Home Surveillance, Sensors & Locks
Recent reports suggest the latest home security systems have a ways to go before they become more than just fancy do-dads to brag about to family and friends. No doubt, many criminals are scared away by the appearance of a security system, but others examine smart home technology to determine how smart it really is.
Exploding In-Home Technology: Is it Secure?
According to FierceCable, for example, Comcast’s Xfinity home security system is easy to beat with a simple jamming device. True to form, a Comcast spokesperson presented a smoke and mirrors explanation about how it uses the same communication standards as other leading home automation systems and they would “proactively” research the issue.
This suggests that Comast and other leading providers of home security systems have the same issues. These systems run WiFi on the 2.4 GHz frequency band to save energy but once the system’s sensors are knocked offline, by a jamming device, for example, it can take up to three hours for the connection to be reestablished. This is gravy for criminals who scientists say are particularly adept at figuring out ways to circumvent systems set up to stop them from accessing bank vaults, airport security systems, or even the US Defense Department.
Global Home Automation System Market Exploding
Nonetheless, 86% of US households are concerned about security. The global home automation systems market, of which home security is a significant part, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 56.75% from 2015-2019.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Home Security Systems
If experts from the big home security firms can’t get it right, how will technology novices pick and choose amongst the myriad of security devices and sensors now available online? Product names like Brinks, Doberman, Canary, and Eagle Eye are just marketing tactics that may make a consumer buy the product, but in the end, how safe are the systems?
The following YouTube playlist is CNET’s review of the top 5 DIY home security systems.
