Common Vulnerabilities in Home Security Alarm Systems

Home security alarm systems are effective deterrents to burglary in most cases. However, in the absence of proper planning and installation, a home alarm system can be compromised. Such a system will not be of much use in keeping your home safe and intact. Listed below are some of the common vulnerabilities in a home security alarm system.

Neighbors May Not Respond to Unmonitored Alarm Systems

Unmonitored alarm systems work by blaring a loud siren or flashing lights around the protected property. However, such systems are not reliable, because you are dependent on neighbors or passersby alerting the police.

Visible Power Lines and Telephone Cables

Many burglars cut off communication lines even before attempting to gain entry into a building. In such a case, the alarm system may not be able to communicate with the service center or the police. The best option is to incorporate a wireless module into your alarm system, so that it is independent of any wires or cables. Otherwise, you must ensure that your wires are concealed and protected in tough casing.

False Alarms

False alarms can go off if a member of the household forgets to disarm the system before leaving or after entering. Cordless alarms can go off if they detect strong radio signals.

Battery is Dead

Cordless alarm systems rely on batteries, whereas many corded alarm systems use batteries for emergency backup. If the battery is not tested time to time, the alarm system may probably fail you when you need it the most.

Control Panel is Close to the Keypad

The control panel is the heart of the alarm system. If it is installed right next to the keypad, an intruder can easily trace it by following the beeping sound the system emits till the delay time elapses. This gives intruders the ability to disarm the system easily by disconnecting it before it sends an alarm signal. Install the control panel in a hidden, secure location where it cannot be easily found.

Alarm is Easily Accessible from a Window or Door

An alarm system that is easily accessible from a window or a door can easily be manipulated by a burglar. An intruder can smash the glass and disconnect the system before the delay time elapses.

Passwords are Known to Intruders

This risk is especially true of commercial settings. If you are a business owner and many of your employees know the alarm system password, you could be compromising the safety of your documents and other belongings. Only share the password with very reliable people. Avoid writing down the password anywhere. Keep a mental note of it.

Support Personnel are Incompetent

An alarm system’s efficiency largely depends on the competence and intelligence of the alarm system company personnel. When they call you to determine if there is an emergency, they must be firm and assess the severity of a situation. A laid-back attitude on their part can leave you in danger.

Faulty Alarm System

A faulty alarm system or one that is not installed correctly can cause several problems such as frequent sirens and unnecessary fees. Also, such an alarm may be ignored by neighbors who are used to hearing it all the time.