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Cybersecurity Tips For Businesses
Cybersecurity risks are always on the horizon, whether it is your personal or business data. Hackers are relentless and data breaches happen far too often, so cybersecurity should be a top priority. For businesses, the stakes are higher as they house a large amount of sensitive customer information. While firewalls and antivirus software used to be the norm, we must take further measures to protect data. Here are a few ways you can improve your business’s cybersecurity.
- Update & patch everything in your systems.
To limit the risk of attacks, be sure that you always use the latest versions of the software installed on your systems. This includes every application on desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices, as well as the operating system each one is running.As simple as it sounds, you must also consider your customized software as well as the size of your digital environment. If your software is customized, you will need a specific development team to add new features and patch any bugs as needed. In addition, depending on the size of your digital environment, it may take some time to administer updates for numerous devices.
- Encrypt the data you handle.
Whether it is customer, employee, or business information, all digital systems manage some sort of sensitive data. With that said, it is ever important to ensure that your information is protected, and that is where encryption enters the equation.While you can simply use the encryption tools that are available in most operating systems, it may help to develop your own encryption solution to fit your specific needs. You may also want to consider using blockchain for your internal network since the digital ledger uses hash codes to encrypt every transaction that happens within its blocks.
- Mount zero trust networks.
Zero trust networks identify every network user and verify each device before granting any kind of access. These security protocols are applied regardless of the location the user is trying to access the system from.Also, with zero trust networks, system administrators determine which users may access which parts of the system. This reduces the number of potential attacks while also allowing control to track and trace all access attempts from unauthorized users and any unusual activities and patterns.
- Keep tight control over your information transfer.
“Bring your own device” (BYOD) is now a common practice that allows employees to use personal devices for work so that they are more comfortable with the device. While this seems advantageous to both the employees and the business, it presents high risks as these devices can contain sensitive business information (ex. login information, business documents) that may fall into the wrong hands should the device be lost, misplaced, or stolen.If your business employs a BYOD policy, it is up to you to enforce strict rules to minimize risk. You may increase your cybersecurity by moving your services to the cloud so that all the information is stored online rather than in the devices themselves.
- Teach your employees about secure practices.
In addition to employing the aforementioned measures, it is crucial that you inform your employees on safe and secure practices. Training should be as comprehensive as possible, starting with the absolute basics, and include everyone that uses your company systems, regardless of the positions they hold.And remember, this type of training should be ongoing. As new employees are hired and as new features, tools and threats appear, further training should be implemented.
Remember, cybersecurity should not be taken lightly. Be sure to implement safe practices within your business as well as your personal data. If you have any other cybersecurity tips and tricks, feel free to share with us and your peers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a comprehensive selection of quality IP and HD security cameras to suit your budget and needs, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. For questions or to request a free quote, please call 888-203-6294.
Safety Tips For Halloween 2019
While Halloween is a family-friendly holiday, it can also be a very dangerous night. With more pedestrians on the road and people concealing their identities with costumes, the risks are higher. Before partaking in the Halloween fun, review these Halloween safety tips.
Pick A Safe Costume
- Costumes, wigs, and accessories should be made with fire-resistant materials.
- Avoid masks that may obstruct your child’s live of vision.
- If your kids will be out after dark, or their costumes are hard to see at night, use bright, reflective material or adhere reflective tape to your child’s costume to increase visibility.
- If you are using makeup, be sure that is it nontoxic and that it is removed before bed to avoid irritation.
Know Where They Are
- Kids 12 and under should be chaperoned.
- If you are not chaperoning, be sure you know who your children are going out with, where they will be going, and that you have the contact information of the adult chaperone.
- If your children are older, be sure that they trick-or-treat in a group with friends and that they stick to familiar, well-lit routes.
- If your child has a cell phone, you can set up a GPS tracker together so that you know where they are.
Be Aware Of Surroundings
- Road safety is especially important on Halloween night as more kids are walking around, usually excited and distracted, and drivers may not be paying attention, or even worse, driving home after a night of celebrating. Here are some important reminders:
- You and your children should only cross the street at corners where there are traffic lights and crosswalks.
- Always check left, right, and left again before crossing.
- For both kids and adults, make sure heads are up and alert, not looking at phones or electronic devices.
- Walk, don’t run, when crossing the street. If you can’t make it across the street in time, wait for the next green light.
Pumpkin Safety
- Small children should not carve pumpkins. Instead, have them use a marker to draw a face and an adult may carve it for them once they are done. Or they can simply decorate the pumpkin with markers, paint, etc.
- Consider using a flashlight or glow stick to illuminate your jack-o-lantern. If you opt for a candle, votive candles are the safest choice.
- Pumpkins should be securely places on table tabletops and away from flammable objects and should not be left unattended.
Candy Safety
- Feed your children a good meal before heading out for trick-or-treating so that they are less tempted by the treats when they’re out.
- Although tampering is rare, it is important to inspect and sort candy with your children when you get home. Discard old, spoiled, or unwrapped treats.
- If you child has allergies, be mindful of the houses you visit and inspect candy labels carefully. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and toss it.
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Pros & Cons Of Public Security Cameras
There is much debate on whether or not surveillance cameras should be installed in public places such as airports, schools, libraries, and stores. The line between privacy and security is thin and both sides can be argued.
Although so may feel like public surveillance is an invasion of privacy, laws that prohibit surveillance in public places are few and far between, and may be limited to geographical areas. For example, in New York, police may only use video surveillance footage as part of an investigation into the alleged criminals after obtaining a warrant from local authorities.
And remember, placing cameras in areas where an individual has a reasonable expectation of privacy (ex. bathrooms, changing rooms) is always prohibited.
Let’s look at the different pros and cons of public surveillance.
Pro: Increase Public Safety
Just like surveillance on our private property improves our home security, surveillance in public areas increases public safety. Public surveillance can aid in keeping you safe when you are out and about.
Public security cameras can keep an eye out for crimes as well as act as a deterrent. For example, if suspicious individuals are seen in an area, authorities may be able to get ahead of the situation and possibly move innocent bystanders out of harm’s way.
Pro: Reduce Crime Rate
According to statistics, after security cameras are installed, crimes rates drop. For example, crime rates in Humboldt Park dropped 20% after video surveillance was implemented. As previously mentioned, the presence of security cameras act as a deterrent as criminals do not want to risk getting caught on camera.
Pro: Helps Catch Criminals
For crimes committed where video surveillance is present, the chance of catching criminals is much higher. With advanced technology like facial recognition, security cameras may be able to better identify criminals, helping authorities to track them down. Also, these images and information may be shared with the public to help spread the word. It may be difficult to obtain eyewitness accounts, but with security cameras, you often have video evidence of the events that transpired.
Pro: Provide Evidence & Gather Clues
Along the same lines, surveillance footage can be used as evidence in the courtroom. On the other hand, video footage may also help to prove a person’s innocence. Either way, recordings of public areas can help provide clues to solve crimes, and may even provide solid evidence for criminal cases.
Pro: Convenience
Convenience comes in the form of traffic cameras. Surveillance cameras at stoplights help to prevent drivers from speeding through a red light, while security cameras installed on streets and freeways can help to monitor traffic conditions in real-time.
Con: Easily Abused
Unfortunately, this helpful technology can be easily abused. For example, information collected from public cameras can potentially be used as a form of blackmail. Another example is voyeurism and stalking. To combat these issues, strict regulations on public surveillance must be put into place.
Con: Doubts About Effectiveness
In addition, many people doubt the effectiveness of public surveillance. While statistics may show that crimes and incident rates have decreased, security cameras are not as effective when it comes to horrific acts such as terrorism.
Con: Expensive
The cost of public security cameras is another issue. Since many doubt the effectiveness, they feel that public surveillance systems are a waste of money. They argue that high maintenance and costs of these systems is not justified by their limited results.
As you can see, both sides have valid arguments. It is a matter of whether the pros outweigh the cons or vice versa. For the most part, public surveillance has been working for our benefit. Feel free to share your thoughts on the matter with us and your peers on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Please call us at 888-203-6294 if you have any questions regarding our security cameras or installation services, or to request a free quote! You can also visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com, where you’ll find more information about our products and service. We are happy to help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
Video Surveillance Tricks
Surveillance systems installed at your home or business help to enhance your security by allowing you to keep any eye on your property. They can aid in keeping your loved ones safe, as well as potentially deter criminals from targeting you. And after installation, there are ways to make the most of your surveillance system. Review these tricks to enhance your security.
- Learn The Ins & Outs
Security cameras have different features, so it is important that you choose one that suits your needs. It is also imperative that you learn what your surveillance cameras can do by reading manuals and watching tutorials as necessary.
- Get The Mobile App
Most surveillance systems have an accompanying app which allows you to access your feed and manage your system remotely, as well as provide alerts. Without it, you miss out on these great opportunities to enhance your security.
- Register For E-Mail Alerts
When motion or suspicious activity is detected, you will be notified via e-mail which may be accompanied by video footage.
- Register For Text Alerts
For even faster access, sign up for text alerts. You’ll get essentially the same alert you would via e-mail, but in a text.
- Choose The Right Cameras
As mentioned, it is important to choose cameras with the right features and functions that will cater to your specific surveillance needs. For example, night vision cameras are great for areas that need around the clock monitoring, and day/night cameras are great for outdoor use where lighting can vary. There are a multitude of security cameras on the market with a variety of features so you are sure to find the ones that suit your needs.
- Petsit & Babysit
Indoor security cameras can give you peace of mind when it comes to pets and older children who may be home alone.
- Understand Privacy Mode
If you want to record but don’t want the recordings to be visible remotely, you can turn on privacy mode.
- Set Scheduled Times
Rather than setting your security camera on motion detection only, you can set the times you want your system to record. You can watch the footage in real-time or at a later date, either on the web or your mobile device.
- Manage Your Cameras Remotely
As mentioned, you can manage your camera system remotely via an app installed on a PC or smart device.
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If you need helping choosing a new security camera system for your home or business, please feel free to contact us! You can browse our stock online or give us a call 888-203-6294 to speak with one of our representatives directly. Your security is our priority and we are always happy to help.
Enhance Your Home Security
Home burglaries happen more often that we would like to think. While we want to protect our home, families, and our possessions, our security measures may be lacking. Here are some ways you can enhance your safety and secure your home.
Landscape
Walk around your property to identify and eliminate potential hiding spots for thieves. Clear away any overgrown areas and maintain your landscape.
Police
Speak with your local police department as they can offer insight on break-in trends in your area.
Neighbors
Take the time to get to know your neighbors and engage with people in your neighborhood. You can use each other as allies to watch for any suspicious activities or keep a look out when you’re away.
Lighting
Outdoor lighting can play a key role in your home security. Installing motion-sensor lights around your property can enhance your safety and prevent your home from being targeted by thieves. For indoor lighting, you may want to consider implementing timers or smart light bulbs that can be controlled remotely. This will allow you to make it appear as if you are home even when you’re away.
Shopping
Online shopping is convenient, but can also draw the attention of thieves. To deter porch pirates, have your packages sent elsewhere or require a signature for delivery. In addition, your trash may give away that you recently purchased a new computer or flat-screen television. Be sure to break down boxes and keep your trash inconspicuous.
Safety Routine
Establish a routine of regularly locking all doors, shutting windows, and arming your alarm system when you leave your home. And avoid leaving a spare key outside as thieves are privy to common hiding spots. Instead, leave a spare with a trusted friend or neighbor.
Visibility
Be sure that you can see who is at your front door without opening it, whether it be through a peephole, window, or a video doorbell. Do not place valuables where they can be seen from the street and keep your alarm system panel out of sight from windows so that people outside cannot see you arming it.
Outdoor Valuables
Anything outdoors is an easier steal. Sheds, garages, and other outdoor buildings are prime targets, as they are usually easier to access and contain valuables. Be sure to secure your grill, lawn mower, bicycles, and other outdoor gear.
Vacation
Going away? Hold your mail and deliveries, and ask a friend or neighbor to remove flyers from your property. If it’s for an extended period of time, arrange for snow removal and lawn mowing to keep up the appearance that you are home.
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Browse our stock of quality surveillance equipment and security cameras online at SecurityCamExpert.com. Contact us at 888-203-6294 to request a free quote or schedule a site survey.
What Is FRT?
By now, we have all heard about facial recognition technology and how it is becoming more commonplace in our everyday lives. But do you really know how it works and its benefits?
Facial recognition technology (FRT) analyzes the unique features of a person’s face to verify their identity. This advanced technology can be used as identification authentication to protect sensitive areas or information. As this technology continues to advance, we will see an increase in reliability and application.
Learn more about the different types of FRT:
- Traditional
Traditional FRT uses a photo or image of a face to analyze the basic geometry of the features. After analyzing, the features are cross-referenced against a database of different faces. - 3-Dimensional (3D)
A more sophisticated technology, 3D FRT uses 3D sensors and cameras at various angles. The 3D sensors capture the shape and contours of the face, while cameras capture traditional FRT data. Both data sets are merged to create a comprehensive understanding of the face, including different facial expressions. Then this data is cross-referenced with the database. - Surface Texture Analysis
Surface Texture Analysis takes an image of a patch of skin (also known as a skin print). The skin print is then segmented and turned into measurable space with complex algorithms. It is then analyzed for any lines, pores, or interesting characteristics. This technology is used in tandem with traditional and 3D FRT and can distinguish between identical twins. - Thermal
Thermal FRT uses more advanced cameras, but has the same basic concept as other FRT. This technology uses both traditional and thermal cameras to create facial recognition in low visibility scenarios.
As you can imagine, all the different types of FRT can be used to ensure heightened security in places housing highly sensitive data as well as keeping unknown persons away from private property. Share your own thoughts about FRT and its future with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Keep an eye on your property with quality security cameras from SecurityCamExpert.com. Let us help you choose the right surveillance system to suit your needs and we can take care of the installation, too! To learn more about our products and services, please call 888-203-6294.
Get Ready For Fall
The Fall Season is upon us and it’s a great time to review these safety tips to help you transition from the summer to shorter days and cooler autumn nights.
- Check around the furnace before turning on the heat for the first time – always be sure that there is nothing flammable around it. Also, before winter arrives, have your furnace inspected. And for your own reference, be sure that the flame is blue, not yellow or orange. And check the pipe from the furnace to the chimney for rust spots and ensure that both ends are securely connected. If you have radiators, be sure to remove anything that’s sitting on top of them before the heat turns on.
- Choose light-colored clothing for your kids so that they are more easily seen by drivers. On Halloween, it’s especially important to ensure your kids can be seen. Equip them with a flashlight and glow stick, and if their costume is dark, add some reflective stickers or tape.
- Remember to change batteries when you “fall back.” It’s a good rule of thumb to replace batteries for smoke alarms and CO detectors twice a year when the time changes (or when the alarm “chirps” for low battery).
- Practice a family fire escape plan. Don’t have one? Now is the time to devise and practice one. Again, this escape plan should be practiced at least twice a year.
- Use space heaters safely. Keep any combustibles “three feet from the heat” or “a meter from the heater.” If you’re using a fuel-powered heater, allow fresh air to circulate by opening a door or window slightly. And remember to turn off your heater when you leave the house and before you go to bed.
- Add outdoor lighting to dark places. Not only will this deter intruders, but it can help to protect against falls. Motion sensor lights are especially beneficial around doors and near steps.
- Clean out your gutters weekly. If your gutters are hard to reach, you can install a leaf guard to keep most of the leaves out.
- Have your chimney inspected before you fire it up. If you use your chimney yearly, you should have it cleaned every year to prevent a chimney fire. And if your chimney needs repair, leave it to the professionals.
- Get your car ready for the winter. Aside from checking tires and fluid levels, you should stock your car trunk with winter essentials. You can benefit from having a blanket, hat, gloves, a bag of salt, sand, or non-clumping kitty litter for traction, extra windshield fluid, and ice scraper, and shovel. In case you get stuck, you should have a brightly colored cloth on hand to tie to your antenna, along with snacks (granola bars, unsalted canned nuts) and bottled water (keep them at about two-thirds full in case they freeze).
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Visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com to shop our stock of quality security cameras and surveillance equipment. You may also contact us at 888-203-6294 to learn more about our products and services and to request a free quote.
Avoid These Home Security Blunders
We all like to think that we implement smart and effective home security measures, but unfortunately, there are vulnerabilities that we often overlook. It may be time to reevaluate your home security and beware of these common home security mistakes.
- Overestimating Door Frame Strength
There’s more to door security than a high quality deadbolt lock. When someone kicks down a door, it’s usually the door frame that gives way. Easily reinforce your door frame by using long (3-4 inch screws) to hold the strike plates in place instead of short screws. This is a quick, easy, and cost-effective security measure that can greatly improve your home security. - “Hiding” A Spare Key
It’s the oldest trick in the book that even casual burglars are privy to. If losing your keys or getting locked out is more common for you than normal, try leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbor or friend close by. Or you can invest in a biometric (fingerprint) or digital keycode lock for your exterior doors. - Not Securing Garages & Sheds
Do you lock your garage or shed? If you answered no, you are not alone. Garages and sheds house many valuable things that are often targeted by thieves, so it would be wise to invest in locks to secure these areas. - Neglecting Second Floor Security
You may not bother securing your second floor, but remember, if there’s a will there’s a way. Burglars have used deck railing to reach a second story window, or some have even used the ladder stored in that unlocked shed to gain access. Remember to lock those windows and lock up your ladder. - Leaving Home Security Systems Unarmed
So you’ve gone so far as to install a home security system, but what’s the use if you continually forget to set it? Make arming your system a habit at night and when you’re away. And remember, change the default code that came with the system and create hard-to-guess security codes.
Do you have any stories, experiences, or other tips to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Your security is our priority. Contact us at 888-203-6294 or visit SecurityCamExpert.com to learn more about our products and installation services, site surveys, or to request a FREE quote!
Campus Surveillance & Security Measures
As students head back to school, it is important to consider campus security and how we can keep our children safe. Surveillance camera systems on campus are important assets in helping to make schools safer – here’s why.
Deter Crime
The mere presence of security cameras is known to reduce criminal activity. Bottom line, surveillance poses a risk of getting caught and criminals simply don’t want that.
Prevent Vandalism & Theft
Because schools and campuses have predictable off hours, it is easy for vandals and thieves to target them. However, strategically placed security cameras and alarm systems can help to prevent this type of activity.
Eliminate Unauthorized Intruders
By monitoring and evaluating surveillance footage, you can more easily identify persons that do not belong in the area.
Monitor Entrances, Exits & Corridors
Since foot traffic is high during the school day, most entrances and exits must remain unlocked, making them vulnerable to intruders. Keeping an eye on these, as well as hallways and corridors, will help identify who is or has been on school property as well as what they did or are doing there.
Visitor Monitoring
Any visitor can pose a potential threat, and surveillance camera footage can keep track of that. Having eyes on the situation allows for quick response if any misbehavior or misconduct occurs.
We carry a wide variety of security cameras and surveillance packages for your home, school, or business. Visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com to browse our stock, or call 888-203-6294 to schedule a site survey or request a free quote. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
Security Cameras: Analog Versus IP
Whether you are looking to upgrade your analog security cameras, or you are shopping for a new security system, it’s important to know the differences between analog and IP cameras to determine which type will best suit your needs. There are advantages and disadvantages to both types of cameras – be sure to review these before making a final decision.
Advantages of Analog Cameras
- Cost: If you have an existing analog system, it is obviously cheaper to stick with it. If you are on the market for security system, analog cameras are often significantly cheaper, and if you need to add more cameras, analog is likely the more cost-effective option.
- Availability: You will have an easier time finding vendors and installers for analog system since they have been around for years and are fairly simple to install.
- Simplicity: Speaking of, analog cameras offer an ease of use that make them very user friendly. The cameras send recordings to a DVR (digital video recorder), which then converts the analog to digital and stores it. And managing and using DVRs is simple as well.
- Technology: The technology used with analog has greatly improved over the years. High definition (HD) analog offers improved picture quality and resolution.
Disadvantages Of Analog Cameras
- Frame Rate & Image Quality: Analog cameras have a lower frame rate than IP cameras, so if you’re monitoring an area with lots of motion or need extreme detail, they are not ideal. Analog images are not as sharp and may appear grainy or blurry, and you cannot digitally zoom as you can with IP cameras. However, depending on the type of surveillance you need in a given area, high frame rate may not be a crucial factor.
- Less Coverage: Covering a certain amount of area may require more analog cameras than it would with IP cameras.
- More Cables: Analog cameras require a power cable and a DVR cable, whereas IP cameras only require one cable.
- No Encryption: The lack of encryption leaves you at risk for a hacker to potentially access your information or replace your signal with an outside one.
Advantages of IP Cameras
- Multiple Sensors: IP cameras can cover a larger area because they can contain as many as three to four cameras in one. All of these become one signal and are transferred through one cable to your system.
- Cost: Early on, the price difference between analog and IP cameras were drastic. Luckily, the prices have gone down and many IP cameras boast cost-effective prices. Also, because fewer IP cameras are required to the do same job as multiple analog cameras, your investment can be more beneficial.
- Installation: IP cameras only require one cable per camera and allow you to focus and zoom remotely. So long as your camera is installed at the right angle, you can easily control and manage your video feed from your workstation.
- Resolution: IP cameras have better image quality than analog cameras, and are available with different resolutions and aspect ratios to suit your needs.
- Intelligence & Analytics: IP cameras offer the ability to compress and store videos as well as provide a variety of different analytics. Some types of analytics you can program include motion or smoke detection, people counting, color tracking, and more.
- Security: IP video is encrypted and authenticated to ensure secure transmission.
- Equipment: IP camera systems require less equipment (analog requires more cables as well as an encoder and decoder).
- Open Platform: IP cameras are essentially universal and make it easy to add new features and functions to your system.
Disadvantages Of IP Cameras
- Cost Of Initial Set-Up: Upfront pricing may be more initially, but it can pay off in the long run. Once set up, it is must easier to tailor and scale your system as needed in the future.
- Storage: Since IP cameras produce higher resolution images, they generate larger files which require more storage space.
- Learning Curve: There is a user interface that end users may need to get accustomed to. While it is mostly intuitive, there is a certain level of technicality that needs to be learned.
From Analog To IP
If you are making the switch from analog to IP, here are some helpful tips.
- Bring in an independent consultant. You may have unrealistic expectations for your cameras that do not fit their capabilities, and an impartial party can help you see that.
- Replace as you can. If budget is not an issue, switching out your entire analog system for IP cameras at once is feasible. However, many of us have limited budgets, so replacing a few cameras at a time may be more practical. In doing so, you are creating a hybrid system, which supports both analog and IP cameras. Start by replacing the most important cameras to IP and create a plan for switching the rest of the analog cameras as they run their course.
- Find an installer/vendor that specializes in IP systems. It is beneficial to work with someone who understands the technology and networking of the system and is capable of installing your system properly and advising you on how to use it.
- Discuss what you really need. Just because IP cameras provide a wide range of capabilities does not mean you necessarily need all of them. Determine what you want your cameras to accomplish, what you really need, and how your budget can help you carry out your vision.
- Revisit your security plan. When making the switch, it is the ideal time for you to revise your security plans and reevaluate your approach.
What other transition tips can you think of? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
If you need help choosing IP security cameras, or would like to request a site survey or free quote, please call us at 888-203-6294. You can also browse our stock of quality security cameras online at SecurityCamExpert.com.