Smart home security systems at a glance

Smart home security systems at a glance

Smart home security systems at a glance

Digital technologies are a real asset to the security concept of any home. From video surveillance and alarm systems to smart doors and intercoms, there are numerous ways to digitally secure your home. On vacation, “virtual residents” and magnetic contacts on windows and drawers are helpful. Via the cloud, it is possible to evaluate and process the data collected by the security systems. This article explains which smart security systems can be used to secure a home in the best possible way.
Digital technologies in smart homes increase the residents’ sense of security.

Video surveillance with motion sensors

Video surveillance with motion sensors is a great way to provide security in a smart home. Just as a motion sensor turns on the lights outside when someone approaches the house, it can also activate a camera. This films people around the house so they can be easily identified. It is important to go for models with small animal suppression so that insects or other animals do not trigger the sensors. Via the Internet, it is possible to send the images captured by the cameras directly to the smartphone. This way, users always have an accurate picture of what is going on around their house. With appropriate alerts, they can react in a targeted manner if a burglar should approach their own home.

Smart home security systems

Alarm systems

Alarm and security systems today work with digital technologies. For example, they are able not only to monitor indoor and outdoor areas, but also to check the functioning of machines. For example, if there is a pure water leak from the washing machine, users will be informed as early as possible. They can then take countermeasures to prevent expensive water damage in their own homes, if possible.

It makes sense to combine the different technologies. If the motion sensors detect unwarranted movement around the house, they can trigger the alarm system. This can then emit a loud, audible signal, for example, that ideally chases burglars away. Alternatively, a silent signal can be sent to the police so that they can catch the criminals in the act. It is also possible with modern alarm systems to determine so-called “blind spots”. This refers to areas where movements do not lead to an alarm. In this way, false alarms can be avoided.

Doors and intercoms

Smart doors are a real plus for a home’s security concept.
Doors can also be equipped with digital technologies. These include, for example, fingerprint scanners, which is only allow the residents of the house to enter the building. Alternatively, models with a camera integrated into the door viewer can be used. This makes it easy to see exactly who is at the door, even in the dark. In addition, high-quality locking systems and keys should be used to effectively prevent burglars from gaining access.

Smart home security systems

Furthermore, it is recommended to integrate the intercom system into the security concept of the house. This is possible by choosing a digital solution that is connected to the smartphone. Thus, when the doorbell rings, it is not necessary to speak directly to the person in front of it, but communication can also take place via the smartphone. This is practical if no one is at home at the time. Potential burglars thus have the feeling that the house is not empty and disappear again.

Use virtual residents on vacation


For the vacations, it’s a good idea to have a “virtual resident” move into your home. This means that the digital technologies in the smartphone are set to simulate the presence of a person in the house. This is achieved, for example, by switching on the lights in the house in the evening and switching them off again at bedtime. It is important to choose irregular intervals for switching the lights on and off, because burglars recognize from too regular times that in reality no one is at home.

Furthermore, such “virtual residents” are able to open and close the blinds of the house. Another useful function is that they can switch the irrigation system in the garden on and off again. On the one hand, this simulates the presence of a person, and on the other hand, it ensures that the garden plants are sufficiently supplied with water. It is important to optimally integrate the capabilities of such a “virtual resident” into the security concept so that they appear natural and are not recognized by burglars as a simulation.

Magnetic contacts on windows and drawers

There are a variety of magnetic contacts for windows and drawers. These react when the respective objects are opened. This is especially useful when no one is at home. Residents then receive information via their smartphone that a particular window or drawer has been opened and can take appropriate action.

In principle, it is possible to combine such magnetic contacts with the other technologies in the smart home. For example, it is possible for an alarm to be triggered as soon as a certain window or drawer is opened. Alternatively, cameras can be switched on to catch burglars in the act. Users need to think carefully about which combination options they want to use in the name of their security.

Smart home security systems

Using data via the cloud

For many homeowners, connecting their security systems to the cloud is a good idea. This way, it is possible to send data recorded by the cameras to the smartphone or store it on a server. Such information can be used later to convict burglars and solve crimes. When choosing a suitable provider, care must be taken to ensure that it meets high security standards. Only then should the respective cloud solution be integrated into one’s own security concept.

It is also important to secure the existing systems where possible. This is possible, for example, via a battery supply. Some burglars intentionally cause a power failure to switch off alarm systems. Battery operation ensures that the security systems continue to work reliably in such a case. However, power outages that are not artificially induced can also be survived in this way without compromising the security of the house.

Conclusión

There are a variety of ways homeowners can protect themselves from burglars. It is important not to simply combine them on a gut feeling, but to create a comprehensive and professional security concept. For example, cameras can be combined with motion detectors and sensors in windows to achieve the highest level of security while avoiding false alarms. It is advisable to create such a security concept together with a reliable provider in order to set personal priorities in the area of security and to ensure that one’s own security needs are satisfied in the best possible way.