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Summer Safety Tips
Summer is upon us, and so too are the dangers of warmer weather. Practicing proper summer safety can help to keep you safe. Aside from itchy bug bites and unpleasant sunburns, here are ways to prevent and treat some common health issues.
Stings
- Bees, Wasps, Yellowjackets, Hornets, Fire Ants
Generally, these insects use their stingers when they need to defend themselves.
Prevention:
- Skip the bug repellant as they are often ineffective.
- Avoid disturbing a hive or swatting at a hornet or wasp.
- Keep a lookout for large dirt mounds, which may house fire ants, and avoid stepping on them.
- Wear shoes outdoors.
- Strong scents can attract insects, so nix the perfumes and scented lotions and control food and garbage odors.
Treatment:
A sting can be painful and itchy, but for those that are allergic, it can be life-threatening.
- For a bee sting, remove the venom sac and stinger by scraping the affected area side to side with a credit card or something similar.
- For all stings, apply a cold compress or an ice pack as it will slow the absorption of the venom.
- To relieve pain and itching, apply a topical hydrocortisone, antihistamine, or anesthetic.
- Seek medical treatment immediately if you show signs of an allergic reaction, including hives (widespread rash of itchy, red skin bumps), excessive swelling, difficulty breathing, and dizziness.
Rashes
- Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac
These three poison plants contain urushiol, which is an oily resin in the leaves. Contact with this causes a blistered, itchy rash in most people. Pets and clothes can also pick up the sap, and smoke from burning the leaves can carry it into the lungs.
Prevention:
Become familiar with that these plants look like. That way, you can actively avoid coming in contact if you come across them. Both poison ivy and oak have three leaves in clusters and grow as shrubs or vines (ivy). Poison sumac is a tall, tree-like shrub with rows of leaves.
- To avoid inadvertently brushing up against these plants, wear closed toed shoes, long sleeves, and long pants.
- If you think/know you have come in contact with one of these plants, immediately wash the area with mild soap in cool water and scrub under your nails with a brush.
- Rinse clothes thoroughly and hose off pets to remove any oils from their fur/hair.
Treatment:
- Apply cool compresses to the affected areas. An over-the-counter hydrocortisone may help to ease the itchiness.
- After the initial treatment, dry up oozing blisters with calamine lotion, oatmeal baths, or zinc oxide.
- Avoid the urge to scratch. This will not spread the rash (unless the oil is under your nails), but it could lead to infections.
- For severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid.
Heat Stroke
If you live in the Los Angeles area, you know we have been experiencing some heat waves as of late. Those with an increased risk for heat-related illnesses include older adults (especially those with chronic illnesses), children 4 and under, males, and African Americans.
Prevention:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. Be sure to avoid sugary drinks and alcohol, as these tend to dehydrate you.
- Stay indoors in an air-conditioned place. For example, your home, a mall, movie theater, or library. Your city may also have cooling centers available.
- If you don’t have access to air conditioning, a cool bath or shower can help to keep your temperature down.
- If you must be outdoors, refrain from any strenuous work (ex. exercise, yard work).
Treatment:
- Watch for signs of heatstroke:
- Weakness
- Cold or clammy skin
- Delirium
- Fatigue
- Nausea/vomiting
- Headache
If you are experiencing these symptoms, get out of the heat and get to an emergency room as soon as possible. If heat stroke is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems and even death.
Athlete’s Foot/Jock Itch
Dermatophytes are highly contagious fungi that thrive in warm, moist, dark areas. These can include athletic shoes post-workout or a wet bathing suit. When they come in contact with the skin, a person will develop a brownish-red rash between the toes, in the groin, or under breasts. Generally, this will not go away on its own.
Prevention:
- Avoid staying in clothes that keep your skin wet (ex. wet swimsuits, athletic gear, workout shoes).
- Wear flip-flops or other shoes poolside and in locker rooms, showers, and saunas.
- Wear synthetic athletic socks that wick away moisture to keep your feet dry.
- Refrain from sharing towels with others.
Treatment:
- Wash the affected area with soap and water daily, and be sure to dry thoroughly.
- Then apply over-the-counter antifungal medicine (ex. clotrimazole – Lotrimin AF and generic, miconazole – Micatin and generic) for at least two weeks.
- If your symptoms worsen or do not clear up after four weeks, see a doctor.
Swimmer’s Ear
This occurs when water gets trapped in your ear, which leads to a bacterial infection causing pain, itching, and inflammation. Too much moisture can change the microflora of the ear canal, allowing bacteria to multiply.
Prevention:
- After a swim, tilt your head and tug your ear lobes in various directions to clear out any lingering water, and then dry your ears with a towel.
- If you are prone to ear infections, try wearing a bathing cap or ear plugs when you swim.
- Consult your doctor in regards to any homemade remedies (ex. ear drops made from equal parts of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol).
- Lastly, refrain from using cotton-tipped swabs to clean your ears.
Treatment:
- Antibiotic ear drops are faster and more effective at killing bacteria than oral antibiotics, and are less likely to breed resistant bacteria. However, if the infection spreads beyond your ear, or if you have a pre-existing condition (ex. diabetes), an oral antibiotic might fare better.
Have you experienced any of these? Do you have any other tips? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn!
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Security Cameras: What You Need To Know
Security cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your property or business. You can use them to look after your loved ones, protect your inventory, or deter intruders all together. As appealing as security camera systems are, it is wise to know and understand your local surveillance laws.
Before you invest in your own security cameras, please review these general guidelines. Remember, these are not meant to apply to your specific situation. Instead, they are meant to give you a general idea of what is and is not allowed. If you have any further questions regarding filming restrictions and such, please contact a local attorney or research laws within your city and state.
Filming
Camera placement is important because you want to capture high traffic areas, such as entrances and back doors. If you direct your camera at an insignificant area, you will waste time and money while defeating the purpose of your security system.
Placement is also important because there are areas that are off limits, including restrooms, other people’s homes, dressing rooms and locker rooms. Basically anywhere that there is an expectation of privacy, or you are likely to be in a state of undress, is off limits.
If you are unsure whether or not you are violating someone’s right to privacy, err on the side of caution and always consult a lawyer.
Loopholes
- Private Rooms
If you own a retail business, you may worry that customers might be committing crimes in blind spots such as dressing rooms, locker rooms, or restrooms. While legally you cannot monitor these areas, you can monitor the entrances/exits. Be sure that when the door opens, your camera does not get any glimpse of what’s behind that door, otherwise you could get into trouble. If a person goes into a restroom or dressing room with some inventory, and then exits without it that is a suggestion of a crime.
- Neighbors
Areas that are viewable to the public are generally legal to film. This is how Google is able to provide the 360-degree street view for Google Maps. However, it is ill-advised to point your security cameras at your neighbor’s home. Whatever situation that warranted your desire or need to film your neighbor’s home could become escalated. Whether you are the one filming or the one being filmed, you may want to first speak with your neighbor about camera placement.
Audio
With audio recording, Federal Law only requires one person to know about the recording taking place. State laws will provide different regulations. Remember that federal law creates a baseline for laws. That is, state laws cannot allow for any less than one informed party.
Audio is not allowed to be obtained through eavesdropping or remote recording. Because at least one of the parties must know of the recording, you are not permitted to record conversations you are not a part of since you do not count as one of the parties. Even if the conversation is taking place in a public area, the parties can still expect privacy which protects them from eavesdroppers. In the same vein, you cannot leave your unattended recorder somewhere and use the recordings as evidence.
Loopholes
The easiest way to get around audio recording rules is to make the party aware that they are being recorded. For example, often times when you call a customer service line, you will likely hear, “This call may be recorded…” Continuing the conversation after this notification is usually viewed as consent. Thus, once you have informed someone that a room is being monitored by audio surveillance, they have the choice to continue their conversation in that room or move the discussion to a different room.
You may also record a person so long as you don’t intend on using the recording for illegal acts. Because one party is aware of the recording, the act of recording is not illegal. However, if your recording contains private information that is covered by the common law privacy, you may get into some hot water. The private information could be things like medical history (ex. miscarriage, abortion) so be sure to understand what is and is not covered.
The Constitution & Surveillance
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens from “…unreasonable searches and seizures…” and details the rights of privacy. While you may think that some public security cameras would count as unreasonable, the case of Delaware v. Prouse will tell you otherwise. In this case, the Supreme Court stated that “people are not shorn of all Fourth Amendment protection when they step from their homes onto the public sidewalks”.
As far as the First Amendment goes, there has not been any critique on a camera’s existence suppressing behavior. In fact, in the Laird v. Tatum case, the court found that government surveillance of anti-war protesters did not hinder their freedom of expression. This can help security camera owners when there are accusations of civil liberty violations.
Recording Police
The First Amendment also gives you the right to document civil servants as they are performing their civic duties. The recordings are simply viewed as a way of exercising your rights. Officers may ask you to stop recording and ask for the evidence, however, you do not have to submit to their requests unless they have a warrant for your property.
The only instance in which you may be violating the law is if you are interfering with an investigation. This is often used to remove reporters from a crime scene, but your personal security camera should not interfere with the investigation. In fact, your video surveillance may be of use for the investigation.
Dual Consent
If you ever wondered why most security cameras do not have microphones, it is because, in some cases, you may need dual consent to record audio. Violating dual consent is a felony. Your best bet is to get consent to be taped before recording, and then again as the first order of business when the recording begins. Off tape and on record consent will cover your bases if you are sued for violating wiretap laws. And although it is deemed “dual consent”, you must get the express consent of everyone being recorded.
The following states may have variations on the law and should be further researched: California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.
Recording Employees
The employer must have a legitimate reason for recording. The off limits areas include restrooms, locker rooms, and dressing rooms. There may also be restrictions in the break room. Again, you cannot record any place in which a person should expect privacy. However, anywhere that an employee interacts with a customer can be monitored. For example, the sales floor is fair game, but a personal office may not be. You will need to use your best judgment or consult an attorney. Disclosing the use of surveillance equipment to your workers will cover your bases for any illegal wiretapping issues.
The biggest restriction for recording employees is in regards to unions. An employer may not record union activities such as meetings or even discussions about union business. And surveillance cannot be used to intimidate current or prospective members of the union.
Evidence for Trial
When you submit any type of recording to a court of law, the evidence is put on trial. The validity and handling of this evidence is then scrutinized. You, as the recorder, must prove that the evidence was in no way doctored. You must go through the steps of how the footage was obtained (ex. how the video was recorded, where the camera was located, the quality of the camera at different times of day, how it was stored, etc.), and verify the whereabouts of the evidence as it was transported to court. When the footage is not in court, it must be securely stored. The integrity of your recording may be compromised if there is any data loss due to a power surge or data dump.
With this information, you should be able to make informed decisions when it comes to your security camera system. If you have any tips to share, please connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.
For a great selection of quality security cameras, full CCTV surveillance packages, and more, please visit us online at SecurityCamExpert.com. To learn more about our installation and services, or to schedule a site survey, please call 1-888-203-6294.
Smart Home Protection
Smart home technology offers more than just convenience for simple tasks. These smart devices can help safeguard your home and loved ones from the hidden dangers of your home. These are just some of the many ways you can use smart home technology to protect your property.
Water Damage
Do you live in an area prone to floods? Or do you simply want to know when there might be a water leak? Invest in a flood sensor, which can help you detect leaks or floods before it’s too late. Some sensors come with a smart valve shut off, which could automatically save your property from damage.
Protect Your Children
Aside from flood sensors, there are motion sensors that you can install as well. While these can alert you when a door or window is opened, you can also install them on different things around the house. Keep your kids out of the liquor or medicine cabinets, and even knife drawer if you choose. This can keep your mind at ease when your kids are home alone.
Deter Intruders
Most burglars will target empty homes since there is less chance of getting caught. So how do you prevent your home from becoming a target when you’re away? Invest in smart appliances that can make it appear as if you are home. These allow you to program lights to turn on and off in the evening. Some devices can even record your light patterns and play them back when you’re away.
Of course, you can always inform a trusted neighbor of your upcoming vacation and politely ask them to pick up the mail and keep an eye on things while you’re away. But investing in home security devices and systems couldn’t hurt.
Do you use any smart home devices? How have they helped you? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and now, LinkedIn. You can also find us on Vine and Pinterest.
Visit SecurityCamExpert.com for an excellent selection of CCTV surveillance cameras, security camera systems, recorders, and more. Call 1-888-203-6294 for more information about our products, site surveys, and installation services.
Security Flaws Of Smart Home Systems
Smart homes allow you to connect different aspects of your home, including things like appliances, alarms, and sensors. Most find this concept alluring since you can control your appliances and home security remotely, allowing you peace of mind whether you are at home or away.
With the convenience provided by these smart home systems comes considerable risk. Some devices, while acting as a helpful tool, could end up hurting you if access to your system fell into the wrong hands.
In hopes to identify potential security risks and call attention to producers of smart home systems and devices, a team made up of Earlence Fernandes, Jaeyeon Jung, and Atul Prakash joined forces to look at different systems. The systems under study were those that were larger and more popular with consumers. They looked at common features, how devices interacted with each other, which third-party apps were supported, and most importantly, security features, among other aspects.
From this study, two major flaws were found:
Privileges
Akin to your smartphone asking for permission to access certain things on your phone, certain smart home devices and apps can access different functions with your permission. The problem therein lies in how these functions are grouped together.
For example, if an app can automatically lock a door after 9pm, it likely has the privilege to unlock it, although that function is not necessary. The app developer cannot ask for permission to lock a door without the ability to unlock it.
Most apps have access to more functions than they need, putting your security at risk.
Messaging
Because devices and apps can communicate through messaging (think instant messenger), sensitive data sent through this system can be vulnerable. For example, a door lock’s PIN code may be sent in a message. Since these messages are not entirely secure, any software that has the most basic access to your device can receive all the messages that the device generates or receives.
Other apps can also “impersonate” smart home equipment, in that, they can send messages that look like messages sent from real smart home devices. The phony app could possibly read and steal the network’s ID and then create a message.
Testing The Flaws
The team of researchers then created four different attacks to show how attackers could use the aforementioned flaws to their advantage.
For the first attack, they created an app that’s purpose was to simply monitor battery levels of various wireless devices around the home. However, after a user downloads the app, it can be reprogrammed to monitor other messages sent by those devices.
In the second attack, they were able to listen to the supposedly secure messages between an app and its companion mobile device. The team was able to impersonate the mobile device and send commands to the app, such as creating a new PIN which would give an attacker access to your home.
The third and fourth attacks involved disabling and enabling different functions. For example, a custom app could disable “vacation mode,” which allows the system to turn lights on and off to make the home seem as if it is occupied. Another app was able to falsely trigger a fire alarm by acting as a carbon monoxide monitor.
Security Improvements
Just because smart home systems currently have security flaws does not mean these systems and the Internet of Things do not have great potential. As of now, if you are considering adopting a smart home system, much like anything else, proceed with caution. You might want to think twice about giving third party apps access to your devices, and do some research on the security of the system you choose.
As security and technology improves with these systems, the Internet of Things and smart home systems will likely see much wider adoption. This could eventually lead to better quality of living.
Have you considered adopting a smart home system now or in the future? Do you currently employ any smart home devices? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
For an excellent selection of security cameras, CCTV surveillance packages, security equipment, and more, please visit SecurityCamExpert.com. If you have any questions, please call 1-888-203-6294.
What To Do After A Home Burglary
Imagine coming home and finding that your house had been ransacked. It is a terrible feeling that we would never wish upon anyone, but, unfortunately, it does happen. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, there are approximately 2 million burglaries every year in the United States. There are security measures you can take to try and prevent thieves, but if you find yourself a victim of a break-in, be sure you know which steps to take immediately.
Police
Call the police. This should be your first instinct, but a reminder doesn’t hurt. Also, try not to touch anything in case the police want to dust for fingerprints.
If you think the intruders may still be in your home, leave. Get back into your car and go to a trusted neighbor, family, or friend’s house. Remember that your life is more important than any material things.
Insurance Agent
After you have contacted the police and the chaos has died down, you should call your insurance agent. Create an inventory of the items stolen, and anything that was damaged during the burglary. If the police report is not ready yet, take note of important details, such as the police report number, the law enforcement agency and the name of the officer that took the report, etc. You will be able to update your claim throughout the process, so don’t fret if you are unsure of everything that was stolen yet. Depending on the severity of the case, you can handle your claim online, over the phone, or a claims representative may visit.
Improve Your Home Security
Now that you have gotten the ball rolling on your police report and insurance claim, you may want to consider investing in a home security system, or upgrading your existing equipment. Because burglars know you will replace your belongings, you are likely to become a victim again. Typically, they will wait at least six months to a year to return. In that time, you can set up a home security system that will deter them or potentially catch them in the act. And if they don’t return, a security system can help you rest easy at night, and may even lower your insurance rates.
Remain Vigilant
You should let the police do their work and stay out of their way, but you might notice things that they may have missed. You can offer leads to the police, but you should not get your hopes up. For example, one homeowner whose television was stolen purposefully did not change her Netflix password. Eventually the homeowner realized that the thief was accessing her account through the stolen TV. Police were able to track down the IP address, but they could not render help until much later. By the time they had tracked down the stolen TV, the criminals were long gone. Despite the fact that this incident did not end happily, any leads you may come across might have a different outcome.
If you have any post-burglary or home security tips you would like to share, feel free to connect with us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. You can also find us on Vine and Pinterest.
Beef up your home or business security with our wide selection of CCTV security cameras, surveillance equipment, and more. Visit us online or call 1-888-203-6294 for more information.
BBQ Safety Tips
With Memorial Day approaching, many of us may be dusting off our barbecue grills. Whether you consider yourself to be a grill master or a novice, it’s wise to review some barbecue safety tips and tricks. Remember that the U.S. Fire Administration estimates roughly 6,500 grill fires will occur, resulting in hefty property damages. You never know what could happen, and you’re better safe than sorry, right?
Location
You want to set up shop in a well-ventilated area. An open area away from buildings and high traffic is ideal. Aside from good ventilation, you want to steer clear of any falling debris (ex. dry leaves) or anything overhead that could catch fire.
Patience
Take your time when lighting the grill. If it doesn’t start right away, don’t keep pushing the ignite button. Since gas has been leaking since you first turned on the burner, you should turn off the gas and allow the gas to dissipate before trying again. Because gas is heavier than air, you will want to wait at least a few minutes.
Watch The Grill
Never leave your grill unattended. Never. While this seems like common sense, we often overlook this. Especially with children running around, always make sure someone is manning the grill.
Clothing
Avoid loose attire or anything that hangs which could possible catch fire. While you may want to look cute for your get together, safety should always come first. And you can always change after the grilling is done.
Food Safety
Aside from fire hazards, food safety is important, too. Remember that any marinade that has touched raw meat is not safe to reuse for basting (unless it was brought to a rolling boil). You also want to avoid reusing any cooking utensils that touched uncooked meat.
Temperature
A meat thermometer is a smart thing to have on hand when grilling. No matter how experienced you are, it doesn’t hurt to double check your grilling skills. Also, be sure not to leave anything raw out for too long. According to the FDA, raw foods should be left out no longer than two-hours.
Kids
Unless it’s an adults-only party, please keep a close eye on the little ones. Try to keep the grill away from the dining and entertaining areas to avoid kids running around the dangerous area.
Owner’s Manual
It’s okay to take a peek at the Owner’s Manual if you need to. It is also a good idea to read the manual before you start using your grill in the first place. It can afford you with helpful information on how to properly use your barbecue grill.
Will you be grilling over the holiday weekend? Do you have any other barbecue tips you would like to share? Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Pinterest, and Vine.
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How Facial Recognition Technology Is Helping Law Enforcement
Facial recognition and biometric technology is being applied more often in different environments. For example, Facebook makes it easier for you to tag your friends in photos by using facial recognition technology. Some smartphones even allow you to use a fingerprint password to unlock your phone. Aside from these examples, facial recognition technology is also being used within some law enforcement agencies.
San Diego Law Enforcement has been using facial recognition technology since 2013, when it began as a research and development project funded by the National Institute of Justice. The Tactical Identification System (TACIDS) was comprised of 134 devices distributed among 67 certified law enforcement personnel. Today, it’s up to 433 devices among 991 personnel.
These devices are usually tablets or smartphones that have access to the Automated Regional Justice Information System (ARJIS) App. If an officer feels that an individual is being dishonest about his identity, or if the officer would like to determine whether or not the individual is a threat, he or she would use the device to take a photo. This photo is then sent to ARJIS’ Facial Recognition Platform (FRP) via text. The FRP produces a lineup of possible matches based on a biometric algorithm and sends it to the officer. The officer reviews the lineup, selects a match, and resubmits it to the ARJIS web server to pull the individual’s records. This process normally takes days, but can be accessed within minutes thanks to this advanced system.
Concerns have been raised by citizens, mainly focused on consent for photos and privacy issues. However, if any officer suspects an individual of being involved in a crime, he does not need to ask for consent. Also, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG) assures that the photos that are submitted to the ARJIS FRP are not stored anywhere. Any of the photos taken on the devices must be deleted, whether or not a match was found. Furthermore, the photos are only compared to the sheriff’s department booking database, so if a person has not been booked at a county jail, then a match will not be found. SANDAG confirmed that ARJIS only has access to images of individuals arrested in San Diego County.
While this technology is mainly used by the San Diego Police Department, every law enforcement agency in San Diego has access to it. This includes the San Diego Unified School District, San Diego State University, and UC San Diego.
The main purpose of this tool is to improve policing techniques while better serving and protecting the people. What are your thoughts on the use of this technology by law enforcement? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. You can also connect with us on Vine and Pinterest.
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Home Security System Shopping Tips
More and more people are turning to security systems to protect their homes. This is a smart decision, as security cameras will help you feel at ease whether you are in your home or on vacation. Unfortunately, when shopping for a security system, you may find that there are companies that seem genuine, but do not have the customer’s best interest at heart.
If you are thinking of investing in a home security system, here are some helpful tips to make sure you get the best deal on what you are looking for.
- Choose a reputable business.
Consider your budget and what features are absolutely necessary and which you could live without. Credible businesses will work with you to build a home security system to suit your wants, needs and budget. You can ask for input or recommendations from friends, family, or even your home or renters insurance carrier.
- Shop around.
Contact at least three companies before making a decision. This way you can compare prices and service, and ask important questions (ex. proper licensing, background checks for employees). This will also give you time to check reviews or do additional research before committing to a company.
- Ask about charges upfront.
If you have a budget, see what companies can offer for that price. Or you can compare prices from different businesses on a similar system. When getting quotes and prices, be sure ask about any other fees that may apply, for example, monthly monitoring fees or installation charges. It is also wise to consult with your insurance agent since home security systems may qualify you for a discount on homeowner’s premiums.
- Understand your contract.
As with any contract, be sure that you fully understand it before signing. Know how long it will last, what it covers, terminations fees, etc. If your system is going to be monitored, those contracts typically last 2-5 years. Before you sign on to a long term contract, be sure to ask the major, important questions. For example, what happens if you are dissatisfied with the services provided? Is it possible to cancel the contract? As the consumer, what are your rights if the company is acquired by another company?
When shopping around, keep an eye out for these red flags:
- High pressure sales tactics.
Often times, trustworthy companies will give you time to think through the deal and make your decision. But if a seller is trying to pressure you into going with their company, don’t give in until you have done the proper research.
- Too good to be true.
While some companies offer competitive prices, others may offer unbelievable deals that seem too good to be true. Most of the time, they are. In this case, “you get what you pay for” rings true. Whether it is defective equipment or a poor installation job, this is something to keep in mind when making your final decision.
- Lack of company identification.
If you cannot get a positive identification for your salesperson or the company, you may want to question using their services. Also, beware of sellers with no ties to their community. This could mean they might pull a disappearing act after mediocre services have been rendered and payments have been made.
- Poor ratings on the BBB.
It is always wise to check with the Better Business Bureau for any complaints or reviews about the company. If there have been complaints, you can see how the company handled the situation, giving you a better idea of the customer service you can expect.
Do you have any other shopping tips? Share them with us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. You can also find us on Pinterest and Vine.
Visit SecurityCamExpert.com to browse great deals on our quality stock of security cameras, CCTV surveillance packages, and more. Call 1-888-203-6294 to learn more about our equipment and services.
How Dash Cams Can Help You
Thanks to their popularity in Russia, we have an abundant supply of dash cam footage, from heart-stopping driving blunders to failed carjackings and more. While these videos often go viral, dash cams serve a much more meaningful purpose.
Because the streets of Russia are often filled with lawless drivers, many have turned to dash cams for their own safety. The use of dash cams is also spreading to the rest of Europe, Australia, and even the US. Many patrol cars are equipped with dash cams that record both the inside of the cabin and the road ahead.
What Are Dash Cams?
Dash cams are relatively small in size and are often mounted onto your windshield via suction cup. They can plug into a 12V power supply within your car, and most have a backup battery to save footage in case power is lost. Video is usually recording on a continuous loop on an SD card; when storage is full, the oldest footage is deleted first to make space for the new recordings.
You get what you pay for when it comes to dash cams. With a higher price tag, you usually get dash cams with built-in GPS, which tracks your speed and location, better night vision resolution, and parking mode.
Dash Cam Benefits
Dash cams were largely adopted by taxis, trucks, bus drivers, and businesses with large fleets. Now, everyday drivers are using them as a way to provide evidence when a collision occurs. Aside from witness accounts, which can be fairly subjective and sometimes inaccurate, dash cams can provide hard evidence.
Despite this, installing a dash cam may not lower your insurance rate, but it can help speed up the process when you are involved in a crash. The footage obtained is admissible in court and can help determine who is at fault. It can also help to prevent insurance fraud, in which drivers deliberately cause accidents to extort money.
Aside for aiding in the case of car accidents, dash cams can also capture parking incidents, road rage, and even help parents feel at ease by monitoring teenage drivers.
If you are considering investing in a dash cam, here are a few things you should look for:
- Automatic loop recording
- Seamless recording – to eliminate gaps in recording
- Heat resistance
- Impact detection
- Powered shutdown and file write – saves footage when you lose power in an accident
- Wide angle lens – provides better coverage
- High resolution – at least 1080HD for license plate capture
- Built-in display screen with removable memory card
- Night Vision
Do you own a dash cam, or are you thinking about it? What benefits are most appealing to you? Share your thoughts and experiences with us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter. Find us on Pinterest and Vine, too.
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Cyber Security: Humans + AI
Cyber security is an ongoing problem, especially as our technology becomes a larger part of our everyday lives. Neither our efforts alone nor artificial intelligence (AI) have achieved a fool proof method. Our human-driven techniques are based on rules set by living experts, which means we miss any threats that don’t follow these rules. Machine-learning approaches, on the other hand, rely on anomaly detection, which often trigger “false positives” (nonthreats mistakenly identified as threats) that need to be checked by humans.
What if humans joined forces with AI? Researchers at MIT have been working on this concept and have produced some promising results.
AI² is a collaboration between researchers from MIT’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and the startup company PatternEx. After three months of testing on 3.6 billion pieces of user-made data, it is said to detect 85% of attacks and reduce the number of false positives by a factor of five.
To find the most important potential problems, AI² uses machine learning first, and then shows the top events to analysts for labeling. After the analysts go through and confirm which events are actual attacks, the system incorporates this feedback into its models for the next set of data. This ongoing cycle of improvement decreases potential events and increases accuracy.
What are your thoughts on AI² and the interaction of humans and AI for cyber security measures? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest. You can also find us on Vine.
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