Since the turn of the 21st century smart home automation has been billed as the answer to many of our domestic problems. From scientists and technologists to journalists and radio DJs, we’ve heard a hundred and one ways in which they can benefit our lives. In many cases, they’re right. Smart devices, attached to a central network (the Internet of Things or IOT for short) can play a significant role in making our lives more convenient, more comfortable and more efficient.
Smart heating devices, for example, use Geofencing technology to figure out exactly when you are on your way home. They can analyse and predict the weather and even learn about your habits and routines. By processing this through a central hub, the smart home can heat or cool your home exactly to your liking and at the minimum possible energy cost.
The same story applies across the smart home range; lighting, beds, refrigerators – the list is seemingly endless. Well known appliances revolutionised by developers, designers and technologists in order to make our lives as easy and efficient as possible.
One thing we haven’t mentioned thus far is security. How safe are you in your smart home? Are you taking advantage of the latest and very best security devices on offer to smart home owners?
If the answer is ‘no’ or you are unsure then this guide is for you.
1. Cost
The first thing that crosses many people’s mind when they think about equipping their home with smart security is cost, and rightly so. What is the point installing a system that is going to cost almost as much as the contents of your home that is supposed be there to protect?
Well here’s the good news. As smart homes become more popular, more and more firms are investing in developing the technology – particularly security firms that would not traditionally be seen as innovators of smart home devices. New technology, coupled with fierce competition means that even the most high tech smart security devices are coming down in price. You might be surprised to find out that some smart security devices are available for as little as £50.
2. Devices
So what can you install? What revolutionary security devices are out there to protect your castle and keep your family safe? The answer: a whole range of devices.
From simple touch pad locking systems, to high tech surveillance cameras capable of detecting whether a friend or foe has visited your premises, there are devices to suit every budget and meet every security need. Remote locking systems, operated from a smart phone, are particularly popular; allowing you to let friends or family in whilst you’re not around. They also mean you’ll never have to remember your keys again!
Another benefit is that most are easy to install and cheap to run and maintain. Even a top of the range system can be fitted by a specialist firm in one to two working days.
3. Cyber Security
Something to seriously consider when setting up your smart home system is cyber security. This is particularly imported as your security system is likely to be connected to the network that houses the rest of your smart home devices – something discussed in the next section.
Your home must be protected from cyber criminals and good practises involve installing an application isolation framework, keeping separate critical and non-critical data and software, and ensuring robust firewalls and other network security measures are in place.
Failure to do so could put your personal information, your home and your family at risk. Ensure you speak to the installation firm about cyber security.
4. Connection to the Internet of Things
Finally, as mentioned in the previous section, the best security systems are connected to your home’s Internet of Things. With the right security measures in place, this is an extremely powerful way of compiling and using the data your smart home generates meaning the system learns about your habits and adapts accordingly.
One example of how the Internet of Things can improve security is by recognising friends and family as they approach your home. The security system can even be programmed to let them into your home if you’re not around!