[MTC Global] 4 ways to ensure the security of our homes

Dear friends,

Good morning.

Some caution on ensuring the security of our homes.

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The old cliché says that our homes are our castles. If that's true, then modern homes are like castles made out of Swiss cheese. I'll pause for a moment to let that mental image sink in.

The point is that modern homes have so many holes - digital and analog - that a criminal can sneak through. But you don't have to suffer from an invasion. Here's how to close the most important holes in your defenses.

1. Using antiquated security systems

Let's start with the traditional criminal who targets your home - the burglar. With the price of gold these days, these ruffians make a beeline for your jewelry boxes.

The scariest part is that many burglars don't care if you're at home while they break and enter. No one wants to experience that.

That's why a security system makes sense. In many cases, even a few security cameras or a blaring alarm is enough to scare off casual burglars. However, more dedicated burglars might give your house a go anyway.

Even unsophisticated crooks know that most security systems connect to monitoring services using a landline. So, the obvious solution is to cut the phones before entering. Even if the alarm is tripped, no one will know

Yes, Hollywood has been exploiting that weakness in movies and TV shows for decades and alarm companies still haven't come up with a better idea. Well, until recently.

Some modern alarm systems don't rely on a landline. There are several to choose from. My advertiser SimpliSafe, for example, uses a cellular connection. Unless a burglar is lugging around a cellphone jammer - and who does that? - you won't be cut off from your monitoring service and help.

Combine that with that fact that SimpliSafe has inexpensive no-contract monitoring and 30-minute no-drill installation, and any home can be a match for all but the most sophisticated masked bandits. And they're too busy robbing casinos and rappelling through skylights to bother you.

          

2. Oversharing online
Even a good security system won't protect you against a smash and grab. That's where a burglar targets one or two high-ticket items and disappears before the police can respond.

Of course, thieves don't usually pull this when someone is home, or unless they have a good idea what the score will be. That's why tech-savvy burglars have taken to planning their jobs with information from Facebook, Twitter and other social sites.

Imagine you publicly post that you're going to be gone for two weeks. Or you share a beautiful picture you took of the sunrise in another state. Burglars will be lining up to steal your stuff.

That doesn't even consider what criminals of the future will be able to learn about your habits from your home's smart appliances. 

ust as bad, you could publicly post a picture of your new, high-end TV, jewelry or other valuables. It won't take long for a burglar to track you down - especially if your photo gives away your location. 

3. Hosting shifty visitors
It's sad, but not everyone you let into your house is trustworthy. I'm not even talking about girl scouts and their diabolically addictive cookies that drain your bank account before you know it.

No, I'm talking about friends and relatives. Maybe you have contractors doing work or a pool-cleaning service. While most of these people are decent upstanding citizens, there are always stories about bad apples causing havoc.

They might pop on your computer or mobile gadget when your back is turned. Maybe they'll quickly pocket that cash, credit card statement or medical insurance card you left in the open.

Needless to say, it's a good idea to keep bills, money and other personal information out of areas that host visitors.

You should also lock your computer and mobile gadgets when other people are around. If you do let them use your gadgets, give them guest accounts or keep a close eye on them.

4. Ignoring Wi-Fi security
Fortunately, most people these days arrive with their own laptops, smartphones and tablets. So they shouldn't need to use yours and risk your personal information.

What they will need to use, however, is your Wi-Fi, which can be just as bad. They might try to get information streaming across your connection, or they might just let viruses on to your network.

That's why you want a router that lets you create a guest network is a good idea.

Of course, with Wi-Fi someone doesn't even need to be a visitor in your home. If you leave your network unsecured, neighbors and people just driving by can hop on your network.

Then they can attack your computers or just use your Internet connection for free. The worst part is if they use your connection to download or upload illegal content - like movies or child pornography. Yes, it happens and it's not pretty for the Wi-Fi owner - you.

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With regards,

 

Dr. K. Sampath Kumar,  B.A. (Economics), BGL, M.Com., M.Phil., Cert. A.I.I.B.,
                                        MBA (Finance), MBA (HR & Marketing),  ACS, FCMA, Ph. D.,
Professor, SSN School of Management
C/o. SSN College of Engineering
Rajiv Gandhi Salai (OMR)
KALAVAKKAM - 603110
Kancheepuram District, Tamil Nadu, India
Landline :  044-24860668
Mobile    :  9094405733
 
Success consists of getting up
just one more time than you fall
-- Oliver Goldsmith