What You Need to Know About Home Monitoring Systems

What You Need to Know About Home Monitoring Systems

New systems promise safety easy setup and allow for DIY home monitoring

Getty Images You've probably heard the pitch for do-it-yourself home security: You can install the cameras, smart locks, video doorbells and motion sensors easily and quickly — and then monitor activity right from your smartphone. Well, it's true. This new generation of home security tools is a huge step forward from the electronic security systems of old, which required professional installation, often-pricey professional monitoring and lengthy service contracts. Adam Wright, a research analyst at International Data Corp., a technology market-research firm, says much of the interest in DIY home security systems is driven by older people living alone and by relatives who can use the systems to check in on loved ones remotely. Common brands include Amazon's Ring, SimpliSafe and Vivint. Even traditional security companies, such as ADT, have introduced DIY options. Do the systems really deliver? Are they hackable? Here's what you need to know.

Can you really do it yourself

Security companies are generally making installation a lot simpler. Some systems require only that you plug in and sync the components. But not all. Be sure to check before purchasing. Some barriers may remain for people who are uncomfortable with electrical wiring, climbing ladders or drilling holes, says Christian Cerda, CEO of the SimpliSafe home security company. You may need handyman skills to install a full system as well as intermediate tech skills to get all the gear communicating properly.

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How much does it cost

A basic DIY package with a single Wi-Fi base station (the heart of the system), door keypad, entry sensor, motion sensor and high-definition camera runs around $170, though that will vary by company. Move up to the $400 range, and you can get a bundled system that might also include a key fob, water leak detector, temperature sensor that alerts you remotely when your house gets too cold, smoke detector, siren and panic button. Want professional monitoring? That could mean another $15 a month. You can also add components à la carte over time. generally cost between $100 and $350, depending on design, video quality and extra features. Also, consider whether a camera is battery-powered, must be plugged in or has to be hardwired by an electrician. Finally, if you want to record the camera feeds for later viewing (not just have them available to see in real time), you may have to add a subscription.

Are there any privacy concerns

Systems are built to be highly secure, experts agree. “But whenever you are putting something in or around the home connected to the internet, there's going to be risk,” says Matthew Guariglia, a policy analyst at the San Francisco-based Electronic Frontier Foundation. “You have to ask yourself, ‘What is the worst thing that can happen if bad actors get control of it?’ Nothing is foolproof." In one creepy, well-publicized December 2019 incident, a man hacked into the camera feed of an 8-year-old's bedroom. To address concerns, Ring last year added requirements: An extra passcode is sent to your phone and must be entered before you can log in. Guariglia says another safeguard is to choose cameras that record video directly to the device rather than on a remote server “in the cloud.” Experts also recommend thoroughly reviewing your system's privacy settings to make sure they are set for maximum protection, and to avoid sharing your access codes — even with family.

7 features of new security systems

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1 Video doorbells

These include a camera that lets you monitor your front porch and interact with people outside without having to open the door. of

2 Super cameras

For a little more money, top-grade cameras can provide superior night vision and facial recognition to properly identify a visiting son or daughter, as opposed to a salesperson. of

3 Special alerts

Some security systems offer specialized sensors that alert you directly at the sound of broken glass or the detection of smoke or carbon monoxide. Sensors can even clue you in when your mailbox has been opened. of

4 Useful links

New systems often can be integrated into other home tech systems — for example, a in your home. of

5 Door control

Smart locks allow you to lock or unlock doors from afar so that you can let in the person who cleans your house, for instance. of

6 Phone feeds

Security cameras can stream video from your house via the internet to your phone, tablet or computer, so you can check on things at any time and from anywhere. Depending on your setup, you can also record to an online server (though that often requires a paid subscription service). of

7 Constant monitoring

For a moderate monthly fee, you can add professional monitoring to contact the police, fire dispatcher or first responder if a break-in is detected or the smoke alarm goes off. Edward C. Baig is a contributing writer who covers technology and other consumer topics. He previously worked for USA Today, BusinessWeek, U.S. News & World Report and Fortune and is author of Macs for Dummies and co-author of iPhone for Dummies and iPad for Dummies.

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