Your Security System Safe from Hackers

The increased popularity surrounding smart homes these days is both exciting and terrifying to many homeowners. On one end, smart homes can mean a greater range of security and control. Homeowners can access electricity and air even when they are at the office, an aspect that can save them money in the long run. On the other hand, the use of smartphones with smart homes can increase the susceptibility of hackers infiltrating a system and invading the home. While today’s technology has worked diligently to prevent this, homeowners should always take extra precautions to protect their home, regardless if it is a smart home or not.

Here are a few tips any homeowner can implement in order to protect their smart home from hackers:

• Change Passcodes Regularly. Just as anyone would change their email password in the case of hackers, so should homeowners change their password on a regular basis for their security system. Even if there is no sign of an attack, keeping a password in constant flux may be helpful for reducing the risk of someone coming in and logging into the system using a common, long-standing passcode.
• Perform System Checks. Ask the security company to perform checks on a regular basis. This will help notify companies of any perceived threat, malfunctioning, or risk that could potentially open up a homeowner to an attack.
• Protect Smart Phones. Many smartphones and devices are connected to home security systems, so it should go without saying that homeowners should keep a close watch on their phones at all times. If apps are installed that connect to the home, never let anyone use the device without the appropriate consent. Even a well-meaning family member could lend a phone or tablet to an individual that doesn’t live in the home, increasing the chances of hacking.

Smart homes are designed to be safer and more efficient, so homeowners shouldn’t worry too much about hackers. Still, by making sure all precautions are in check, homeowners can decrease the likelihood of anyone gaining entry into their home. Companies everywhere are placing tighter protection on smart homes, helping homeowners keep their family safe. If still concerned, always speak with a security company to find out what further measures can be taken to ensure an optimal level of protection.

As the temperature drops and the chill turns to frost, it’s time to prepare your home for winter. Here are some tips to help make sure your home is secure and energy-efficient this winter.

Disaster Kit
No one likes the unexpected but with winter weather come the potential for power outages. Compile a kit that contains at least the basics: a flashlight or battery-operated lanterns, portable radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, bottled water/juices, nonperishable food, manual can opener, and extra blankets for warmth.

Other items to consider including in the kit are extra prescriptions, contact lenses, hearing aid batteries, inhalers, and items for babies or family members with special needs. The Red Cross recommends storing an ample supply of items necessary to sustain every member in the home for at least three days, in case you’re snowed or iced in.

Smoke Alarms & Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Test all smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors within your home and replace all with new batteries.

Alternative Heat Source
Auxiliary heaters and wood stoves should be tested and cleaned before you need to use them in the event of a power outage. Store kerosene only in approved containers and in an well ventilated outdoor garage or shed away from flammable materials and heat sources.

Furnace & Thermostat
Give the system a full test and, if needed, consult a technician for a tune-up and cleaning before the system requires daily use. Consult Tasco Security to install a programmable thermostat that can automatically lower the temperature for when people aren’t home and raise it before they get home for a warm return. Lowering the thermostat by 10 to 15 degrees for 8 hours could save as much as 15 percent a year on heating costs.

Air Conditioners
Cover window units or remove them entirely so you can completely close windows and prevent drafts.

Ceiling Fans
Switch the direction of the blades to spin clockwise and run at low speed to circulate warm air down from the ceiling. Warm air rises and cool air descends, so the direction your fan should spin depending on the season.

Storm Doors
Remove screens from storm doors and replace with the glass panels.

Rodents

Seal all holes and cracks around the exterior of your home to help ensure pests, like mice and squirrels, can’t get inside for the winter.

Block Drafts
Use weather stripping, window film, and caulk to control heat loss around doors, windows, and baseboards. Reducing drafts could save up to 30 percent in energy costs per year.

Chimneys
If you have working fireplaces, have your chimneys cleaned by an experienced chimney sweep to help decrease the risk of fire from blockages or creosote buildup.

Water Heater
Consider lowering the temperature on your water heater. Most are set 140 degrees as a default, but some households only need a setting of 120 degrees for comfort. A lower temperature may also help reduce wear and tear on the pipes. You could save as much as $30 per year for every 10 degrees the temperature is lowered.

Clothes Dryer
Clean out the lint in your dryer filter, as well as, the entire dryer hose to reduce the chance of fire.

Leaves
Remove any leaves accumulated around the exterior of the home, window wells, and gutters.

Bush & Tree Limbs
Trim any bush or tree limbs which may be touching the exterior of the home or obstructing a view into the home. Intruders are particularly prone to access through windows and doors that are hidden from street view.

Exterior Water Faucets
Shut off the water to all exterior faucets and drain the lines to help prevent freezing and pipe bursts.

Other

• Never use a generator inside your home – it could pose a carbon monoxide threat.
• Prevent Pipe Freezes - if you lose power or temperatures are extremely low, keep your indoor faucets dripping slightly to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.
• Keep your cell phone charged at all times.
• Keep your vehicle gas tank filled at least halfway at all times in case you are stuck in traffic.
• Keep a safety kit in your car – blanket, gloves, hat, coat, boots, water, flashlight, energy bars

Tasco’s extensive product offerings include low temperature alarms, water emergency notifications, on-site camera protection, and other home security and automation integration to keep you notified of what’s going on at home while you’re out and about. Learn More about the newest technologies to keep you and your home safe this winter.

Tasco Security has been providing Peace-of-Mind Security to the greater Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont for over 47 years. Contact us today for your FREE consultation – 800-546-5552.

When business or average citizens have conversations about innovation, the usual suspects are often the same ones that get mentioned over and over. For business, the topics generally center on data analytics and the cloud. For the average person on the street, smartphone technology is usually at the center of things.

However, security is another aspect that shouldn't get overlooked. Monitoring your home or business with professional security systems is the way to go in these modern times and the sure path to peace of mind. Camera systems have come a long way to the point where they offer complete protection and safety with integrated alarm features and environmental systems that alert you before your pipes have frozen or your furnace breaks down - not after.

Looking for a company that can supply you with these comprehensive security packages that involve features like Life Safety Systems and access control features means using several criteria. Make sure any firm you are thinking about giving your business to has a level of transparency in the sense they offer some value added tips on what kind of durability is best in camera systems. For instance, if you plan on putting these cameras outside, having weather resistant coverings is a critical prerequisite. As far as video quality goes, high resolution megapixel cameras are rapidly becoming the standard bearer for all security systems.

As a security company, we understand the need for a comprehensive approach for this new breed of Life Safety Systems. Beyond the remote video monitoring capabilities we employ, Tasco offers several innovative features like a doubly redundant communications system that alerts the proper responders. This feature is a fine example of the complete blanket approach to security that innovation can provide.

Sources:
http://security-today.com/articles/2013/10/28/5-tips-for-selecting-the-right-enterprise-remote-monitoring-solution.aspx
http://www.tascosecurity.com/products-services/camera-systems
http://www.tascosecurity.com/products-services/environmental-alarms

65% of households in the United States have a pet and 42% have more than one, according to a 2015-2016 survey by the American Pet Products Association. With that many furry friends running free range in households, it’s no surprise that there are also a high number of false alarms due to family pets. Worse news, though, are homeowners who simply stop using their security system because they have pets.

Indoor sensors are a crucial component in most home security systems. They use motion, vibration, weight, ultrasonic waves, microwave pulses, or infrared heat to detect intruders. Sensors – usually placed in high traffic areas – are pretty straightforward in terms of functionality. When the regular sensor pattern is interrupted, the system realizes that something is moving and an alarm is triggered. But how can homeowners with pets utilize this important security feature?

Luckily, there are a number of solutions for creating a pet-friendly alarm system.

A simple way to have motion detectors in your home without the possibility of false alarms is to keep your cats and dogs out of the specific areas covered by motion sensors. However, this might not be possible for all homeowners depending on the layout of your house.

Another option for arming your home is to aim the sensors so they don’t hit the ground. If you decide to go with this alternative, aim the sensors high enough so your pets will not set them off, but low enough so it will detect human movement. Make sure you have this done by a security professional to ensure the sensors are properly positioned. While this may not be ideal in all situations, it will easily detect the average upright burglar.

Floor sensors, designed to detect weight rather than movement, can be placed under the floor in the joists along obvious traffic patterns an intruder may take. This can be an ideal solution for cats, and dogs if they are under 70 pounds.

As you can see, there’s no reason to live with a “inactive” security system if you have a pet or are considering getting one. Pets are family members, too, and we all want to keep our furry friends safe even when we aren’t at home. Updating or installing a security system doesn’t have to be “ruff.”

Check out one of Tasco’s newest technology offerings – the Napco i-See Video Remote Video system where pets, kids, and more are viewable on any PC and all smart phones from anywhere, 24/7.

Your Tasco professional has the perfect solution for you and your pet’s needs. Contact us today at 800-546-5552 for a consultation.

Do you remember the story of the boy who cried wolf? That boy called in all of the villagers multiple times to help run off a make believe wolf. He thought it was entertaining to watch everyone scramble. But, when he really did see a wolf, and really did need help, no one came.

In a recent study by The Herald of Washington it was found that over 90% of alarm activations that trigger a police response are falsely tripped. 90%!!Thankfully emergency responders will always come to your aid regardless of how many times you request them. But are you aware that roughly $2 billion in police resources are wasted every year because of false alarms? The majority of those charges are paid for by you and I through our tax dollars. And if that doesn’t hit home for you, consider the fact that many towns and cities charge a fee for falsely triggered alarms which can add up.

Alarms are put in place to help keep your home and business safe. Hopefully you never need the response teams that are sent when an alarm is activated, but those teams are specially trained to respond with speed and efficiency to help you in an emergency.

False alarms due to faulty equipment or acts of nature are rare. The single largest cause of false alarms is human error.

Common Causes of False Alarms:

• Failure to secure doors and windows once the alarm is turned on
• Incorrect keypad codes
• Failing to train authorized users
• Wandering pets
• Re-entering the home just after leaving without disarming (assuming the exit delay is long enough to compensate)
• Objects hanging by or around motion detectors
• Weak system batteries

Tips to Reduce False Alarms:

• Properly train all users (e.g., babysitters, relatives, children, visitors, etc.)
• Secure doors and windows before turning on alarm
• Inform the monitoring center of new pass codes and arming codes, and new or removed authorized users
• Service and maintain the system (including batteries) properly

If there is a question as to whether or not your system is working properly, contact Tasco Security or your security provider to check the status of the system and devices. For more information on how to protect your home or business contact Tasco Security for a free consultation.

There are a lot of questions that you should consider before the installation process of your video security system. A few of the main ones include camera placement, how many cameras you will need, and how you wish to view your cameras.

As far as security camera placement, you may just want the ability to scan the perimeter of your property, including driveways and walkways. In the case of homes with a swimming pool, having a camera directed at it would allow you to keep an eye out, which gives you peace of mind in terms of safety. Points of entry into your home are also important options, including doors, windows, bulkheads or attached garages. Carefully consider these camera placements, this will allow you to be ready to go on installation day.

How many cameras you would like to utilize depends on the dimensions and setup of your home and what your personal security needs are. Contact our security camera system experts for help determining the right number of cameras for your needs.

How you can view the footage that your cameras capture is now easier and more instant than ever thanks to new technology. More and more now, people are utilizing Tablets and Smartphones to see what is going on in their homes while they are not there to see for themselves, this new technology is proving to be extremely effective and provides peace of mind to many.

For more information, visit us at http://www.tascosecurity.com

Security systems are ever expanding, updating, and adding newer technologies. At Tasco Security, we take full advantage of this to create the custom security system that best fits you, your family, and your overall needs.

A great feature you may want to consider while we help you create your custom security system is video camera security.

With increased high-speed IP networking, the internet is making video surveillance more efficient and accessible to more people. Analog video surveillance is still appealing for some, and it may be the right fit for you or your business, but with newer technologies, the compact, efficient digital IP cameras provide high-quality images with the ability to seamlessly customize your surveillance. This means that camera security isn’t just for corporate and business security systems anymore.

When adding video security to your residence, you give yourself extra protection against intruders. Video cameras strategically placed around, and within your home will allow you to see who may be approaching, and who is within your home at any given time.

And, to add convenience, many of these programs can link directly to your mobile devices even when you are away from home. This means you can check in on your pets, kids, and/or elderly relatives while you are on the go. Some systems even allow for zoom and tilt features giving you a wider viewing range with the possibility of using fewer cameras.

These amazing new video surveillance systems are making waves in business security too. As we mentioned, these newer cameras are more compact, and easier to use, with better quality pictures than the older, more expensive to maintain, systems.
If you are a business owner, maybe it is time to take a look at your existing security system and ask yourself if you should update, or maybe add video camera security.

Tasco Security is excited to take advantage of these latest technologies, so give us a call today to ask about adding, or updating video surveillance as part of your custom security system.

According to the FBI, every 15 seconds a burglar breaks into a home in the United States. This is a staggering figure, especially considering that most homeowners feel that their house is secure. We have put together five simple tips to help protect your home, and enhance your home's overall security.

1. Make Some Noise
   An alarm system is probably the easiest thing to get started with securing your home. A lot of people leave this feature to being less obvious as others. Hanging a sign up on your front lawn indicating that you have a home alarm, might disturb your landscape's aesthetics; however, it is a big thing in deterring a would be burglar.
2. Don't Broadcast
   This is a very simple tip, but one that is oftentimes overlooked. With today's access to the internet and various social media platforms, many people like to broadcast their everyday plans. This is an absolute no-no. As a society, we like to share with our family and friends what we are doing or planning to do. However, we might also be sharing a little bit too much information that can get into the wrong hands. You can share with family and friends when you are going on vacation, just keep it offline.
3. Spare Key Hiding Spot
   The days of placing a key under your doormat, or in a fake rock, are dead and gone. Putting a key in a convenient and obvious place will certainly help you when you find yourself locked out of your house, but it also helps burglars at getting in as well. The best-case scenario is to drop off a spare key with a trusted neighbor or two. If losing your key is a consistent happening, you might want to invest in a keypad lock.
4. Light Up The Night
   What is the one thing that a would-be burglar looks to avoid? To not be caught! That is why darkness is a great cover for robbers. With that being said, a simple tip would be light up your house. Yard lights are great, but don't forget those potential hiding spots (i.e. clusters of trees, free standing structures, etc). A motion detector would be a good decision as well for both the front and back of the house.
5. Lock It Up
   Examine your doors and windows and see if you have the extra cash to invest in sturdy locks and burly doors. This is a place to not go cheap on either. The door should be solid wood or metal, so it holds if the burglar tries for the movie scene of kicking in the door.

These are very simple tips that can help prevent your home from being victim to those pesky burglars. If you have any question or are in search of additional tips and tricks, let us know at TascoSecurity.com.

In a world where violence seems to be the top headline on the evening news, it is nice to know that there are still safe environments throughout America. Here are the top 10 safest cities in America according to Parenting.Com¹. These locations provide the most peaceful atmospheres, leaving parents feeling comfortable at the idea of their kids being safe.

1. Burlington, Vermont
2. Virginia Beach, Virginia
3. Portland, Oregon
4. Boulder, Colorado
5. Seattle, Washington
6. Fort Wayne, Indiana
7. Scottsdale, Arizona
8. Lexington, Kentucky
9. Minneapolis, Minnesota
10. Spokane, Washington

All 10 of these locations all boast the same overall theme, which is being family oriented. Low crime rates, and low sex offenders per capita lead to these locations being prime pieces of real estate for families to feel safe in. Safety and security are some of the most important pieces to determining where you wish to raise a family, and these 10 locations offer up some smart choices.

Tasco Security works with families to ensure that there home is as safe as the top 10 lists. Find out how at TascoSecurity.com.

What makes you feel safe?

¹Sara Vigneri, “Top 10 Safest Cities in America” Parenting.Com

False alarms from security systems can be a hassle for homeowners and law enforcement don’t particularly appreciate them either. Sometimes, false alarms can signal police that there is a real emergency happening within a home, which unnecessarily uses up valuable time for law enforcement officers. Not only that, the time and effort it takes on homeowners to reset, learn, and work around the errors can be far from pleasurable. Fortunately, there are things any homeowner can do to reduce the incidence of accidentally inducing an alarm signal, whether it be user error or a misunderstanding within the system's functioning.

More than 3,000 municipalities in the United States have a fine for a false alarm, making it crucial to homeowners on a budget to know their security systems inside and out. Reducing the incidence of a false alarm is not very difficult, especially if certain precautions are taken before, during, and after installing a security system. Here are three tips any homeowner with security systems can do to prevent a false alarm:

1. Train Residents How to Use the Security System. All family members should know how to operate the home's security system, including all relevant pass codes and how to turn on/off the system. Any member that cannot operate the system may increase the risk of a false alarm.
2. Keep Security Companies in the Loop. If going on vacation, hiring help, or getting work done on the house, notify the security company who installed the security system beforehand. This way they can be prepared for regular system interruptions during the time period.
3. Check System Monthly. Always test your system to ensure that it is functioning properly. Also, have a professional check by your security system company. This can prevent any short circuits or malfunctions in the future.

To avoid fines and preventable hassle, there are a number of ways any homeowner can prevent a false alarm in their security system. Owners of a security system should contact their security company to gain further education on how to work their system and should always keep their phone number close in case a pertinent question arises.

Have you ever experienced a false alarm with your security system? What do you do to prevent false alarms? Please share with us your thoughts on our Facebook page!