What to Look for in a Reliable Home Security Provider

Choosing the right home security provider can be a little bit nerve-wracking — it's only your family's safety in your hands, what could go wrong? With so many options on the market, it's all too easy to be swayed by familiar brand names or clever marketing ploys. Sure, you could choose the most affordable or prestigious-sounding solution, but they might all be wrong for you and your home. Instead, use this checklist to carefully research the best home security system in your area.

24/7 Monitoring

Of course, there are a lot of simple cameras, smart doorbells, and other security tools out there, like the Ring Alarm Pro, that you can set up and monitor all on your own. You can buy these at just about any big box store or on your favorite online marketplace. They're easy to set up, and once you do, you can monitor them from your smartphone, laptop, tablet, or Google Home device to create a truly unique smart home. The problem is, once you spot an issue, it's up to you to get the notification, reach out to law enforcement, and wait.

This is where a DIY system hits a snag, since response time is a critical factor in whether or not a burglar completes a robbery.

In most cases, you wind up with footage of the incident, but the criminal is long gone before police come around. Instead, it's ideal to work with a home security system provider who offers round-the-clock monthly monitoring and immediate response. Look for teams that reach out in seconds to alert emergency services, so they might respond while the break-in is still occurring.

Note that some security providers outsource their monitoring to other companies and might not have as much control over the process. That could mean less urgency and slower response times in the event of a security breach. Thoroughly check customer reviews, company documentation, and other sources to find out how a provider handles alerts. Understand exactly how long it takes them, on average, to contact emergency services in the event of an alarm system notification.

Smart Tech Integration

If you already use or are planning to use smart tech in your house, you'll want a system that works with all your devices and appliances. That means one that can be programmed to work with virtual assistants like Google and Alexa, as well as smart locks, lights, and more. Also important is the ability to add new smart devices as you grow your setup or new tech evolves.

Look for systems that are designed to be compatible with new apps, devices, and integrations.

The most important feature for most people is the ability to view and control their home security systems via remote access. You'll probably want to be able to check on your home and enable or disable your security system from wherever you are. Systems that let you view live footage on your phone and push real-time alerts to all of your devices are also essential for rapid responsiveness. Make sure to do your due diligence and check for reports of delays or other issues with remote access.

Depending on the devices you have, you can access different functionalities, like locking your doors or turning on your lights remotely. You might be able to change your lock or keypad code from afar should someone gain access to your entry code. Whatever features you have, you look for a provider who can help you set up and test your system to ensure it works properly. Self-installation may be more cost-effective for some, but can lead to more errors and issues.

High-Quality Equipment

It doesn't matter how many cameras or alarms you have if you can't count on them to work properly when you need them. Low-quality hardware can result in breakage, poor connectivity, long delays, and other serious system failures. Of course, you can save money by skimping on video resolution, night vision with motion sensor, weatherproofing, and durability. However, you're putting yourself at risk for less-than-useful security footage, breachable alarm systems, and other dangers.

When choosing your equipment, look for the most up-to-date security camera bundles, alarm, video doorbell, smart lock, entry sensor systems, control panels, and other features within your budget. If you must sacrifice some features, consider which ones are most critical and which are just nice-to-haves. For example, if you need to save costs, you could forgo loud sirens or video doorbells in favor of 24/7 professional monitoring. Or you could choose a less customizable system with a monitoring plan that still offers solid protection.

Regardless of how good a system is, it might still be utterly useless without power or connectivity. That's why an important investment is some sort of backup power supply in case of any outages or disruptions. Choose a battery- or solar-powered option to keep your home alarm system running even without grid electricity. You can even choose a system with wired or cellular connectivity, in case your Wi-Fi fails or is jammed by criminals.

Security and Data Privacy

Physical access control (i.e., the doorbell camera) is only one piece of the puzzle; it's also incredibly important to consider data security. Like all internet-connected devices, home security systems are only as good as their level of protection against hackers and data breaches. For example, if you have weak passwords, use default login credentials, an unencrypted system, or maintain outdated software, you could be vulnerable to a cyber attack.

There are several different ways that hackers could exploit vulnerabilities in a flawed security system, especially one that's self-installed. Of course, there is the obvious: they could disable locks or cameras and gain entry to your home. What many people don't consider, however, is that access to your system also equals access to your network and your devices. They don't even need to break into your home to access financial details or other personal information.

In some reported cases, hackers have exploited vulnerabilities in budget home security equipment to commit more insidious crimes. They've spied on families, eavesdropped on personal conversations, or even harassed people via connected devices. If you use an unsecured store-brand camera inside the home, you could be at risk for such behavior. That's why it's both critical to choose reputable providers and practice strong password rules.

A Trustworthy Provider

With a professional home security system provider, you won't need to worry about shoddy equipment, slow response times, data breaches, or other issues. A reputable vendor can set up, test, and monitor your system and provide strong customer support, all for a reasonable price.

If you're looking for help choosing the right security system for your home, start your free security assessment with Smart Security Concierge. We'll help you choose a partner you can trust with your family's safety and peace of mind.