When considering your safety, myths and hearsay pop up like weeds in the garden. People believe in so much security misinformation they were told years ago and never questioned — but these days, it’s very wrong. And believing these rumors doesn’t just compromise your safety, it can also cost you money and peace of mind.
From how burglars break into homes to how tenants can protect their rentals, I’ve identified the most significant mistakes. I’ll also clarify why these widespread myths about home safety and security systems are incorrect.
Myth: Home security systems are expensive
What’s the point of a home security system if the initial and ongoing costs outweigh the value of what was damaged or stolen? It’s a fair argument, but home security may be more affordable than you’d think, especially if you go the DIY route.
While it’s true that costs for a professional home security system can quickly add up, it’s not uncommon for home security companies to run special offers that could save you hundreds on equipment and installation. Depending on the provider and available promotions, it’s totally possible to get a basic system free with installation included (yes, you’ll have to sign a contract, but more on that in the next section).
On the other hand, you’ll have to purchase all your own equipment for a DIY home security setup. Still, you can get everything you need to watch your home inside and out, complete with cameras and motion sensors, for a couple hundred bucks or less.
Professional monitoring isn’t available with all DIY devices, but if it is an option with your camera or security system, expect an added monthly fee of $10 to $25 for a typically unlimited number of devices. Fees are often lower if you pay annually instead of monthly.
Myth: You have to sign a contract or at least pay a subscription
Again, this one originated from professional home security service providers, and it’s admittedly still true in some cases. Most home security companies require a one- or two-year contract, particularly if you choose any promotional offers like free equipment or installation. A contract isn’t always required, however: Some providers like SimpliSafe and Xfinity don’t make you sign one.
And you won’t have to worry about a contract at all with DIY setups, as systems from Arlo, Ring and others are always contract-free. Likewise, monthly subscriptions are not required, although you may want to add one for professional monitoring or more storage options. Subscriptions can cost as little as $10 per month to cover an unlimited number of devices. For a single device like a camera, they can fall as low as $3.
If you don’t want to pay for a subscription, no problem. Cameras, motion detectors and other DIY home security devices come with an app that lets you do your own monitoring and options like local video storage that let you skip extra fees.
Myth: Home security systems are complicated
I completely understand this potential hesitation. Whenever a home project involves wiring, it starts to feel more like an expert job.
However, when you go with a professionally installed home security system, someone else (a professional installer) will do the hard work for you. They’ll also walk you through how to use the system at the time of setup, and technical support along with online resources are available 24/7 for any problems you may have down the road.
As for DIY security devices, there shouldn’t be any wiring involved outside of simply plugging it in and connecting it to your Wi-Fi. Hardwired video doorbells are an exception, but I can say first-hand that installation is still fairly quick and straightforward. Smart locks are also a simple DIY project. Either way, an app will guide you through all phases of installation, setup and use.
Myth: Burglars can cut the lines to a home security system
This myth hasn’t been true for a long, long time because home security systems don’t use landlines anymore (and plenty of people don’t use phone landlines anyway). From professionally installed full systems to DIY packages, home security systems work via wireless signals like your Wi-Fi network, plus specialized signals like Zigbee, Thread and cellular connection backups in case wireless connections aren’t working.
The result is systems that burglars can’t “cut” or otherwise disable. Even if burglars get access to a security keypad or hub inside the house, many are designed to alert owners about tampering and automatically lock down. With cloud video storage, burglars can’t get rid of automatically recorded video storage, either.
Myth: Burglars can use Wi-Fi jammers or other tech to disable my security system
It makes for an exciting headline and gives police departments an easy excuse to talk about community crime, but these high-tech burglaries don’t really exist. Wi-Fi jammers are real, but burglars need to know the make and model of the security system or at least have in-depth knowledge of sophisticated spyware. That’s why one of the few confirmed cases of successful home robbery via Wi-Fi jamming was someone who already knew the homeowner and their home. And jamming security signals won’t magically unlock doors or open windows for burglars. You can read all about it here in our full guide.
On that note, fears about smart home hacking are largely made up, too. Cybercriminals have a million other things they’d rather do than try to hack into home security devices, and today’s modern encryption techniques are very effective at stopping any efforts. This kind of “hacking” is usually done by a security center employee or an old acquaintance who already had access to the smart home system.
The new exception to this rule is promptware, or giving home AI prompt injections that make it obey malicious commands. However, security companies are working on making their AI security against promptware, and once again following important safety practices can largely remove the danger.
Myth: I rent, so I can’t get home security tech
Your property and safety are important, regardless of whether you own or rent, and there are a lot of home security solutions for renters. Such devices are often noninvasive (no holes in the wall, permanent wiring or mounts) and can come with all the home security features you’d need, including access to live camera feeds and recordings, push notifications, professional monitoring options and emergency response assistance.
Even if you’re just renting a room, you can still find plenty of security answers if you’re worried about your roommate’s behavior.
Check with your leasing office or property owner before installing a system, and be sure to avoid any devices that may infringe on your neighbor’s privacy.
Myth: Home security systems aren’t effective
That depends on what you mean by “effective.” If someone is set on getting into your home, even the best security system will not stop them. That said, if someone is considering breaking into your home or swiping a package off your porch, the presence of a security system or surveillance camera is a good deterrent.
A study from the University of North Carolina found that about 83% of professional criminals interviewed said they would try to find out if a home or business had a security alarm before attempting a burglary. Roughly 60% claimed they would seek out an alternative target if an alarm were detected.
Even if the burglar is successful, your security devices may capture images, video or sounds leading to their identification and arrest. At the very least, you can use the information to alert your neighbors and help prevent future occurrences. And don’t forget, that evidence is very useful when making a claim on your homeowners insurance after a theft.
Keep in mind, many security guard companies and other security services will try to convince people that security systems aren’t very effective or that they can be easily jammed. That’s not true, so don’t mistake marketing for actual advice on home safety.
Myth: I don’t need home security because I have a big dog
Dogs can act as a security deterrent, but they can’t take the place of any real home security, for a few reasons all pet owners should know. First, it’s hard to train a dog to be vicious toward only suspicious trespassers and not innocent strangers or visiting family. And if your dog attacks someone, even a burglar, they have powerful grounds for a successful lawsuit. (We also don’t think it’s very cool to raise dogs this way.)
Second, many burglars will strike when you and your dog are away on walks or when you’re on vacation and your dog is at the kennel, so pets won’t help very much in these cases.
Third, homeowners insurance tends to frown on some of the most infamous guard dog breeds. If you get a Rottweiler, Doberman or similar breed for home protection, your insurance company may deny burglar claims or threaten to cancel your policy.
Myth: It’s illegal to record video in your home
Privacy laws do apply to video recorded in your home, but only in certain cases. You can’t film or record any video where people have an expectation of privacy. That includes bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms and so on. But your living room, kitchen or yard are all fair game. Just keep cameras pointed away from neighbors and you should be fine.
Likewise, you don’t technically have to tell someone if you have a security camera posted up in a more public area, but it’s still polite to let people (babysitters, roommates, etc.) know if you do.
Myth: My outdoor lights will keep away all thieves
Outdoor lights at night can scare away some trespassers, especially if they are motion-activated and include the ability to recognize humans, so they can send you an alert. But there’s one small problem: Most burglaries tend to happen during the day when burglars don’t think anybody is at home. Lights don’t help much in these cases.
Instead, an affordable home security system or even just a smart lock or video camera can help a lot, no matter what time of day it is.
Myth: I live in a rural area, so I don’t need any extra home security
This assumption doesn’t work because it varies so much based on region. While property crimes (which include burglary and vandalism, and should not be mistaken for violent victimization or other statistics) are generally on a downward trend everywhere, there’s no guarantee that rural areas are free of property crime compared to nearby urban or suburban areas.
In fact, in some rural locations property crime rates are higher than in cities. Even on average, property crime rates in rural areas are around 50% (PDF) to 75% of those in urban areas, so there are still plenty of risks. And more remote locations may be more tempting to burglars who are trying to avoid the eyes of neighbors.
For more, read up on the top home security mistakes you can make. Learn how to stop porch pirates, reduce the risk of car break ins and what you should keep in a safe. For more home security tips, check out the three places you should never put a security camera, and how to use an old smartphone as a security camera.
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