Tag Archive for: wilmington

Should You Install Your Own Security System?

That’s a question some homeowners ask when they’re looking for home security on a tight budget. It’s admirable to explore a DIY option for many kinds of home improvement projects, of course – and for renters, or those with severe credit challenges, installing your own security system may be one of those projects. But for the average homeowner, it isn’t. Here’s why.

Reason 1: The Risk of User Error

When a home security system is installed by the homeowner rather than a professional installation expert, there is not only an increased risk of improper installation; there’s also an increased risk of the system malfunctioning because of those errors. Anyone who is thinking of installing their own home security system must consider whether those risks are worth the relatively small amount of money that was saved.

Reason 2: Monitoring Not Included  

Another reason installing your own security system is less desirable is there are very few options for having a self-installed system monitored. In most cases, the system is only designed to activate an internal siren to scare off an intruder. That’s better than no security system at all, of course – but it’s still not the same as having the system connected to a central station monitoring center that dispatches the authorities when it’s triggered.

When a home security system is installed by the homeowner rather than a professional installation expert, there is not only an increased risk of improper installation; there’s also an increased risk of the system malfunctioning because of those errors.

 

Reason 3: No Home Control

If remote access is important to you, then installing your own security system is not likely to be a good choice. Most self-installation kits are not designed to connect to your mobile phone, which means no:

  • Arming and disarming your system from your phone
  • Checking home security cameras while you’re away
  • Notifications when the alarm is triggered

If these are features you want in a home security system, then professional installation is highly recommended. And if you installed your own security system in the past? It may be time for an upgrade to a professionally installed and monitored system that offers you total control with remote smartphone access.

To discuss your own options for professional home security installation and monitoring, contact Security Instrument.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security company, serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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Taking Stock of Critical Assets to Form a Security Plan

Critical assets: What are they? In short, they’re everything (or everyone) your organization wants to protect. When forming a security plan, a business or organization must first identify those assets – and after that, determine how to minimize the vulnerabilities that may cause a breach in their security.

Examples of Critical Assets 

There are a variety of assets an organization may wish to protect, and different security solutions that can help meet the need. Here are some examples.

Facilities: The buildings that house organizations are perhaps the most critical assets of all – because before anything inside can be protected, the facilities must be secured.

Employees: Companies do not own people – and yet, people make companies work. To that end, employees and other human resources are intangible, yet critical assets.

Equipment: That goes for production equipment, maintenance equipment, and the security equipment the organization will be investing in. Part of identifying critical assets is knowing and recording the value of the equipment.

Inventory: For retail businesses, inventory is lifeblood. For other types of organizations, inventory may be transactions that are either closed or in the pipeline – or, they could be the case files that are currently being serviced.

Intelligence: Whether it’s a design, corporate strategy, payment system, the identification information of clients or any other proprietary information, intelligence is a highly critical asset for an organization. This is especially true in the digital age when information can be obtained via a cybersecurity breach; however, many malicious parties are still inclined to steal business intelligence manually.

Identifying Critical Assets is only the First Step

Pinpointing critical assets is only the first step toward performing a needs-based assessment and forming a larger security plan. Once the critical assets are identified, setting goals for safeguarding those assets comes next. That’s where an experienced security integrator can be a valuable partner.

If you are charged with forming a security plan for your organization, consider turning to a commercial security provider in the initial stages of the security plan. Security Instrument can take your knowledge of critical assets to the next step: determining how to protect them.

About Security Instrument

Security Instrument is a full-service, independently-owned integrator that is equipped to help commercial organizations design and implement a security plan. In Delaware Valley, Security Instrument serves thousands of customers located throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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WILL A FAKE SECURITY CAMERA WORK?

Can you prevent a burglary from happening at your business by hanging a fake camera that’s designed to look like a professionally installed one? In many cases, the unfortunate answer is no. If you are considering mounting a fake camera outside or inside your business, here are some important things to remember.  

SOME CRIMINALS ARE SMART

That fake security camera over the front door or in the corner of the main room may look like the real thing, but many of today’s criminals are smart enough to know the difference.

There are entire websites devoted to showing people how to get away with various property crimes,  including how to spot fake security cameras. Rather than betting on the intelligence and resourcefulness of the criminals in your area, having a monitored security camera that works is a much better choice. The only match for a smart thief is a smart business owner who knows how to protect his or her property.

SEE WHO WAS THERE

Sure, someone may be deterred from breaking into your business while you’re away if they see your fake security camera mounted nearby. But can your phony camera capture what they look like while they’re standing there? (That’s a no.)

Can your fake camera be activated by the presence of the intruder’s motion, alert you via text message, provide you a live video feed you view from your phone, or send you a recorded clip of the trespasser so you can be aware of what happened? (That’s a big no.) So even though the fake security camera may look like too big a risk to some would-be burglars, it still can’t notify you of their presence or show you what they look like – and that’s a risk you don’t want to take as a responsible business owner.

REAL CAMERAS EQUAL REAL RESULTS

To keep trespassers from becoming burglars of your business (or worse, violent criminals), the best measure of defense is a monitored security system that includes cameras and smartphone integration. Real cameras equal real results, while fake cameras equal a risk most business owners aren’t prepared to take. To learn about more ways a monitored security camera can protect your business, contact Security Instrument today.

ABOUT SECURITY INSTRUMENT

Security Instrument is Delaware’s largest full-service independently-owned security company, serving thousands of customers throughout Delaware, MD, NJ & PA.

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