As technology permeates every part of your life, the vulnerabilities of your property and valuables increase. Many homeowners feel a false sense of security after installing a smart doorbell or basic alarm, unaware that opportunists actively search for gaps in physical and digital defences alike.
To genuinely safeguard your home, you need to create layers of protection that work together to deter, detect and delay unwanted access.
Securing Entry Points
Start by evaluating every entry door, window and secondary access, such as side gates or basement hatches. Reinforce all external doors with solid-core materials, reliable locks and hinge bolts to prevent forced entry. Fit windows with key-operated locks and laminate glazing, particularly at ground level for added security.
When you leave the property, always secure internal doors between garages and living areas. If someone bypasses your external defences, compartmentalising the interior slows their progress. High-visibility deterrents like doorbell cameras help, but only if you also invest in these physical barriers.
Implementing Surveillance Systems
Install a surveillance system that combines both visible and discreet cameras. Position obvious cameras near entrances to deter opportunists while placing hidden devices to capture evidence if someone persists. Choose systems that offer remote access so you can monitor activity from anywhere.
Always record in high resolution, even at night, and store footage both locally and in the cloud to prevent tampering. Set motion zones to reduce unnecessary recordings and link your system to smart lighting to illuminate potential hiding spots when sensors activate.
Setting Up And Protecting Your Technology
Every connected device in your home can either strengthen or weaken your security, depending on how you configure it.
When you set up your home network, replace the default router password with a unique passphrase that combines uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. Activate network encryption and hide your SSID to make your network less visible to casual scanners.
Secure your smart devices by disabling unnecessary features and regularly updating firmware. Use separate networks for visitors and smart technology to isolate sensitive devices like computers or cameras. When you access your network remotely, use an online VPN to encrypt traffic and shield your IP address. This extra layer obscures your online footprint and reduces the risk of targeted cyberattacks.
Enhancing Outdoor Security
Outside your home, design landscaping that eliminates hiding places near doors and windows. Trim shrubs to knee height and keep boundary hedges no taller than waist level to maintain clear sightlines. Install perimeter lighting with motion sensors at key locations, such as driveways, pathways, and blind spots near fences.
Rather than relying solely on lights and cameras, consider securing boundaries with robust fencing or walls. Whenever possible, choose designs that offer little to no foothold for climbing. To further deter unwanted visitors, fit gates with secure locks and position gravel pathways close to access points. The sound of footsteps on gravel makes stealth entry much harder.
