Tag Archive for: surveillance cameras

How to better secure your home for spring

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Security for the home is a high priority all year long. But did you know that most crimes occur during the warm weather? How can you better protect your home during the springtime?

 

Keep all areas of your property lit

Well-lit property is a vital factor in dissuading potential burglars. Keep your property lit and bushes and hedges maintained so they don’t afford good hiding places for criminals to lurk unnoticed.
Remember to utilize smart bulbs applied to smart lamps compatible with our Home Automation system. You can set automation rules, schedule, and/or send commands right from your phone to change the lighting around your home.

Mow your lawn and keep outdoor areas tidy

A clean and organized house can help deter potential burglars, as it tells them the house is not vacant. This could be crucial for your outdoor security equipment too, as debris might have built on your cameras and sensors during the winter months. Cleaning them for spring can help keep your security alerts accurate.

Secure your home while your away

Warm weather also means plenty of people will be on vacation, which can induce burglars. Make sure to take the necessary security precautions before you travel.

Invest in high quality locks and deadbolts

Deadbolts should be used for all doorway entrances. Inside chains or latches help protect from potential invaders.

Hire a reputable security company

The most effective security investment you can make is to hire a reputable, knowledgeable security firm. The best security firm can help protect your home 24/7. Entrances, windows, and other vulnerable areas can be continuously monitored by security cameras. Home security and safety can be checked from anywhere, at any time, by computer, laptop, or cell phone. A wireless cellular system also helps protect from the communication disruptions common in disasters. Response time for security emergencies can be much reduced. One security firm fulfills all these requirements: Boyd & Associates.

 

Why choose Boyd & Associates

Since 1967, Boyd & Associates has been providing total security for homes, businesses, and communities of every size and type. We combine advanced systems, responsive service and rigorously trained security teams to create a strong, nimble and formidable force that deters, detects and responds – for total security. It is through our tireless pursuit of perfection and our unwavering commitment to the latest technologies that we have been able to exceed the expectations of industry leaders and homeowners throughout Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Orange County and Riverside County

Video Doorbell vs. Security Camera

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During uncertain and changing times, we know you’re not only concerned about home security and crime, but your health as well. At Boyd & Associates, we’re working to keep our offices sanitized and serving our customers over the phone. We’re also committed to providing that extra sense of security that security cameras and video doorbells can provide.

If you’re still choosing between these options, here’s a look at the pros and cons of each to ensure you get the right protection against home burglary, porch pirates, and other threats:

Video Doorbell: Security Camera Built into the Doorbell 

Pros:

  • User-Friendliness: The average consumer can easily use a video doorbell. It runs independently of other equipment and has an intuitive user interface, so is simple to operate and maintain.

 

  • Affordability: Less expensive than a complete security system, it is cheap to purchase and install and requires only one device to be set up.

 

  • Wide-Angle Lens: A wide field of view means you can see people approaching from different angles. Increased coverage means videos can let you identify individuals and motion as someone gets nearby.

 

  • Motion Detection Recording: The camera can start broadcasting images and video footage in response to motion, in addition to turning on when someone rings the bell.

Cons:

  • Limited Application: A video doorbell camera has a fixed field of view and is suited for a single application, such as monitoring your front or patio door.

 

  • Wide-Angle Distortions: The device distorts images at close range because the wide-angle lens is designed to capture as much detail as possible.

Security Camera

Pros:

  • More Coverage: A complete wireless security camera system can provide coverage inside and outside your home. Multiple cameras can be installed and connected so you get more coverage around your property.

 

  • Customization: Cameras can be placed and positioned depending on the areas you want to monitor. There are also housings and mounts available to help protect them. In addition to monitoring and sending alerts, these cameras can be hidden or more visible to help deter potential burglars.

 

  • Better Quality: A surveillance camera system typically offers higher resolution images and improved IR capabilities. The footage captured by a wireless CCTV camera is generally more useful, while the camera’s design is more vandal resistant.

 

  • More Storage: More data storage resources and options mean you can capture and store video footage from multiple cameras, maximizing the benefits you get from the technology.

Cons:

  • Risk Some Personal Privacy: Surveillance cameras are always on the watch, so in addition to burglary, package theft, and other crimes, they’re watching you and your family as well.

 

  • Complex System: The complexity of various components working together can make a surveillance camera system more difficult to install and use. However, a benefit is they can integrate with a smartphone or other mobile device.

 

  • Higher Price Tag: Complete systems are more expensive than other consumer home security equipment. A basic start-up system may be more affordable, but there’s no way around the expense of higher-end systems.

Boyd & Associates Is Open for Business

At Boyd & Associates, we are open for business and continuing to provide vital services to the community. Exempt from the Stay-at-Home mandate, we’re as committed as ever to helping area homes and businesses be safe and secure. Review our coronavirus (COVID-19) update and call us at 805-321-6664 for information or assistance with home security and automation systems, commercial security, and patrol services.

Do Home Surveillance Cameras Really Deter Crime?

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Home surveillance cameras can deter crime, but no system is 100% failproof. A thief may still steal from your home if they don’t notice the camera or see it there but take the risk anyway. But home security cameras represent a multi-billion-dollar industry and the stats show why.

An estimated 1,401,840 home burglaries occurred in 2017, based on data in the 2017 FBI Uniform Crime Report.

There is a great deal of evidence that security cameras deter burglars. Some of the reports that indicate they do include:

  • University of North Carolina’s Department of Justice and Criminology: Of a pool of convicted burglars, 60% said they would start by looking for surveillance cameras; 40% said they’d find another target if cameras were present.

 

  • Electronic Security Association: Data collected from burglars suggest they’d abandon a break-in attempt if there were outdoor cameras, alarms, signs for alarms, or dogs inside a home, among other signs of security at a target property.

 

  • American Management Association: Its Workplace Monitoring and Surveillance report revealed that 82% of managers use some form of electronic monitoring, including security cameras, to protect the workplace against external and internal threats.

How to Boost the Effectiveness of Home Surveillance Cameras

To increase its effectiveness, a security camera must be properly set up. There are things you can do to decrease security risks or if you had a break-in and a surveillance camera was already installed in your home. First, enable push notifications, so you’ll receive instant alerts of any security issue. Also, check if your security system has motion detection recording and make sure this feature is working. Adjusting the sensitivity of motion sensing systems can boost your security as well.

Check the locations of your home surveillance cameras. There should be cameras at every main entrance and near windows or back doors a burglar might use to enter.

Home Surveillance Cameras Work

Law enforcement professionals agree that security cameras are a great way to deter crime. They can provide direct evidence of burglaries, vandalism, and armed robberies as well as employee theft, not to mention more serious offenses like murder. Cameras can deter both external and internal crime, so are effective whether installed outside a building or, for example, inside offices and building common areas.

Modern security camera systems can be connected to a network. If someone breaks into your home and you are away, you can receive an alert on your smartphone from the connected camera. You’ll also have footage of the event, which provides direct evidence of the incident that police can use.

In addition to crime deterrence and the evidence they provide, home surveillance cameras have other benefits. You may get a discount from an insurance company or homeowner’s association by installing one. A camera can also help prevent the theft of packages delivered to your front door. If you can prove theft occurred, you can be more likely to receive a refund or replacement for the stolen item.

Improve Home Security with Boyd & Associates

Video surveillance and other security solutions are available from Boyd & Associates. Our advanced systems include video analytics software that provides automatic alerts. Records of video footage can be searched, while live video can be seen and managed remotely from a smartphone, tablet, or web browser. For improved home security, we also provide advanced burglar alarm systems, alarm monitoring, and patrol and security services. To learn more about our solutions, call us at 805-321-6664.

Advantages of Surveillance Cameras

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Surveillance cameras, once associated with the security infrastructure of businesses, government buildings, parking garages, and other high-profile areas, have been popping up in many residential settings. These include both urban and suburban locations and in apartment buildings and single-family homes. Ease of installation and security monitoring services have made using home surveillance cameras and video systems more practical.

Here are some of the greatest advantages of installing a security camera in your home, and even your small business:

Deterrence of Criminal Activity

Real-world studies have found that security cameras and alarm systems affect a burglar’s decision on whether to move forward with their plan. In a 2013 UNC Charlotte study, half of convicted burglars said they would have left a home alone if it were under surveillance. But the effect of security cameras isn’t only on break-ins; they can reduce the theft of packages at the front door as well.

Surveillance cameras are effective when installed in individual homes, townhouses, bungalows, apartment buildings, and condominiums. But they can also protect schools and universities, stores, and shopping malls, as they’re effective at spotting vandals and shoplifters in the act.

Monitor Your Home from Anywhere

Many modern surveillance cameras can be monitored over the internet, even from a mobile device. This is useful when you’re away from home and want to keep tabs on your children or their babysitter. Smart doorbell cameras send alerts and video to your phone when the doorbell rings, so you can see who is at your front door and even communicate with them. You can also see whether packages were delivered, when your child returned home from school, or that they’re safe when you go out to dinner.

Gather Evidence

Security cameras are sophisticated devices in today’s world. They include clear images, video, and audio, so can provide just the evidence needed in a legal scenario. Whether in a legal setting or a dispute among employees or family members, the content of a video feed can help make the most appropriate decisions. Violence or harassment in the workplace and on college campuses can also be recorded so the facts of a case are apparent.

Reduced Insurance Costs

Installing a security camera and/or video surveillance system can reduce your insurance premiums. How much depends on the contract you signed with an insurance company. It helps to have a public record of installing such a system. Doing so protects insurers from fraudulent theft or robbery claims. For a business, whether office or home based, tax deductions can be made on a security system purchase.

Convenient Features

Today’s security camera systems are designed with features that enable you to get the most out of them. Some of these include:

  • Wide-angle lenses
  • Night vision
  • Two-way talk functions
  • Push notifications
  • Motion detection/activation
  • Package delivery alerts
  • Integration with smart locks/lighting
  • Mobile app monitoring/control
  • Playback of video from any time period

21st Century Home Surveillance Systems from Boyd & Associates

Boyd & Associates provides security cameras and other home automation systems for your protection. We can easily add cameras to your home security system, which record live HD video and deliver on-demand video clips to your smartphone. Alerts and notifications can be provided, while video can be monitored by our central station operators. We also provide outdoor and doorbell cameras as well as interior camera systems.

For information on these plus our alarm monitoring services, smart locks, and commercial access control systems, intrusion detection, and video surveillance, contact us today at 888-248-6617.

How to Secure Your Remote Access Security Camera System

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Remote access security cameras have many benefits but are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. An attacker can access the surveillance camera directly or through a firewall part, video recorder, or a Windows or Linux operating system. Even cloud-based recording systems aren’t immune to attacks.

Hackers have done everything from monitoring remote cameras through home wireless networks to controlling voice systems, to obtaining passwords used for websites. Professional installation can reduce the risks, but cyber-criminals can gain remote access in many ways. Below are steps you can take to protect your security system and home.

Create Strong Passwords

The benefits of strong, unique passwords cannot be understated. However, while many users enjoy accessing video footage from across the globe, they fail to create a suitable password that can prevent intrusion. If a hacker can guess a password to your security camera or wireless home network, it is useless. For example, SplashData reported that, in 2019, some of the top passwords were “123456” and “Password”.

There’s no sense in having a password anyone can guess. Default usernames and passwords that come with surveillance cameras are useless as well. Your wireless password should be at least 20 characters long, including letters, numbers, and symbols. Also, consider changing the Service Set Identifier (SSID) of your Wi-Fi network and encrypting video data whether it’s in transit or stored on a disk.

Secure the Network

Accessing a security system through the company’s main network enables hackers to step right through. They can access a wealth of data, including your account information. To protect your system, connect it to a separate network. A VLAN, or Virtual Local Area Network, can be used if your security camera and the company’s server can’t be separated.

Network encryption is another important security measure. Consider standards such as WPA2 that replaces less secure protocols such as WEP or WPA. Another standard security system is WPA2 AES, while WPA3 has already been introduced to further protect your wireless home network.

Update Your Operating System

This should be done regularly. Every security system relies on an OS, and Windows and Linux come with inherent vulnerabilities; to maximize protection, install each security update as it becomes available. Also update every component of your home security system, including cameras, NVRs, DVRs, and VMS’s.

Change Your Wireless Router’s Default IP Address

Changing the default IP address makes it harder for hackers to track your home network. You’ll need access to the router as an administrator and have the right username and password to log in. The IP address can be changed from the LAN section of the network menu.

You can change the DNS server this way too; it filters internet traffic, which can protect the system from suspicious activity. Disable remote access so hackers can’t access privacy settings, and turn off Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functionality on the router to improve security.

Add a Firewall

A hardware-based firewall adds an extra layer of security. Higher-end wireless routers have built-in firewalls that can protect home networks and security cameras. If your router doesn’t have one, you can install a firewall device.

Boyd & Associates Helps Secure Your Security System

As you can see here, there are many variables to consider. That’s why you should have a professional install your home security system. Boyd & Associates installs security cameras, burglar alarm systems, and fire/life safety equipment. We also offer 24/7 alarm monitoring services. To learn more about how we can install and secure your remote access security camera system, call 888-248-6617 today.