Are You Making These Costly Home Security Mistakes?
Home security isn’t just about having a few locks or cameras – it’s about making smart decisions to keep your home and loved ones safe. Unfortunately, many homeowners unknowingly leave gaps in their security, making them easy targets for intruders. From simple oversights like leaving windows unlocked to bigger mistakes like neglecting cybersecurity, these missteps can put your home at risk.
We’ll outline the 12 most common security mistakes and, more importantly, how to fix them today!
Mistake 1: Unlocked doors and windows
Leaving entry points unlocked is kind of an obvious mistake, but you’d be surprised how many homes do it, intentionally! This is often to accommodate kids coming home when out, or to allow service people into the home, or grant access to a rental apartment… Some places, of course, have people who simply forget to lock!
Statistically most break-ins happen via an accessible window or door that was simply left open. Household members should be reminded continuously to lock, and then also double check. (Another memorable way to get it to stick can be to craft some clever “reminder” signs or sticky notes).
One never wants to be on the other side of “one day too late”.
Fix the system now. Don’t delay. No regrets!
Mistake #2: Hiding a Spare Key Outside
Know the “hiding-under-the-doormat” trick?, or how about the “under-the-pot-plant” trick? Yup, we all do! Thieves included. It’s the first place they check, so if you’re doing this, it’s time to make a new strategy!
Other ideas for giving access to people when out, or hiding that spare key, are:
- Installing a smart lock – Some smart locks use fingerprint scanning, while others use bluetooth or wifi. Some have mobile apps that can even be used to open or lock from afar! Some can sync to your video doorbell or camera system, and even record or notify your phone of anyone who tries to enter, welcome or not! (A few smart locks have a timer-control, so that a manual key can be used on Shabbat, and in case of power outages.)
- Have a code box installed – no key needed! Create secret protocols to guard the code, and change it from time to time. (Ask YouTube how… if you’re brave!… or simply become friends with a locksmith.)
- Use a secure key lockbox – providing a secure place to store the keys. Seek a high-quality lockbox designed to withstand harsh weather and forced entry attempts. It’s at least one extra step criminals would need to take.
Mistake #3: Insufficient Outdoor Lighting
A properly lit outdoors can act as a great deterrent against thieves coming close to the property. They often don’t bother with harder targets as the risk of getting caught is so high.
If you’re worried about electrical costs, you can still be economical by having timer-based lighting, but full lighting is better. Or, have motion-sensors installed, so at least you’re notified (and the criminals are scared off!) before anyone even reaches your home’s perimeter. These days, you can even get alerts on your phone when you’re out the house – even whilst abroad!
Mistake #4: Overgrown Bushes
Remember to keep landscaping well-trimmed, especially near entryways and windows. Besides making great hiding places for creeps, they’re also home to creepy crawlies of the bug, rodent and slithering variety, so by regularly cutting shrubbery back you can solve multiple issues. If laying out cash for shears or trimmer is too much, consider borrowing from a neighbor, or buying then lending/renting yours out!
Mistake #5: Parked the Car, Forgot to Lock The Gate!
If you drive, and/or live in a home with a garage or a large garden or driveway, often there is access to an alternate door. We all know how often it happens that “someone” mistakenly forgets to lock (let alone to close!) the garage door or property gate.
Whilst this very common, what’s not as common is the knowledge that this issue can be somewhat eradicated. How? By installing smart locks (similarly mentioned above, in Mistake #2: “Hiding a Spare Key Outside”), but what we didn’t yet discuss, is that a lot of smart locks have an auto-lock setting that can be enabled, to automatically lock a door if it’s open for a certain period of time. (If using such systems, always ensure that your firmware is updated too!)
Simply placing a sign near the door you enter the house from, reminding you to check if you locked the doors, is a good safeguard too. You don’t always need a fancy automated system to stay safe.
Mistake #6: Neglecting Alarm System Maintenance
Regular cleaning and checking of your security cameras and alarm systems are a key necessity to staying well protected. The recommended frequency is to test alarms monthly.
Check for dust or debris on the camera screens and/or sensors. Ensure you take great care if climbing high ladders – or call in a professional to help! A slightly damp, soft, cloth followed by a soft, clean, dry, polish cloth, will do the trick. Don’t leave any soap or residue on the lenses and screens, as it may trigger false alarms, or damage or scratch them.
Replace batteries regularly so that there’s no lapse in the optimal functioning of your system. Luckily some setups of camera and alarm systems only need their batteries replaced every few years!
Mistake #7: Using Weak Passwords
Use unique and complex passwords for all your smart security devices – and for everything else for that matter! Take the time to improve and hack-proof all of your accounts and devices, it’s always worth it.
Here’s some ways to make passwords more secure:
- Avoid using numbers in sequence, birth years, or easily guessed information.
- Use a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Create different passwords for each account, device, or service.
- Never write passwords down in an easily accessible place – consider using a reputable password manager instead, such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or Dashlane to generate and securely store your complex passwords.
- Ensure your email accounts have especially strong, unique passwords (our email accounts provide access to many other of our services these days! Yikes!)
- Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible also adds an extra layer of protection. (Requiring two forms of verification, such as a password plus a one-time code sent to your phone, before granting access.)
Mistake #8: Not securing the Second Floor
Once your main floor is secure, don’t overlook upper levels. Intruders aren’t always deterred by climbing if they believe a target is accessible. Whether you live in a multi-story home, or within an apartment building with reachable balconies or windows, it’s advisable to install locks and deterrents – especially if your unit appears unoccupied at times or might seem like it holds valuables.
Mistake #9: Ignoring Cybersecurity Risks
Depending on which system you have, you’ll likely need to keep your security system software updated. Regular software updates of your security system help patch vulnerabilities and enhance protection. Staying up-to-date ensures your system can defend against emerging threats and cyber attacks.
When, how, and at what frequency do you need to check for these updates?
Most security systems thankfully notify users of newly available firmware, or even enable updates automatically where possible. If it’s required manually, check for new updates as often as monthly, or follow the manufacturer recommendations accordingly.
If you’re still stuck, contact a local authorized installer to come in and check for you. If you do, it’s recommended to also have them run a full-service maintenance check and system cleaning.
Mistake #10: Leaving Ladders or Tools Outside
Store tools and ladders in locked areas, or even inside your home if needed. If left outside, they can easily be used by thieves to break in, or to even use as weapons.
In general it’s anyway a good, home safety practice, ensuring kids (or adults alike) won’t get hurt by them simply laying around.
This includes extra wood beams, bits of fencing, and the like – all of which can be used as a makeshift ladder.
Mistake #11: Relying on Fake Cams, or on “Beware of the …” Signs
Real security measures, as we know, are a more effective way of warding off intruders – although scare tactics are better than nothing at all. Practiced thieves can tell right away when a camera is a dummy. They can even tell if an actual, working camera isn’t installed well enough, and is overridable.
Professional installers know what criminals look out for, and ensure not just the equipment, but also the placement, is well thought out and offers maximum protection for a given situation.
Even the “BEWARE” sign with a picture of “Fluffy the rottweiler” is often not scary enough for these shady characters. Intruders often have planned tricks to appease pets and keep them silent whilst invading a property.
Mistake #12: Not Having an Emergency Plan
Develop a home security emergency plan. Make sure all family members understand it and practice it regularly together. Ensure it is updated regularly with the correct emergency contacts, new additions to protocols per situation, and is hung in an easy-to-reach point in your home.
And now for some GOOD NEWS… some of the work’s already been done for you! We’ve created 2 FREE tools to help you identify weak spots on your property, and take action to secure your home further, TODAY, before it’s too late.
Download a FREE copy of our 2 step-by-step guides now!: “The Ultimate Home Security Checklist”, and the (customizable!) “Emergency Security Readiness Plan” worksheet. Also available on bhsecurityisrael.com!
__________________________________________________________________
Please remember to LIKE or SHARE – and help us to help others become more safe, aware and emergency-ready!