The Importance of Ongoing Support and Maintenance for Your Security System

Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. • June 13, 2019

Security System Maintenance — Houston, TX — Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc.

In addition to vigilant monitoring, which is highly important for both business and home security systems, there’s also a need for periodic maintenance and support to ensure your system is functioning properly and not vulnerable to any potential security flaws.

Breakdowns in Equipment Can Leave You Vulnerable

Security cameras do offer deterrent value, but they won’t serve their purpose if they’re not working due to frayed wires or malfunctions.

Houston area homes and businesses near the water with cameras and other security equipment should be cognizant of the potential corrosive effects of sea air. In addition to the dangers of corrosion and rust, lenses on cameras can also become clouded or dirty overtime, reducing their effectiveness.

Malfunctions Can’t Be Caught Without Testing

The last way you want to learn that your security or fire alarm system isn’t functioning is for an event to occur without an alarm being triggered. Having a fire or break in and receiving no notification essentially makes your entire investment in preventative measures worthless. These systems should be periodically tested to ensure they are working properly so they trigger when it really matters

Prevent False Alarms

It also doesn’t do you any good to get woken up by an alarm or a notification of a break in at your business only to discover that you were disturbed and stressed out by a false positive. You may also have to pay a penalty fee if law enforcement or the fire department responds to a false alarm at your business, making it not only an annoyance but also costly. Maintenance and update can ensure your security system and fire alarms are only triggered during appropriate events.

Security and Fire Systems Are Potentially Vulnerable to Hacking

Modern systems, especially those that are connected to a monitoring system by the internet, can be vulnerable to hacking. Many of their security features are even tied into home automation through things like Wi-Fi. Although these features provide better synergy and connectivity, they can also be vulnerabilities. When potential vulnerabilities are discovered, manufacturers will put out patches and updates to fix them, but you only benefit from those fixes if your system is maintained and updated when necessary.

Make Upgrades Easier in the Future

Periodic testing and maintenance can help ensure that your system is ready to go when it does come time for a security system upgrade. If your security system it outdated or behind on firmware updates, the system may not be compatible with the latest hardware and software, complicating future upgrades.

If your security system hasn’t been touched for a decade, chances are high that any upgrades are going to require significant retrofitting or even complete replacement to address irreparable issues that may have developed over the years. Your existing equipment may have also become too degraded or outdated to contribute any further benefit to your security, which means you will have to purchase all new equipment.

Some Thieves Are Savvier Than Others

The run-of-the-mill porch pirate who steals Amazon deliveries off your doorstep likely isn’t a rocket scientist or an expert in the art of planning and executing high-tech heists. However, people with those capabilities are out there. One security researcher who wanted to ascertain the reliability of Bluetooth-enabled smart locks found he was able to relatively easily hack in to 12 of the 16 models he tested.

Computer scientists at the College of William and Mary ran a similar experiment in 2018 and found they could hijack some home automation systems of a residence using free Wi-Fi from a coffeeshop next door.

Interconnected home automation and security systems have a lot of great features, and a few examples of security flaws may not justify swearing off these modern-day conveniences entirely. However, these examples do highlight the importance of maintenance and making sure to take advantage of updates as they are released.

Security device manufacturers have a huge incentive to implement software and firmware updates to shore up vulnerabilities quickly after they are discovered. You should take advantage of those updates as soon as they’re available to avoid falling prey to unscrupulous people who want to use known security flaws for their own gain.

Get Help With Your Security System in Houston

If your home or business security system could use a wellness checkup, give Dixie Safe & Lock Service Inc. a call at (713) 643-5767. We provide maintenance for all types of security systems and would be happy to identify and fix any vulnerabilities your system may have and make suggestions on ways you can improve your property’s security.

Number	First Name	Last Name	Email Address
1	Anne	Evans	anne.evans@mail.com
2	Bill	Fernandez	bill.fernandez@mail.com
3	Candice	Gates	candice.gates@mail.com
4	Dave	Hill	dave.hill@mail.com

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