With the huge advancement in technology over the last decade, it is startling to notice how the internet and smart devices have changed our everyday life. In some ways it has made us feel secure, but in others it has made us more vulnerable than we ever were. With hackers around every cyber corner and our willingness to divulge information, we put ourselves and our properties at risk more than initially believed.
Every time an online form is filled out, we give away our full name, our phone number, our address, all private and vulnerable information to disclose to an unknown recipient. With online shopping becoming more and more common and convenient, companies have devised ways of keeping your packages safe, by offering customised delivery options. Without a hint of concern many of us advertise our absence, admitting that no one will be home on the day of delivery, and advised safe and secure places to leave the package on your property. Compare this with the old tradition of leaving lights on in the house when on holiday to make it look like someone is home, and it is clear to see how complacent and vulnerable we have become when it comes to home security.
For a long time CCTV was seen as an expensive and elaborate set up limited to commercial use and millionaire mansions, with hard to decipher grainy images. The advancement in CCTV technology has made it much more suitable and attainable for home security than ever before. With insurance companies and NZ Police releasing some impressive statistics lately, that if a home is visibly protected by alarm or CCTV systems the potential intruder will choose to leave and pursue a home without substantial security, it is clear to see why so many are investing in CCTV.
CCTV has always represented an unattractive security option, with big bulky metal boxes eerily swivelling around and a mountain of video tapes worth of recordings, it all felt a little “Big Brother”. The new designs being released onto the market are sleek, modern and subtle, with the option of remaining fixed and wired or mobile you have the peace of mind knowing your home and family are safe, without it feeling obtrusive.
Our smart phones and devices have evolved into a multi tool with which we can control multiple aspects of our lives. They can already control your heating, your finances and so much more, so why not your home security too?
The new home CCTV security systems available on the market are reflecting a real breakthrough in smart technology. The initial function of CCTV is clear, you want to be able to see who has or hasn’t been in your home, and if it is something suspicious, valid and clear evidence to pass on to the police. These new systems are taking it so much further, with corresponding apps to link the system with your smart phone or device the options are endless. Modern CCTV systems are capable of notifying you with photos to your smart device when your CCTV camera notices movement. In real time you can be aware of an intruder, whether at home or away you can then take the steps necessary in notifying the police.
As if that isn’t impressive enough, systems are emerging with face recognition technology allowing you to take control of your home security. Maybe you have a large family, with lots of coming and going, teenagers with friends that visit often, elderly parents that drop by regularly, these systems can now recognise these faces which you can log as “friendly”. When you recognise these faces and log them within the app, you will only receive notifications when the CCTV systems are alerted to an unrecognised face. This system may seem elaborate and unnecessary for a simple home security system but studies have shown that when receiving multiple notifications due to non threatening activity, people become complacent and stop checking notifications when they come through. By knowing that a notification represents an unrecognised individual on your property, you can remain alert to the system without the concern of it wasting your time.
For a long time, CCTV has been considered high maintenance with concerns over recording and storage. With new smart devices, this is a worry of the past. Most devices can be set up to only record when movement is detected eliminating the need for holding onto hours of blank footage. Recording has become more versatile with options to suit you. Most devices provide the option of recording straight onto your laptop or device, for ease of viewing and deleting if necessary. However more systems are incorporating a cloud system, where recordings are saved into a secure and easily accessed cloud space, saving you on hardware space and making it visible from wherever you may be, by anyone you give access to.
With this new era in home security and technology only getting smarter, it has never been easier or more convenient for you to keep a close eye on your home, and most importantly gain the chance to deter potential intruders in the first place.
To see how a CCTV system could benefit you, contact Config Security today.