Technology and Home Security: How Criminals Exploit Technology and Ways to Protect Your Home | By Jordan Frankel

Modern technology has transformed how we live, offering conveniences like remote home monitoring, smart locks, and energy-efficient systems. However, technology and home security are closely linked in another way: criminals are now leveraging these advancements to exploit vulnerabilities in residential security. Understanding how criminals use technology and adopting proactive measures can help safeguard your home and loved ones.

How Criminals Use Technology to Target Homes

In an alarming case reported by ABC News, a group of Florida criminals admitted to using Google Earth to plan a series of home invasions. This mapping tool, which provides detailed images of residential properties, allowed the perpetrators to identify potential entry points and plan their attacks. While Google Earth wasn’t created for criminal use, its accessibility makes it a tool that poses significant home security risks.

Another common tactic involves hacking smart home devices. Criminals can gain unauthorized access to security cameras, smart locks, and alarm systems. Once inside the system, they can disable alarms, turn off surveillance, and even unlock doors, leaving your home vulnerable to intrusion.

Proactive Tips to Enhance Home Security

To counteract these threats, you must adopt a comprehensive approach that blends technology and home security measures. Here are some actionable tips to protect your home against technology-savvy criminals.

1. Stay Vigilant at All Times

Criminals often exploit moments when residents are distracted or unsuspecting. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially when entering or leaving your home. Criminals frequently ambush homeowners as they park their cars or unlock their doors.

To reduce these risks, eliminate clutter and trim overgrown landscaping that could serve as hiding spots. If you park in a garage, ensure the door closes completely before stepping out of your vehicle.

2. Install Adequate Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is a powerful deterrent for criminals. A well-lit property minimizes hiding places and makes it more difficult for criminals to approach unnoticed. Motion-activated LED lights are especially effective, as the sudden illumination can startle intruders and alert you to their presence.

Place these lights near entry points, pathways, and dimly lit areas of your property. Opt for energy-efficient models with long-lasting bulbs to maintain security without inflating energy costs.

3. Avoid Opening Your Door to Strangers

Despite early lessons to avoid strangers, many adults still answer their doors to unexpected visitors. Criminals often pose as delivery personnel, utility workers, or even law enforcement to gain entry. Modern advancements in technology and home security, such as video doorbells and smart locks, make it easier to verify visitors’ identities without opening the door.

If you’re unsure about the visitor’s identity, ask for their name and organization, then verify their details independently. If they refuse to leave after being asked, call the police or activate your home’s panic alarm.

4. Reinforce Doors and Windows

Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars. Enhance their security by installing heavy-duty deadbolts and using a security door brace for additional protection. A door brace like the OnGARD security door brace, placed at the base of an inward-swinging door, can withstand significant force and prevent entry. To see how effective the OnGARD door brace is, watch this video demonstration.

Windows and sliding glass doors are equally vulnerable. Install glass protection film to create a nearly impenetrable barrier. Products like BurglarGARD’s window security film are tested to withstand multiple strikes from hard objects, such as bricks or baseball bats. These films are easy to install and provide a cost-effective way to secure your home.

5. Strengthen Passwords for Smart Devices

Smart home devices, while convenient, can be compromised by weak passwords. Create strong, unique passwords for all your devices and update them regularly. Avoid using easily guessed combinations like “123456” or “password.” Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Enable two-factor authentication for an added layer of security. This feature requires a secondary code sent to your phone or email before granting access to your devices.

6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

A vulnerable Wi-Fi network is an open door for hackers. Criminals can exploit unsecured networks to gain access to smart home systems. Protect your network by setting up a strong password and enabling network encryption. Additionally, consider creating a separate guest network for visitors to prevent them from accessing your primary system.

Regularly update your router’s firmware to patch vulnerabilities and disable remote management features unless absolutely necessary.

7. Use a Wireless Home Security System

Wireless systems are an essential component of technology and home security, offering the ability to monitor your home remotely. Look for systems with real-time video alerts, motion detection, and cloud storage for recorded footage. These features help alert you to unusual activity and allow you to act quickly if needed.

Choose a system with cellular connectivity to ensure it remains operational during power outages or internet disruptions. Advanced options even allow two-way communication, enabling you to address visitors or intruders directly through an app.

8. Be Cautious with Online Sharing

Sharing too much information online can inadvertently make your home a target. Criminals often monitor social media accounts to determine when residents are away. Avoid posting vacation plans, location tags, or photos that reveal details about your home’s layout or security features.

Educate family members, especially teenagers, about the risks of oversharing online. Set social media profiles to private and be selective about accepting friend requests.

9. Regularly Audit Your Home Security

Conduct routine checks of your home’s security measures. Inspect locks, test alarms, and ensure that all smart devices are functioning properly. Replace outdated equipment and upgrade to newer, more secure models when necessary.

If you’re unsure about your home’s vulnerabilities, consider hiring a security expert to perform an assessment. Professionals can identify weak points and recommend tailored solutions to enhance your home’s safety.

Leverage Technology and Home Security to Stay Ahead

While criminals are finding new ways to use technology against homeowners, you can stay one step ahead by leveraging advancements in technology and home security. From smart surveillance systems to motion-activated lights, today’s innovative tools empower you to protect your home more effectively than ever before.

By combining technology and home security solutions with practical safety measures, you can minimize risks and create a safer environment for yourself and your loved ones. Don’t wait for a security breach to motivate you—implement these strategies today to ensure your home remains a secure haven.