When you conduct a home security audit, it’s important to think like a criminal. Take a look at your home closely and think about how you would attempt to break into it if you were a burglar. This will help you determine if you have any weak points.
Here are Some Tips for Performing a Home Security Audit
Check for covered areas and hiding spots
There are many benefits of home security audit. Trees or bushes that obscure your doors and windows from the street may be good for privacy, but they also let burglars work without being seen. These areas can also become hiding places for criminals who may want to attack you. Trimming back bushes and trees is important, but so installing lightning. Motion-activated lighting is a great way to keep your home safe. All points of entry should be illuminated and it should be impossible to hide from passersby.
Check your locks
Are all of your doors and windows locked from the inside? Make sure that you use strong dead bolts on all exterior doors. You’ll also want to make sure that your garage and shed lock securely as well. Criminals sometimes break into these structures in order to get tools such as shovels and axes that they can use to help them break into your home. Follow our tips for home security audit performance.
Is anything broken or malfunctioning?
Take a walk around your home. Is everything functioning the way it should be? If any of your windows are broken or damaged, you should have them repaired or replaced. If your security system is not working correctly, you will want to get the problems fixed immediately.
Are your valuables easy to see?
Look at your house from the outside. Can you easily see your big screen TV and expensive sound system through the windows? When you get closer, is it easy to spot jewelry, electronics and other expensive goods? If a criminal looks at your home and easily spots several items worth stealing, your house automatically becomes a more attractive target. Keep valuables out of sight.
If you have any questions about home audit security or would like some tips on how to protect your property, please contact SafeTech Alarms today.
Facebook Security Tips
Facebook is popular. You likely have an account and so do most people you know. Facebook is a convenient and popular way to stay in touch with friends, share photos and videos and make new connections. However, you’ve probably also heard about some of the security risks associated with Facebook. There are several risks to using the service and you need to use some caution on Facebook. Here are a few Facebook security tips that will keep your privacy and your computer safe. One thing that you should always remember on Facebook (and pretty much anywhere else) is that anything you do online can possibly be shared with the world. Even if you have your privacy settings set and you only have small group of friends, your information could still get out. A friend could accidentally leave his or her Facebook page logged in on a public computer, letting the next user see your entire profile. Also, computers can be hacked and information can get out. Therefore it is always important to think before you post something online. If you don’t post information or comments that could hurt you, you will have less to worry about and fewer security concerns.In general, it’s important that you do not supply any incredibly personal details such as your social insurance number or any financial information on Facebook. You should also be weary of sharing information with people you do not know. Never give an unknown source personal information and check your privacy settings to ensure that they are set correctly to prevent strangers from viewing your account details. Do not accept friend requests from people you don’t know.
It’s also important to be careful when clicking links that are posted on Facebook. These links often lead to external sites and Facebook does not control their content. Even if a friend or other reputable source posts a link, use caution before clicking it. Some websites can hijack Facebook accounts and automatically post links of behalf of users without their permission. If a friend shares a link that looks strange or out of the ordinary, ignore the link and alert your friend.
Never enter your Facebook login information into any website other than www.facebook.com. Some sites are set up to spoof Facebook in attempt to steal user login information.
Finally, always make sure that all of your programs are up-to-date before using Facebook or any other website. Your web browser, firewall, virus scanner and spyware scanner should all be updated regularly. Make sure that you scan your computer for issues every so often in order to catch anything.
Security for Retail Businesses
If you have a retail business, you understand exactly how many security concerns you have to be aware of at any given time. Whether your store is a stand-alone location or part of a shopping mall, there are many different things to focus on when you are trying to protect your retail business. Video surveillance is a key to keeping your retail business safe. Security cameras allow you to watch several areas of your store at the same time. They aren’t distracted by other tasks and they don’t miss a thing if they are installed and positioned correctly. Modern video surveillance cameras also offer remote monitoring. This means you can watch what is going on in your store from any location with an Internet connection. This is the perfect solution for those who own several businesses or who are on the road a lot.Prominently-positioned security cameras also work as a deterrent as criminals are much less likely to steal from a company that they know is watching them. It’s simply not worth the risk. In addition, security cameras can make your employees and customers feel safer as they know that they are protected. Remember to place security cameras in stock rooms and storage areas so that you can keep an eye on your stock. For more information on security cameras, please visit our security cameras page.
You also want to consider installing an access control system in your retail location. This will let you monitor who enters your stock room or storage area and keep track of employees and staff as the move through your building. Find out more information on access control systems here.. Article surveillance is also incredibly important. These systems allow you to accurately track merchandise and ensure that it does not leave your store without being purchased. Electronic article surveillance systems should definitely be a part of your retail store’s loss prevention system. For more information visit the article surveillance section of our website.
Wi-Fi Safety Tips
Wi-Fi is almost everywhere these days, from coffee shops and fast food restaurants to libraries, airports and a number of other locations. If you have a laptop or mobile device there’s a good chance that you’ve connected to a public Wi-Fi network in the past. While Wi-Fi is very convenient, it also comes with a few risks. Before logging on at that coffee shop or signing in at that airport, it’s important to take a few precautions.Always use a firewall when connecting to a public Wi-Fi network. Most modern operating systems come with a firewall program installed and activated by default. Make sure that this program is running before you use a public network and check the settings to make sure that you’re getting the protection you need. Most firewalls allow you to set specific settings that offer additional security when you are logged onto a public network.
If you regularly share files over your home or office network, make sure that all file sharing is turned off when you are using a public Wi-Fi hotspot. Again, most operating systems allow you to turn filesharing off automatically when you connect to a public network or a network other than your standard “home” or “office” location. Also do not set your computer or mobile device to automatically connect to available Wi-Fi networks. Make sure that you log in manually each time.
When you are connecting to a public network, make sure that you are signing on to the official network and not a spoofed network. For example, if you are in the airport in Toronto you may see both “Toronto Airport,” “Toronto Airport Wi-Fi” and “TO Air Network” when searching for networks. One of these networks could be the official network and the others are likely networks set up by someone else in the airport in order to steal personal information. Before logging onto a public network verify the name of the network with someone who works there.
Do not enter any personal or financial information when you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network. Despite your best intentions, someone could be watching every move you make on a public network. Use Wi-Fi networks for surfing the Internet only. Do not use them for banking and do not enter your credit card information. If you are checking your email on a Wi-Fi network make sure that you select “secure connection” from the log in screen and that you sign out when you are done. It’s also important to disconnect from the Wi-Fi network when you are done using it and turn off your wireless network card when you no longer need it. Encrypting your personal data can help protect it from anyone who is spying on your Wi-Fi session. Doing so makes it more difficult to access if someone should gain entry to your computer.
Whether you’re renovating your home or making some repairs around the house, there will inevitably be a time where you can’t handle a project and you have to look to outside help. Working with a contractor can get the work done much faster, but it’s also important to keep safety in mind. Contractor security is important. 
Criminals do not want to be seen. It is much easier to break into a dark property and stay hidden in the shadows than it is to walk through a lighted area where people will notice you. This is why many break and enters occur at night and why security lighting is such a good way to prevent crime.