometric trait. When two of these factors are required for authentication, the security becomes much more entrenched, making it more difficult to hack.

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.