Intrusion Security in the 21st Century

By Allan B. Colombo

Electronic intrusion detection has experienced significant changes over the past few decades. Some of them include advances in technology while others involve how traditional alarm companies do business. This is especially true where projects demand network connections and advanced forms of integration.

In this story, we’ll take a look at important technological trends, we’ll examine why it’s sometimes necessary for traditional alarm companies to partner with systems integrators, and we’ll look at several ways in which the very face of intrusion protection could change in the somewhat distant future. To help us do this we’ll call on the expertise of a long-time security expert, Richard Cantor, CEO, with Amerigard Alarm & Security Corp., New York, NY.

Trends in Technology
On the technical side, one of the most notable changes seen in intrusion protection is how security systems integrate with consumer-oriented mobile devices, such as smart phones.

“Today everything is market driven in the end and our industry and the technology which is now offered is all blending together. We are indeed in the iPhone/Internet age. The bottom line is consumers are savvy about products, services and pricing,” says Cantor.

A good example of this is the ability for the homeowner to control their residential alarm system from a remote location using a laptop or cell phone from anywhere in the world. The same connection allows them to view one or more cameras, as well as affect temperature, lighting, and other subsystems in the home.

Business owners and managers also have come to rely on these same technological features. This has effectively extended their reach into the workplace itself, which allows them to keep a closer eye on shoplifting and internal theft. This involves a relatively high level of integration.

“From a product offering standpoint things are blending together more and more. Security systems now offer home automation and home automation systems offer security, and both can take advantage of new wireless protocols such as Z-wave,” says Cantor.

Cantor also says that “…our industry is moving toward cloud type services with Honeywell's Total Connect services, 2Gig's new product line, and Elk's--which has been around for some time now. So right now it’s the wild, wild west out there.”

For example, Home Automation Inc. of New Orleans is poised to integrate wireless, digital locksets and lighting controls with HAI’s Omni-Pro controller using Zigbee technology. This same methodology can be used to link these same locksets with the homeowner remotely over the Internet. More and more we’re also seeing the use of wireless networks using WiFi.

The problem for some traditional alarm companies, however, is that security technicians often lack the necessary skill sets to deal with digital technology in the network realm. When this is the case, it’s not uncommon for them to contract with systems integrators to assist them with the Internet Protocol (IP) side of the job.

IP Video Surveillance
IP network technology now abounds in any number of disciplines within the security venue, including access control, life safety, and CCTV (Closed Circuit Television).

“The CCTV market is in the vortex of developing changes in technology from IP and megapixel cameras to network recorders and analytics with no firm direction yet,” says Cantor.

For example, more and more alarm dealers are being asked by their clients—both residential and commercial—to provide outside access to camera systems. Consumers simply want to take advantage of all the benefits that today’s digital IP technology provides. The same technology can be used by central station operations to look in on facilities immediately after receiving an alarm signal. Police also can be let into a building remotely by the owner over the Internet as well as central station personnel.

“You could add the prospect of remote video monitoring, though that is likely to remain a small niche market,” says Cantor.

There are those who are sure to disagree with Cantor’s assessment in as much as many communities have mandated the use of video verification or some other means to curb the unnecessary dispatch of police officers and fire fighters. Remote video has long offered this capability and will continue to do so in the years to come.

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Central Station Operations
Specifically, IP technology enables central station operators to integrate central station computers with cameras on site. This allows them to look in on specific locations within a facility where alarm signals originate.

By verifying whether anyone is actually there allows the operator to make a determination whether to dispatch the authorities. And, where video is recorded, operators can look back at recorded clips, especially those taken in the vicinity of motion detectors and other intrusion devices that caused the alarm.

The same effect can be achieved by integrating alarm systems with the video motion detection built into some modern IP cameras, Digital Video Recorders (DVRs), and other network devices. Mobotix IP Megapixel cameras, for example, not only have the ability to send images by email, but they can generate voice prompts that can be played to the assailant via an audible device.

Many times integration is as easy as linking a DVR with a modem or router while other times it requires additional effort. Traditional alarm technicians who lack the skill sets necessary to complete this portion of the job are turning to systems integrators for assistance. For this reason it’s important for traditional alarm firms to develop partnerships with such. Systems integrators are the best choice because they deal with network technology on a daily basis. The Future of Intrusion Protection Although experts will vary on what they see ahead for intrusion protection, radical changes are sure to lie ahead that will change the face of our industry. Two technological changes that I believe will do this is artificial intelligence (AI) and facial recognition, coupled with changes in communication technology.

“The CCTV market is in the vortex of developing changes in technology from IP and MegaPixel cameras to network recorders and analytics with no firm direction yet. Then in general all sorts of technologies are merging together,” says Cantor. “Alarm systems now incorporate access control and home automation and as soon as we have accurate facial recognition systems, access control will be revolutionized. Then you will see real integration of alarm, access control, and CCTV.”

Later in the 21st Century it’s quite possible that intrusion security will take the form of a fully integrated access/security system using facial recognition combined with AI technology. Gone will be traditional door switches, motion sensors, and access control cards, tokens, and fobs. At that point the AI controlled system will know who belongs and who does not. Through a host of cameras, the AI will also be able to determine when a break-in has taken place. Equipped with the right action plan, the appropriate response will ensue.

Taking this concept one step further, by mobilizing the AI controlled system to include roving mobile units, equipped with cameras, voice interfaces, and other attributes and features, it will be possible to confront those who enter a protected space. Verification of identity will take place using facial recognition, voice, hand geometry, genetic markers, and/or other biometric attributes. When an unauthorized individual is discovered, it will be possible to notify the appropriate authorities for immediate response as a perpetrator(s) is maintained in one of many locations that may act as a man trap.

No matter how you look at the future, intrusion protection will never be the same as in years past. As we move further into the 21st Century, the use of network technology is sure to increase while older methods of detection, identity verification, and signaling fall by the wayside. In their place will be a brave new world.

About the Author
Allan B. Colombo is a 28-year trade journalist in the life-safety and physical security markets. His work has appeared in numerous publications throughout North America, including Security Distributing & Marketing, Security Sales & Integration, The Electrical Distributor (TED), Electrical Contractor, Security & Life Safety Magazine, Security Dealer & Integrator, Locksmith Ledger, and others. To contact Al Colombo, call 330-956-9003, email him at abc@alcolombo.us or visit the Safety & Security Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/TpromoCom.

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Home Security under £20 / $30: A Countdown of the Top 10 Ways to Protect Your Home

‘Secured by Design’ (the official UK police initiative) states that burglars are opportunistic thieves, striking when a house looks empty, has little or no security, and where they won’t be seen.

But while you’re saving up for your state of the art CCTV system, here are some more budget friendly ways to keep you home safe and secure...

Image by Images Money

1) Burglar proof your Garden (£17 / $27)

There are several ways to make your garden unappealing to unwanted visitors. Burglars like places where they can hide, and large shrubs near the house are ideal. So buy a pair of shears for around £17 and trim down your hedges!

If you want to go a step further and redesign your garden with home security in mind, then consider placing prickly bushes near your windows. Thieves won’t want to climb through them for risk of injury, and they’ll also be worried about leaving evidence behind.

Noisy gravel driveways are another great deterrent!

2) Install Exterior Lighting (£15 / $24)

Consider installing a security light to make a burglar feel exposed! 

3) Buy a UV Pen (£1 / $1./60)

By marking your property with a UV pen, you increase both the chance of a thief leaving your property behind, and of a stolen item being traced back to you. UV pens are inexpensive and you can mark objects with your name and postcode. Put stickers on items to show that you have marked them; thieves will know they’ll be harder to sell on!

Also consider registering your items on immobilise.com, which stores an online portfolio of your personal property. This simplifies police reports and insurance claims in the event of a theft.

4) Use Camouflage (£12 / $19)

If you can’t afford the real deal, it’s a good idea to give the impression you can. You can purchase dummy security cameras for around £12, and dummy bell boxes for slightly less; many even come with realistic flashing lights!

5) Fit Window Locks (£4 / $6)

1/3 of break-ins occur through a window, and unsecured ground floor windows are the easiest way in.

But by fitting window locks to existing windows, you’ll quickly (and cheaply!) boost your home security.

Usually purchased in multi-packs, they cost around £4 each.

6) Get a Light Timer (£3.50 / $5.50)

Burglars like to operate unseen, and will be deterred by people awake and present in the house. Fake TV intruder deterrents can be purchased for a little over £20, but for a low cost alternative consider buying a couple of light timers.

They cost around £3.50 each and will switch lights on and off at set intervals, convincing a burglar that someone must be home.

Image via Menage a Moi

7) Don’t Leave a Spare Key Out (Free!)

Don’t keep a spare under the flowerpot or the doormat- it’s the first place a burglar will look! Keep a spare key with a trusted neighbor instead, or buy an inconspicuous garden ornament that contains a hidey hole.

8) Talk to your Neighbors (Free!)

Neighbors play a large part in home security; as well as keeping safe a spare key, your neighbors are the most likely people to notice any suspicious goings-on. Make sure to let your neighbors know when you go on holiday, and you can keep an eye on their house in return!

9) Buy a Dual Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm (£19 / $30)

It’s not just intruders that pose a risk to your security; appliances or piping in your own home could pose a risk to it too! Despite most houses being fitted with smoke alarms, many people neglect to install an alarm for carbon monoxide.

Carbon monoxide gas is invisible and deadly. Buy a dual alarm for complete piece of mind.

10) Lock your Door (Free!)

2/3 of burglars enter through a door, so your simplest defense is to keep it locked!

But while it may seem like common sense, in 2009 5,000 homes were broken into by burglars simply walking through unlocked front doors! Not only does this leave your possessions vulnerable to theft, it is also likely to invalidate your home insurance.

Security equipment doesn’t need to be high-tech to have a large effect, and your home can be as safe and secure as the extra pounds in your pocket!

Do you have any budget security tips?

Home Security– Your Ultimate 10 Step Guide

Burglary is big business – according to the British Crime Survey around 750,000 homes are broken into in the UK every year.  It’s also worrying to learn that a surprising number of burglaries occur during daylight, when the owners are home or even without the need for forced entry.

Whilst the majority of us are not careless enough to leave doors and windows open or unlocked, seasoned burglars know all the tricks and are getting better and better at finding new ways to break into unsuspecting homes.

If you want to keep them out, you’ll need the same cunning and intelligence to make sure your home is as safe and secure as it could possibly be. Here are ten must-follow tips if you want to protect your home from a break-in...

Image via Grongar

1.       Lock Up

Despite the statistics, a worrying number of people are lax about locking their doors and windows. Even if you’re nipping to the shops for five minutes, never leave your property unlocked or you’re asking for trouble.

2.       Reinforce Windows

The quickest and simplest way to break into a house is to smash a window, so don’t skimp on quality when having new windows installed. Use reinforced burglar-proof glass everywhere you can – if you have decorative glass panels on the door, make sure these are reinforced or it’s easy to smash one and reach through for the handle inside.

3.       Deadbolt Doors

A common spring lock is easy to open from the outside by slipping a credit card into the tiny gap between the door and frame. A deadbolt lock is a much safer option – choose one that goes at least an inch into the frame when closed.

4.       Make Some Noise

Every home should have high quality burglar alarms. Go wireless if possible, or make sure that wires are well concealed as most burglars know to look out for wiring and can disable alarm systems in seconds.

Image via El Hombre de Negro

5.       Keep It Quiet

Safety isn’t all about deafening alarms and searchlights – in some cases it’s better to keep things on the down low, especially if you’re planning a trip away. Professional burglars stalk social media accounts to find out who’s going to be on holiday, so make sure your privacy settings are set to the maximum and that only real friends that you trust are on your friends lists!

6.       Garden Intelligently

Gardening is just a hobby... or is it? A well thought-out garden can add to your home security, from avoiding planting trees too close to windows to growing prickly hedges and plants around your garden border and underneath ground floor windows.

7.       Be Creative

Most of us keep a spare key outside to avoid those hefty locksmith fees should we ever forget our keys at home. Burglars are well aware of this, so popping it under the doormat or in a plant pot just won’t cut it. Think up somewhere truly hidden, such as wrapping it in foil and burying it completely.

8.       Light the Way

Although many burglaries occur during daylight, no intruder wants to get caught in the act so the risk of being seen is a big deterrent. Install motion sensor lighting at the front and back of your home that will light up the perimeter around your home as soon as someone gets close.

9.       Signs of Life

Going away for a while? Criminals are on the lookout for tell-tale signs a home is empty, so get the post office to hold your mail and ask neighbors to use your wheelie bins whilst you’re away. Put lights and the radio on timers too so that they come on and off in the evenings as they normally would.

10.   Keep Watch

Unfortunately the sad truth is that if a burglar wants to get in, he will – you can only make it harder and riskier for him to do so. Ensure that you prepare for the worst by installing home CCTV or hidden spy cameras at home, so that if you are ever the victim of crime you will have a clear image of the perpetrator’s face to show to police, and increase the chance of getting your goods back.

Do you have any other useful home security tips?