Perhaps the funniest portrayal of a home security system was in the 1990 movie, Home Alone. However, there is very little to laugh about when a burglary happens in real life.
While lockdowns during the pandemic had a positive effect on this type of crime, burglaries were and are a problem. In 2019, 1.4 million homes were forcibly entered, and $3 billion worth of property was stolen.
The average burglary victim will lose about $2,661 with only 28.9% of stolen goods ever being recovered. Despite this risk, around 64% of homeowners are underinsured.
These statistics make home security systems even more vital, and technology is helping homeowners to protect their families and property.
How is microtechnology being used in home security?
Microchips are used in numerous devices now and are commonly used in security systems. Since the microchip arrived in 1958, technology has become more powerful, efficient, and smaller.
Devices that were once unwieldy such as cell phones are now compact. The world’s smallest cell phone is less than half an inch in length but operates perfectly well.
Miniaturization and new technology have also helped improve home security devices and systems such as cameras.
Small security devices are unobtrusive and difficult to spot. But, due to technological advances, these devices are also very powerful.
Below are 10 examples of this type of technology for home security.
1. Nanny cams
Nanny cams have been in use since 1992 when the first models arrived. However, modern nanny cams can pan, tilt, and swivel 360 degrees. Contemporary nanny cams can store footage in the cloud, and stream live video too.
Some indoor cams look exactly like what they are, while other nanny cams are disguised as other objects. Nanny cams can come disguised as routers, digital clocks, or even plant pots.
2. Keyless entry systems
Unfortunately, keys are easy to lose, and sometimes they get stolen. Smart keyless entry systems remove the danger of keys being misappropriated. Keyless locks might use Bluetooth technology or WiFi or even fingerprint recognition.
These types of entry systems still use secure deadbolts, but they can link up to home assistants too. Devices such as Alexa can work alongside entry systems to increase security in the home.
Because this technology is so small, these security systems are not obtrusive. Unlike the old-style CCTV and alarm systems that homeowners installed in the past.
3. GPS trackers and detectors
Millions of people use GPS every day, but originally the Global Positioning System came from a joint military and civil program.
Modern smartphones have A-GPS chips built into them. These chips are used by various apps to improve services. For example, Google Maps uses GPS to track your location when you ask for directions.
GPS chips are tiny. They weigh about 0.025 grams and are about the size of a grain of rice. This microtechnology is used to track deliveries and recommend routes to take. GPS chips could also be used to protect belongings such as vehicles.
A GPS tracker can be used for home security by hiding it in expensive belongings such as computer equipment or a car. If a burglary occurred then belongings could be tracked by the police.
4. Doorbell cameras
This is a simple solution to an old security problem. Traditionally, one-way peepholes have been used so residents can see who is on the other side of a door.
Micro technology has taken the peephole to another level by including a hidden camera, microphone, and speaker to the doorbell. A modern doorbell cam uses minimal energy and can be wired to an existing doorbell or solar panels even.
Doorbell cams increase privacy and security for residents, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
5. Google Titan security key
Unfortunately, it isn’t only your home that could face an unwanted visitor. Your PC is in danger of cybercrime when connected to the net.
The Titan security key kit consists of USB and NFC technology so it is small and can fit on a keychain. Yet, despite its size, this security system helps to thwart cyber attacks and prevent account hacking and phishing. Only the holder of a verified Titan key can access accounts such as Google Cloud, making sensitive data much safer.
6. Wireless cameras
Not so long ago, CCTV cameras were big, clunky, and unsightly. Now, security cameras come in all shapes and sizes. From spy pen cameras to remotely controlled cams with bright-color night vision, security camera technology has advanced rapidly.
Motion sensors are one of the best ways to use smart technology for security. But, previous motion-detection technology could be too sensitive and couldn’t distinguish between animals, vehicles, and people.
Now, person-detection technology is fitted into some security cameras so that alerts are only sent when a potential intruder is spotted. Cameras can be window mounted inside a home to monitor gardens this way day and night.
7. Pressure-activated doormat
Hollywood loves to romanticize many things. More than one movie has shown cat burglars to be dashing and highly skilled thieves. But, the alarming truth is, most burglars walk in through the front door.
About 34% of burglars use the front door to gain access to a home, while a further 22% of burglaries occurred via the rear door.
Wireless technology along with small pressure pads can be positioned under a doormat to send an alarm when someone treads on it. Homeowners can choose to have a discreet warning alarm that only they hear or to activate a full-on alarm to scare would-be intruders away.
8. Voice-activated audio devices
It is said that technology keeps getting smaller as time goes by, and this is certainly true with voice recorders. The world’s smallest audio recorder is the same length as the average paper clip. This tiny piece of technology houses an 8Gb flash drive to record hours of audio.
Sometimes, threats don’t come from outside the home but inside, and a hidden voice recorder can be used to collect proof of abuse for example. Alternatively, recorded evidence at work could be used to protect your reputation, or to prove discrimination in the workplace.
9. Bug detectors
On rare occasions, it might be the homeowner who is being monitored. Hidden recording devices can be used to monitor residents as well as protect against potential intruders.
Bug detectors can be employed to sweep rooms for hidden cameras and recording devices. And vehicles can be swept for hidden GPS trackers.
10. Glass break sensors
Many additions can be made to security systems to elevate them including adding panic buttons or motion sensors. Glass break sensors are a very useful addition to a home security system as they can be left running constantly.
Glass break sensors are tiny devices that register different frequencies and identify when a window has been broken. When the sensor recognizes a potential break-in, an alarm will be sounded to alert anyone nearby, and to thwart the intruder.
Summary
Microtechnology provides many options for discreet listening and recording devices. Intruders can be picked up by person-detection technology, and an alert is sent to the homeowner. And stolen property can be tracked via GPS devices.
The latest technology provides homeowners with far more options than in the past for home security. Plus, camera and motion-sensor technology today is far more advanced than at any time before.
