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What Are Super-Recognizers?
When it comes to security and surveillance, facial recognition technology can greatly improve effectiveness. Aside from this advanced technology, did you know that there are a few people in the world who are deemed “super-recognizers”? Super-recognizers have superior abilities in recognizing faces, even after seeing a face for a fleeting moment. For example, a super-recognizer can catch a glimpse of a person’s face and still be able to identify the person years later. These people are very rare, making up less than 1% of the population.
According to scientists, we have brain regions solely dedicated to face recognition. We also look at faces as a whole, taking note of different features and characteristics, unlike the way we look at other objects. Should you damage a face recognition area of your brain, you could develop prosopagnosia, or face blindness. A look at how the brain of a super recognizer versus someone with prosopagnosia versus an average person gives us insight to how the brain works and what sets these individuals apart in terms of recognition and processing.
With the use of eye tracking technology, psychologists have found that when looking at faces, most people typically focus on the eyes. This suggests that they eyes may carry important information for facial identity. Interestingly enough, some people with prosopagnosia tend to avoid the eye area and look at the mouth instead. Super-recognizers, however, tend to spend more time looking at noses. This challenges the previous belief that the eye region is the most important for facial recognition, shifting the focus to the center of the face instead. It is likely that more studies will be done or recreated to test the theory of the center of the face being the optimal region for facial recognition.
Because of their exceptional identifying abilities, super-recognizers are valuable for law enforcement and security. For example, London’s Metropolitan Police have a super-recognizer unit which works to spot suspects in crowds or on CCTV surveillance footage. This unit has proved successful thus far, showing that there is a promising future for super-recognizers.
What are your thoughts on the future of facial recognition technology? How will super-recognizers influence our surveillance practices? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest. Want to test your face recognition abilities? Take this test to find out.
Find a wide selection of quality security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, DVRs, NVRs and more when you shop with us at SecurityCamExpert.com. For questions or assistance, please call 1-888-203-6294.
Safety Tips For Winter Hikes
Hiking is a great way to get your body moving, heart rate pumping, and take in the beautiful outdoor scenery. While it’s a great way to get active, it can also be a dangerous task. Especially during the winter, when temperatures are lower and natural sunlight is fickle, it’s important to prepare. Here are some tips to help you complete a safe winter hike.
Preparation
If you want to go on a hike, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. Be sure that at least one person knows that you are going on a hike and where. Winter weather makes hiking conditions more difficult, so even seasoned hikers may not be able to handle the trails like they normally would.
Appropriate Attire
Layering your clothing is a smart way to keep warm. However, too little or too many layers can cause problems. You want to maintain body temperature while protecting your extremities. If you lose blood flow to your hands and feet, it will be difficult to warm them back up once you set out. Alternatively, too many layers can cause you to overheat and sweat through your base layers, which can quickly chill when you stop hiking.
Ideally, your base layer will consist of synthetic fabric or wool, to keep you warm while pulling sweat away from your skin. Your insulation layer is next, which should work to trap in your body heat. Stacking thinner layers is more versatile than using one heavy layer. The shell layer is the last layer and should balance water resistance and breathability. You should also add gloves, hats, and appropriate footwear and accessories as you see fit to keep you safe and warm.
Early Start
Because sunlight can be limited in the winter, it is best to set out early for a winter hike. This should give you ample time to complete your hike before the sun sets and darkness and colder weather take over.
Navigation
If you’re going on a winter hike, it might be better to go on trails that you have taken before to minimize your chances of getting lost. Or, you can do your research to get a better understanding of the path you will be taking. So long as you have ample connection while you are on your hike, you can download and use specialized GPS or trail apps on your smartphone to help lead the way.
Safety First
When in doubt, play it safe. If there are warnings that different parts of the hike may be unsafe, be willing to turn around and cut your hike short. Icy conditions can cause you to slip or fall, so be sure to watch your step.
Do you have any winter hiking tips to share? Any trails you would recommend? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Secure your home or business with our ample selection of quality security cameras and CCTV surveillance equipment. Visit us online or call 1-888-203-6294 for more information.
Views On Surveillance & Privacy
When it comes to surveillance and privacy, individual views can vary drastically. While some may see surveillance as a violation of privacy, others may see it as a necessity in terms of safety. Then there are individuals who fall somewhere in between on the spectrum, basing their views on circumstance and perceived benefit.
According a recent Pew Research Center study, which surveyed 461 adult participants, plus nine online focus groups of 80 participants, it seems that most Americans would sacrifice their privacy in certain situations based on whether the outcome would be advantageous to them.
The participants were given proposed scenarios where some sort of surveillance or privacy was pushed for a supposed benefit. For example, one scenario posed was that of workplace surveillance. After a string of workplace thefts, the business was to install security cameras with facial recognition technology to identify the thieves, as well as use footage to measure employee attendance and performance. A majority of the participants found this acceptable (54%), some disagreed (24%), and others said ‘it depends’ (21%).
Another scenario was related to loyalty cards for retail stores. These cards would track purchases for special discounts. Almost half of the participants found it acceptable (47%) while almost a third found it unacceptable (32%). When it came to a “smart thermostat” that would monitor movements within the home, most participants found it unacceptable (55%) than acceptable (27%).
As you can tell, the less personal the surveillance, the more acceptable it seems to be perceived. However, most are still wary about disclosing personal information, and even more concerned about what happens to their information thereafter. The threat of spam, targeted ads, and the potential for data breaches, as we have seen lately, makes most hesitant to let their guard down.
All in all, the consensus when it comes to surveillance and privacy matters is “it depends.” Based on an individual’s trust of the company or business and his/her perception of risk and benefit, the person will decide whether or not it’s worth it. This type of conditional acceptance shows that it can be hard to predict whether certain surveillance measures will be tolerated.
What are your views on surveillance and privacy? Were the proposed scenarios acceptable or unacceptable to you? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
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Dash Cam 101: What You Need To Know
Dash cams are gaining in popularity and it could be beneficial to install one in your vehicle. There have been a handful of viral videos that originated from dash cam footage, but what exactly is a dash cam?
Dash Cams
Dash cams are designed to capture the view from your front windshield, back windshield, or the interior of your car. You may use more than one camera depending on what you would like to monitor. Dash cams, or dashboard cameras, are most often installed on your dashboard or your windshield using a suction cup.
How Are They Used?
The most obvious reason for installing a dash cam is to have hard evidence in case of a car crash. Dash cam footage can help to determine who is at fault. This can help to expedite insurance claims processing or even help police in filing charges.
‘Crash-for-cash’ insurance scams can attribute to more people installing dash cams. This is when scammers slam on their brakes in front of innocent drivers and try to claim money from that driver’s insurance. The reasoning behind this is that in these cases, the driver behind is usually assumed to be at fault.
While most places allow dash cams, others have strict rules for their use. For example, you won’t see dash cams in Austria as they are forbidden, and the use of dash cams in Switzerland is strongly discouraged. In Germany, however, dash cam footage is allowed to be used for personal reasons or as evidence in a court of law.
What To Look For
So you have made the decision and you want to invest in a dash cam. You can find forward-facing or rear-facing cameras, along with combination packs and ‘duo cams’. Be aware that ‘duo cams’ monitor the interior of the car, which is helpful for taxi companies, rather than out the back. Once you decide what type of dash cam you need, you can start thinking about specs.
As with nearly all cameras, you want the one with the best picture quality for a reasonable price. When it comes to insurance claims, you will want to be able to read the license plates of every vehicle in question.
And unless you only plan on driving while the sun is out, your dash cam should feature day and night vision, which most, if not all, possess. Aside from this, you will want to look for a polarized lens which helps to resist glare from sun during the daytime and from other cars and lights during the night.
You should also be conscious about prioritizing video storage so that you don’t lose vital evidence. Most dash cams record on a loop, but some have technology that senses a sudden change in g-force (which may be caused by an impact) and will prevent that footage from being lost.
Your dash cam video footage should also be easily accessible, whether it can be viewed on the device itself, through a mobile app, TV, or computer. Companion apps can be helpful as you are able to access and manage your dash cam remotely and easily.
While it seems like common sense, it is worth mentioning that your mounting equipment should be of top quality to ensure secure mounting.
Do you have a dash cam? What features do you like most? Share your experiences and advice with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, or Pinterest.
Are you looking for a quality dash cam? Check out our Thinkware FXD700 2CH Full HD Car DVR Blackbox Camera With GPS. Feel free to browse our selection of security cameras and CCTV surveillance equipment online. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 1-888-203-6294.
Secure Your IP Security Cameras
If you haven’t already, it might be time to upgrade from analog security cameras to an IP security camera system. IP security cameras are easier to use and connect to your home network. Your surveillance feed is more readily available and can be accessed remotely, and your storage space can easily be expanded or adjusted based on your individual needs.
While there are many benefits of upgrading, IP cameras can be more vulnerable to hackers. The good news is that these issues can be combated with smart security measures. Here are some things to consider to protect your IP surveillance feed.
Firmware Updates
Keep your firmware up-to-date. Manufacturers are always watching for any system or security vulnerabilities. When one is found, they work hard to address the issue and inform their customers of the necessary firmware update. Pay close attention to these notifications so that your system is secure. Checking your camera manufacturer’s website can also help, in case you don’t receive, or happen to overlook, any notifications.
Keep Cameras Local
Plain and simple – if you don’t want your feed to end up on the Internet, don’t connect your cameras to the Internet. Keep your cameras on a local network with non-routable IP addresses (ex. 192.168.0.5 or something similar). Though, even with this measure, your cameras could still be exposed by software that sets up port forwarding or uses UPNP to expose your cameras to the Internet. Be sure to visit your camera manufacturer’s website to learn how to set them up in local-only mode.
Passwords
Any password can be better than no password at all. Most cameras do not have password protection for video feeds set on default. After you install and set up your cameras, be sure add password protection to secure your feed. Create a username and strong password, and make sure you change it periodically to increase security.
Do your cameras come with default usernames and passwords? Change them immediately after setup and installation. This is the easiest way for hackers, or anyone, to gain access to your feed.
WPA2 Encryption
When it comes to wireless cameras, the only network you should connect it to is a WPA2-encrypted wireless network. Encryption adds protection and will keep hackers away.
Placement
Think about the placement of your cameras. Only place cameras in areas inside your home that you are comfortable with being monitored. No matter how secure your system is, there is a chance a new vulnerability has not been found yet and you could become the victim. Remember, when in doubt, leave the camera out.
Connect with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest to share your own tips with your peers. Or visit us online to browse our outstanding collection of security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, and more. Have any questions? Feel free to contact us at 1-888-203-6294.
The Future Of Security & Video Surveillance
As we ease into the New Year, there are several technology trends to watch. The Internet of Things has been on the radar for some time now, and more and more devices are becoming connected.
In terms of security, network IP cameras are nothing new. However, the influence of IoT and other technologies is having an interesting impact on security and surveillance. Here’s what we can expect, or hope for, in 2016.
IoT
As mentioned, the IoT devices remain in the spotlight. In terms of security, IoT-based systems will need to provide easy installation and maintenance, while catering to the specific needs of the user.
With an IoT-based security system, you may be able to incorporate other unrelated devices for an all-encompassing system. Combine your video surveillance with things like smoke detectors, gas sensors, or access control panels to monitor your home or property. Also, the IoT will enable video surveillance to expand its applications far beyond loss prevention. For example, your network IP cameras can be used to analyze traffic patterns and crowd behaviors in real-time.
However, as we continue to connect and share video and data over our networks, we must also think about reinforcing our network and cyber security.
Security as a Service
The Cloud is making its mark and will begin to play a more important role in security and surveillance. Not only can businesses utilize Security as a Service, where systems are managed remotely, but the Cloud offers more secure and cost-effective data storage. Archived video and data can be stored longer while being easily accessible as necessary.
Big Data
Thanks to security cameras and surveillance, video is becoming the fastest growing type of data. Aside from security purposes, surveillance video can be used for business intelligence. We can expect to see improvements for video management systems (VMS) to search and filter big data for relevant footage or information.
Wireless
Going wireless has played a significant role in our everyday lives already (ex. mobile phones and Wi-Fi). The same convenience has been applied to security systems, as whole security networks can be managed remotely through mobile phone and devices. Complicated software on stationary PCs is no longer necessary, making it easier for businesses to employ a more affordable and convenient security solution.
Details
We want everything to look sharp and clear, which is why technology continues to improve megapixel resolutions and technology. Some existing trends include the 4K ultra HD, which offers four times the resolution of HDTV 1080p. While analog CCTV cameras may work for some, most others will be attracted to the new and improved technologies and devices.
Analytics
In the coming year, we will also see an increased use of video analytics, for both security and business use. Video surveillance will expand its repertoire, becoming useful for more industries such as advertising and marketing.
Do you have any technology or surveillance predictions for 2016? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For great prices on quality security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, and more, visit us online or call 1-888-203-6294 to speak with us directly.
How To Set Achievable New Year’s Resolutions
Year after year, most of us set resolutions and attempt to keep them up all year. Some of us succeed, while others forfeit along the way. Those who end up forgoing their resolution before the year’s end may feel discouraged when the New Year comes. However, there are effective ways of setting and reaching goals that can be implemented with New Year’s resolutions.
If you haven’t thrown in the towel yet, here are some tips on how to set realistic New Year’s resolutions for 2016.
Prioritize Three Goals
Of course, you likely feel inclined to make a list of all of the things you want to resolve to change in the New Year. The problem is that there may be too many things for you to focus on, thus dampening your success. Instead, focus your top three goals on something you want to stop, start, and continue.
STOP: There is likely a bad habit or more that you want to stop. Narrow it down to one habit and focus on eliminating it.
START: In the same vein, there are good habits we want to start or pick up, but we just haven’t gotten around to it. Pick one of those things to start in 2016 and stick to it.
CONTINUE: You should also acknowledge the things you are doing that are helping you succeed. Keep up your hard work and continue to be met with success.
Visualize Your Wins Use your imagination and visualize yourself achieving your goal. When we can picture our success, it automatically increases its probability in your mind. This also helps to make the goal a little less
Replace “What If I Fail” With “What If I Succeed”
Positive thoughts breed positive outcomes. Once we can start to see our goals being met, we must now change the way we speak to ourselves. By asking yourself, “What if I succeed?” you will find that this can change your whole mindset for the better.
Engage Others
By engaging our trusted friends and loved ones, you are enlisting a positive support system. They can hold you accountable for your actions, and help to encourage you along the way.
Track And Celebrate Your Rewards
An easy way to stay motivated is to reward yourself. Keep track of your progress and celebrate the milestones. By acknowledging these smaller feats, you are reminding yourself that you are getting closer to completing your goal.
Do you have any tips on how to stick to your resolutions? What will you resolve to do in 2016? Share with us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
If your resolution is to improve your security, visit us online to browse our grand selection of CCTV security cameras, surveillance equipment, and more.If you have any questions or want to speak to us directly about quotes or installations, please call 1-888-203-6294.
Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-horgan/5-tips-for-setting-new-ye_b_8748028.html
Avoid These Holiday Scams
Spending time with loved ones, presents, the end of the year – There’s a lot to look forward to when it comes to the holidays. Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad. There’s often an increase in package thefts and scams during the holidays. Luckily, if you play it smart, you can avoid becoming a victim. Here are some holiday scams to look out for this year.
Fake Shipping Notifications Be aware of what you order and take note of sender address, typos, and such. These emails may contain attachments or links which may potentially download malware on your computer or steal your personal information. Like any attachments in your inbox, proceed with caution.
E-Cards If you receive an electronic holiday card, be sure that you can easily identify who it’s from and that you do not have to enter any additional information to access the card. While they seem like a nice sentiment, it could be a ploy to steal your information.
Letters From Santa There are companies that provide personalized letters from Santa, however, there are also scammers who mimic these services to steal your personal information. If you are thinking of using a company, check with the bbb.org first to see if they are legitimate.
Temporary Holiday Jobs If you’re looking for a temp job to gain extra income during the holidays, be sure to apply in person or go to the retailer’s main website. There are listings out there that may require you to share personal information online or even pay for a job lead. If you encounter any of these, consider it a red flag and look elsewhere.
Unusual Forms Of Payment Avoid anyone who asks you to pay with prepaid debit cards, gift cards, wire transfers, third parties, etc. These forms of payment cannot be traced nor reversed. Use a credit card (they offer better fraud protection than debit cards) on a secure website. And always look for “https” in the web address (as the “s” is for “secure”) and the lock symbol.
Social Media Gift Exchange If it sounds too good to be true, more often than not, it is. This gift exchange promises 36 gifts in return if you buy one gift. But according to the BBB it is a variation of the pyramid scam and is illegal.
Phony Websites & Apps More and more people are opting for convenience by shopping online or through phone apps. Unfortunately, this makes shoppers more susceptible to fake websites and fake apps. Just because it’s marked with an Amazon or EBay logo doesn’t mean that it’s real. For online shopping, watch out for URLs with the names of popular brands along with extra words.
Bogus Charities Before donating, be sure the charity is real and you are using the proper donating method. Around the holidays, there are scam artists who send emails for fake charities or viral promos. Try these resources to ensure that you safely donate to the charities of your choice: Give.org, Charity Watch, or Internal Revenue Service.
Promotional Emails Pay close attention when you receive any promotional emails. If it is not from a trusted retailer, avoid clicking any links within the email if you open it.
Gift Card Scams There are thieves who copy the numbers off of gift cards in stores and call the number to check if the card is activated. Once it is, they spend the value online and the gift recipient is left with nothing. Also, never buy discounted gift cards online. The seller will keep your money and use the gift card as well.
Package Theft It’s likely that you’ve seen package theft all over the news since the beginning of holiday season. To prevent this, require a signature for your deliveries. If no one will be home during drop off time, arrange to have your package held at the nearest service location for you to pick up at a later time.
We hope these tips help to keep you safe this holiday season. If you have any other pointers, share them with us and your peers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Want to secure your home or business? Shop our selection of security cameras, CCTV surveillance equipment, parts, accessories, and more at SecurityCamExpert.com. Inquire about our free CCTV quotes, sight surveys, installation, and other services by calling 1-888-203-6294.
Travel Tips For The Holiday Season
Traveling during the holidays can be hectic, stressful, and costly. Luckily for you, we have some holiday travel tips to help you have a more bearable traveling experience.
Book your tickets…Incognito.
When you visit airline or travel websites, they often use cookies to track your visits. This helps them alter (usually increase) their prices accordingly. Instead, use private or incognito mode when booking tickets so you get the best deal without preconceived prices.
Don’t get stuck in a no-window seat.
Most airlines allow you to choose your seat at checkout, however, you can go a step further. SeatGuru gives you the layout of the plane you will be flying on with specific information on leg room, under-seat storage, and more.
Breeze through security (and email).
You can sign up for TSA PreCheck – $85 for five years. This will help you get through security faster at more than 150 U.S. airports. You can also subscribe to Boingo for $5 a month and gain Wi-Fi access at more than 30 domestic airports. Extra perk: if you’re an American Express Platinum cardholder, you are eligible for free accounts.
Take your skin-care routine to go.
Don’t forfeit your beauty regimen just because you’re traveling. Stock up on travel sized portions of your favorite products to keep your skin glowing and refreshed.
Wrap wisely.
Unfortunately, the TSA has the authority to open gift-wrapped packages (even the ones in your checked luggage), so avoid the hassle and don’t travel with wrapped gifts. Instead, have your gifts shipped to your destination, or simply travel with them unwrapped and wrap them when you arrive.
Discover the key to endless battery life.
Are all the outlets taken? Don’t fret – If there is a big television in sight and within reach, they usually have USB ports on the back, allowing you to charge when the outlets are unavailable.
Bring yourself some libations.
Would you like a drink to enjoy on the plane, but want to avoid the overpriced ones on the plane? Opt for the Carry-On Cocktail kit, which IS TSA-approved and comes with everything you’ll need.
Do you have any travel tips you would like to share? Find us on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, and Pinterest.
For the best in security cameras, surveillance equipment, CCTV, and more, visit SecurityCamExpert.com or call 1-888-203-6294.
Home Security Tips For The Holidays & Every Day
Going away for the holidays? Be sure your home is safe and secure while you’re away. Follow these home security tips to minimize your chances of being targeted by thieves.
- Do you have a neighborhood watch group? Inform them of your vacation and enlist their help to keep an extra watchful eye out for suspicious behavior. If you don’t have a formal group, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to periodically check up on your home.
- Remember that unchecked mail is often a red flag. If possible, stop mail and/or newspaper delivery while you’re away. Or, if you’re having someone check up on your home, they can pick up any packages, newspapers, or mail so that it does not accumulate.
- Make sure that any possible entry way is locked and secured. If weaknesses exist, such as broken locks or cracked doors or windows, repair those before departure. Reinforce any sliding doors and be sure that all windows are locked, even second story windows.
- Don’t leave your valuables in plain sight. Not just your expensive jewelry or watches, but your devices like your laptops or flat screen TVs. Burglars will often ‘case the joint’ to see if it is worthwhile, so be sure to close your blinds or drapes to conceal what’s inside your home.
- Make it look like you never left. Use automatic light timers for your holiday lights and/or indoor lights and keep a car in the driveway. This will make it appear that you are still home.
- As tempting as it is to update your social media, this is an easy way for burglars to keep track of your every move. If you must update, keep it vague so people don’t know when or how long you’re gone.
Another way to secure your home is to install surveillance cameras. You can keep an eye on your property in real time with a high quality security camera system from SecurityCamExpert.com. Browse our selection of security cameras and surveillance equipment online, or call 1-888-203-6294 to speak with a representative directly. Don’t forget to ask about our installation services, too!
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