10 Home Security Features That Are More Dangerous Than You Think

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It’s easy to think that more tech equals more safety in the rush to fortify homes with the latest in security technology. After all, what could happen when you have surrounded yourself with gadgets to repel intruders and protect your loved ones? However, sometimes these systems also carry with them unforeseen risks. Rather than giving you the peace of mind you’re looking for, they may actually make things worse.

This isn’t fear mongering, just a look at some of the common mistakes people make when they trust their home security systems too much. So, let’s dig into some security features that could be putting you more at risk than you realize.

Smart Locks

Until they fail, smart locks are all about convenience. The idea of unlocking your front door with your phone sounds great, but what if your phone battery dies, you lose Wi Fi connection, or even worse, a hacker discovers a security hole? Like other connected devices, smart locks are vulnerable to cyber attacks, and once somebody breaches that system, they’ve got access to your home without breaking a sweat, or breaking a window. Good old fashioned deadbolts sometimes still win the day.

Cloud-Connected Cameras

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Streaming cameras to the cloud can be a lifesaver, letting you keep an eye on what’s happening at home from anywhere. But every camera on the internet can be hacked. The video feed can be taken by hackers, who watch your home and learn your schedule. It’s great to have eyes everywhere but when they’re someone else’s eyes, you’ve got a real problem.

Overcomplicated Alarm Systems

Nightmare waiting to happen are alarm systems that require a PhD to operate. If an alarm is too complicated, it’s likely that someone in your home will have trouble arming or disarming it, causing false alarms or, worse yet, failing to activate the alarm when it should be. Simplicity is key. For a system to be effective, it has to be easy for everyone in the house to use, not one that is loaded with bells and whistles that no one fully understands.

Smart Doorbells

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Smart doorbells are a brilliant invention, you can see who’s at your door without even getting up. But they come with risks. They’re like other internet connected devices and are vulnerable to hacking. And if you’re always relying on the camera to know who’s out there, you may get lazy and skip common sense safety measures like looking through a window or using a peephole. Don’t let the tech take over your instincts.

Security Systems That Depend on Wi-Fi

If your whole security setup is Wi Fi, you’re trusting your internet service provider a lot. Your security system goes down if your Wi Fi goes down, leaving your home vulnerable. According to CNET, hackers can easily use weak Wi-Fi networks to get into your system. As such you should have backup measures, like having systems that transition to cellular data when Wi-Fi isn’t available.

Motion Sensors

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Motion sensors are a wonderful tool for watching movement in and around the home. However, if they’re not set up correctly, they can be a source of frustration. If they’re too sensitive, they will be constantly setting off false alarms from pets, shadows, or even falling leaves. If they are not sensitive enough, an intruder could waltz right in undetected. It’s harder than it looks to find that sweet spot, and in the meantime you could wind up with a system that’s more annoying than protective.

Voice-Activated Assistants

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There is something very convenient about integrating voice assistants like Alexa or Google Home into your security system. You can speak and lock doors, turn off alarms, or check cameras. The kicker is, anyone in your home can do the same. And if a burglar gets in, they could commandeer your security system just by shouting. It’s not foolproof, especially when you have kids that love to experiment with these gadgets.

DIY Installation

Although installing a security system yourself will save you money, it’s a double edged sword. Without proper professional expertise, you’re going to miss out on some very important setup details. The whole system can be made ineffectual by a poorly placed camera, an improperly configured alarm, or even forgetting strong passwords to secure devices. Sometimes, cutting corners when it comes to protecting your home isn’t worth the savings.

Overreliance on Technology

And then the biggest danger of all might be to rely too much on technology. Security systems are supposed to be tools, not crutches. But if you have cameras and sensors, and you forget to lock doors, secure windows, or pay attention to your surroundings, you’re asking for trouble. No common sense could be substituted by any gadget.

Biometric Scanners

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Is it fingerprint or facial recognition? It sounds like a spy movie, doesn’t it? As cool as it sounds, unfortunately, these scanners aren’t foolproof. For instance, if a biometric lock doesn’t recognize you because of something as simple as dirt on your hands or a change in lighting, you could be locked out. It gets even worse — research have demonstrated that fingerprints can be lifted and duplicated, so even your own biology isn’t always safe from tampering.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.