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Security is evolving. With Internet of Things (IoT) taking the front seat, it is clear that the future of security is smart, intuitive, and connected to the internet.
Alarm systems and smart doorbell security systems have been a go-to for many homes and businesses for their simplicity and effectiveness. These devices have proven their importance throughout history and are an important part of adding security to any premises, but can they be improved? Is there even a need to fix something that isn’t broken?
Well, as the use of artificial intelligence becomes more widespread, it certainly stands to show that security may also immensely benefit from AI-powered technologies.
Read on to find out all about alarm systems and smart doorbells, how they may be able to provide an edge over legacy devices, and whether they create synergy or a security gap in the current security landscape:
EVOLVING SECURITY MEASURES
Security systems, at their core, have remained the same for decades. The materials and sensors have greatly improved, but the core function of these devices remains the same. However, with technology rapidly progressing, there is clear room for improvement for these legacy devices.
Whether it’s alarms with video doorbells or smart doorbell security systems, modern security devices have the potential to revamp your security and offer you more features than legacy systems.
For example, modern security systems can automatically learn patterns, detect suspicious events, and even provide user-specific actions based on your needs. Users can tweak the devices to their liking using a unified control dashboard that allows them to keep an eye on the premises even if they are away.
Ring alarm compatibility in the UK is a concern for most people looking to upgrade their old systems, but the good news is that these devices are usually backwards compatible and can work seamlessly with multiple security systems to provide comprehensive security.
ALARM SYSTEMS AND SMART DOORBELLS: SYNERGY OR SECURITY GAP?
The best way to figure out if these systems are suited to your needs is to go through their pros and cons and highlight what works and what doesn’t work with these newer systems.
PROS OF ALARM SYSTEMS AND SMART DOORBELLS:
Let’s first go through what works and the pros of combining an alarm with video doorbells:
Centralised Security
Perhaps the biggest advantage of smart security is that it presents all security information under one intuitive mobile or web application. Basically, you get all your notifications, security settings, and event monitoring in one dashboard that you can interact with in multiple ways.
For smart doorbell security systems, a centralised network can allow you to easily and quickly access who tried to access your premises and when. Thanks to alarm and video doorbell systems, you can also get visual information right at your fingertips.
The dashboard can also combine security hardware to provide a comprehensive security solution. For example, when you pair an alarm system like Ring with a video doorbell, you get multiple channels of detection, like events recorded on the door/window sensors, motion sensors, and more.
An Intimidating Presence
There is just something more intimidating about a security system when it has added features, particularly video. Video doorbells provide visual proof, and since there is a lens on the system, any intruder would likely think twice before they even come up to the door.
Smart doorbell security systems can also learn from usage patterns or be specifically set according to the user’s preferences. For example, if you are away, the doorbell can automatically start recording and arm the alarm system.
Intuitive Use
Smart doesn’t mean complex. In fact, alarms with video doorbells and smart systems are specifically designed to be user-friendly and intuitive. You do not need any formal training to operate these devices, and most companies offer extensive short tutorials right on the dashboard for first-time users.
Furthermore, these devices are designed to be plug-and-play; as soon as they are installed, they can automatically integrate with the system and even with existing doorbell or alarm kits that you may already have.
Of course, these systems still need to be installed by a professional. This is a fixed requirement because even with the most advanced hardware, you need a professional to help you install the system in the right way and by using industry-standard best practices to help you achieve maximum security.
Companies like Calder Security are more than well-versed in dealing with all types of legacy and smart security hardware, so you do not need to find a specific installer for these systems.
On and Off-site Security Monitoring
These smart systems are designed to provide maximum security to users regardless of whether they are on or off the premises. Since these systems are connected to the internet, they can be accessed remotely by an authorised person.
This means that you can monitor the premises on your own whenever you want. Apart from the automatic notifications that will be pushed to your mobile device, the user can also choose to randomly access the system to check up on the premises from anywhere in the world.
CONS OF ALARM SYSTEMS AND SMART DOORBELLS:
Now that you know how these systems can help you achieve better security, let’s look at some of their potential drawbacks and how they can be addressed:
Cyber Security
Since these devices are designed to be always connected to the internet, they can be prone to hackers.
Modern security system hacking is becoming increasingly widespread with the adoption of smart security products. A malicious person could theoretically hack into the system and tweak the settings, or worse, disarm alarms around the premises.
However, hacking these systems isn’t as straightforward as the movies might make you believe.
These systems use End-to-End encryption, which is a secure communication method where only the sender and the intended recipient can read data. Furthermore, the data itself is encrypted using an industry-standard protocol, usually AES 256-bit encryption.
Fun fact: if a hacker does manage to get into your system and use brute-force techniques to figure out different “keys’’ by going through every combination, it would take ~6.7e40 (67 followed by 38 zeros) times longer than the age of the universe to exhaust only half of the key space of an AES-256 key. So, it’s safe to say that your data is safe.
Susceptible to Social Hacking
When the security that these systems provide is top-notch, the only weakest link is you. Social hacking is when hackers use targeted methods to extract information directly from you, and often without you knowing.
In simple terms, social engineering is the use of deception to manipulate individuals into divulging confidential or personal information that may be used for fraudulent purposes. This can either be done through phishing emails, where you might divulge private information, thinking that the source is legit, or by hackers compromising the security of other digital accounts and extracting information.
The purpose of this is to figure out the likely password and user info that can help hackers get into the system. A breach through social engineering requires quite an elaborate set of circumstances, but it is possible.
The way to counter this is to follow best practices for interacting online and using tools like 2FA (two-factor authentication) or “changing” authentication codes. This adds an added layer of security that can help keep your smart security systems extra secure.
Subscription Costs
Smart systems depend on servers and infrastructure to provide most of their security features. Apart from the core function of the alarms that rely on offline and on-board sensors, these systems use AI-powered technologies, online servers for processing, and cloud storage to process and store data.
This can lead to added subscription costs that may also be hidden in some cases. An average system could cost a couple of pounds to hundreds over the course of a year. This is why it is important that you pick the right system, assess the fine print, and then invest in a system that doesn’t break the bank.
Integration Failures
Even though smart systems are designed to be backwards compatible, not every brand will provide seamless integration. Even when alarm and video doorbell security systems are from the same brand, full integration may not always be possible due to either hardware or software limitations.
Ring Alarm compatibility in the UK enables users to integrate different hardware into a centralised system, but if the hardware is too outdated or has incompatible digital protocols, then you might not be able to achieve seamless integration.
This may especially be apparent when using a mix of brands or technologies to power the security in your premises. However, the good news is that most brands launch security products as part of a series.
So, if you pick the products from a certain line of series, you can be sure that they will be fully compatible. Additionally, as security companies continue to adopt standardised protocols, you can expect most security systems to be fully compatible with the passage of time.
CYBERSECURITY AND PRIVACY IMPLICATIONS
Smart doorbells and alarm systems with video doorbell systems are quite advanced due to the number of features they provide, but they also have a few important cybersecurity and privacy implications, especially because they are always connected to the internet.
Let’s discuss a few important considerations:
Data Collection
Video doorbell systems capture footage of people, things, and public areas. Under UK law and GDPR data requirements, security systems need to be compliant with digital laws. This is why you should only invest in security systems provided by companies that comply with local laws and GDPR requirements.
This way, you can be sure that the data being collected is being securely held by them using industry-standard practices. A great way to avoid these problems is to hire a professional installation company, like Calder Security, which can provide you with an end-to-end solution for all your security needs.
The companies can conduct a security audit of your premises and provide you with all the required and recommended hardware that is compatible and compliant. So, you don’t have to waste time researching or experimenting with various security hardware products.
Network Vulnerability
Smart systems need to be connected to a network that is inherently secured. This can be done by using a compliant and modern router or any network device. These devices use updated protocols to provide maximum security.
Additionally, these devices can also be upgraded using firmware upgrades. These system upgrades enable the device to perform even better and can ramp up the security as needed.
INSTALLING ALARM SYSTEMS AND SMART DOORBELLS
If you are convinced and want to upgrade your security system, then here is a short guide that you can follow:
Conducting an Audit
As mentioned above, we highly recommend that you set up an appointment for a security risk assessment. This assessment can help highlight vulnerabilities in your premises and help you choose the right security solution that can address gaps effectively.
Hiring professionals, like Calder Security, will ensure that you get the most value for your money by getting the foundations right. You might think that hiring a company would be expensive, but on the contrary, the losses you may face when not installing or following best practices during installation may cost you more than the initial installation itself.
By going with a systematic approach, you can maximise your security and get peace of mind that simply can’t be achieved through DIY installations.
Go with Modern Hardware
Modern security is a marriage between hardware and software. Modern alarms with video doorbell systems are part of a smart security system suite. These systems, with the help of AI-enabled software, enable the cameras to detect faces and movement, and even perform a gait analysis.
This means that the camera system can effectively tell the difference between authorised and unauthorised personnel on the premises.
Modern systems are also designed to be fully compliant with modern digital or software requirements. This not only enables you to legally secure yourself but also ensures that you remain protected through continuous software upgrades that usually improve security and even add new features.
Regular Maintenance
Newer security systems don’t necessarily require less maintenance. Like all hardware products, it is important to keep these systems maintained for continued security. In fact, modern systems are designed to alert users of pending maintenance tasks or when there is a fault in the system that needs to be addressed by a professional.
If you rely on a software-centric security system, you may also opt for virtual maintenance services where a professional team will remotely access and analyse your security system for bugs.
The benefit of digital maintenance is that it is done discreetly and seldom interrupts the security of the premises. System or software updates are also part of maintenance activities, which is why it is important that you regularly check for updates to get the latest security patches and upgrades.
CONTACT CALDER SECURITY
At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.
We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards. We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.
We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.
We understand the importance of having to regularly maintaining security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.
We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.
We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.
Contact us here or call us at 0800 612 9799 to talk to our experts for more information on alarm systems and smart doorbells, and whether they create synergy or a security gap in the current security landscape.