Most people know that it’s important to lock doors and windows when they leave the house to protect their valuables — there’s a break-in about every 15 seconds in the U.S. But protecting your assets involves more than just defending against robbers. An Internet hacker could potentially do much more damage to your valuables than a jewelry thief. Comprehensive asset protection involves protecting your online accounts and digital valuables, guarding against damage from fires and floods, and physical home security measures to keep your valuables safe. Consider some of these innovative products to protect your home.
Online Identity and Password Vault
If you’re like most people, you have basically one online ID and one password to access all your accounts and services. Maybe it’s your email address and some variation of your cat’s name and birthday. Whatever it is, using the same email ID and password combination is a hacker’s dream. People who want to protect their online accounts and services need to have unique IDs and password combinations for each site they visit. Since keeping track of all those user names and passwords is almost impossible for the average person, a password vault stores and manages them for you.
Freeze Alarm and Moisture Monitor
According to an insurance industry survey, damage from burst pipes is second only to hurricanes in terms of property damage — claims in excess of $50,000 are not unusual. Several manufacturers offer freeze alarms combined with moisture sensors for sump pumps and washing machines, which automatically call your phone to let you know if your pipes drop below a certain temperature or water is detected. This buys you time to prevent a catastrophe.
Home Automation System
Wouldn’t it be great to have a remote control for your house? Home automation systems give you the ability to turn your lights, appliances, and thermostat on and off from your computer or smart phone. When you’re away, you can cycle lights on and off to give the illusion that someone is home. You’ll never have to worry if you remembered to shut off the coffee maker or iron before you left the house.
Laptop and Mobile Lockdown Software
At the most basic level, set laptops and portable devices to require a password before you use them. If your device is stolen, it limits the information a thief can reach. Next, buy a mobile lockdown and recovery app so you can track a stolen phone or tablet and even lock it down or erase its content to protect your sensitive information. Be sure your Internet security software covers mobile devices; most anti-malware apps are ineffective against phishing attacks.
Security and Surveillance System
One in every 36 homes will be burglarized this year, according to estimates by the FBI. The most effective way to protect your home is a comprehensive home security and surveillance system from www.securitychoice.net. The best systems offer a combination of alarms, sensors, security cameras, mobile access technology, and 24-hour monitoring. If you have children, you can use your security camera to make sure they get home safely from school.
Diversion Safes
A home safe is a great idea to protect your valuables in the event of a break-in. Unfortunately, the first thing most robbers look for is a safe. With the right tools, a skilled thief can crack it. Diversion safes hide your valuables in plain sight. Imagine a safe that looks like a head of lettuce and sits in your fridge — what thief would think to look for jewelry or cash there? Or a safe hidden in a wall outlet or air conditioning vent? For protecting small valuables and cash, diversion safes are a good alternative to more traditional looking units.
When it comes to protecting your assets, sometimes the best defense is a good offense. Be proactive when it comes to your home security. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. And don’t neglect your Internet security: A good hacker can do more damage without getting caught than a robber breaking in your back door.