Keyless locks are great for tech-savvy homeowners, says Marianna Perry, a former director of the National Crime Prevention Institute. But the latest isn’t the greatest for someone who struggles to keep up with each “smart” gizmo that comes down the pike. If you still can’t program your DVR to record “Downton Abbey, ” keyless locks probably aren’t for you. “The lock needs to fit the user, ” Perry says. The Latest Locks Biometric: Locks that recognize your fingerprints and open with a swipe of your finger. ($280-$340) Key fob (proximity lock): Carry a fob in your pocket, and these locks open automatically or with a simple tap; or press the fob button and unlock the door as soon as you pull into the driveway. ($220) Smart phone-controlled: Your smart phone syncs with your lock via Bluetooth, enabling you to control entrance remotely and keep track of who comes and goes. Some locks recognize your phone and open automatically as you approach. Some will text you when someone else opens the door. ($200) Surveillance lock: Combines easy access with surveillance and takes a picture of whoever opens your door. You can program codes for specific people, and the lock will offer a warm LED greeting when they arrive. ($280) Related: Biometric Locks: Even the Jetsons Would Be In Awe Keyless Locks Add Marketability “It’s a sales tool, ” says Robert Siciliano, a security expert for Schlage locks. Siciliano’s home is outfitted with a touchpad lock that glows blue and can be activated via cellphone. “The first thing people see when they walk to my door is that touchpad, and they want to know all about it, ” Siciliano says. “It’s an attention-getter.”

The "Xfinity Home" security monitoring service, which was first rolled out in Houston in mid-2010, is available to Comcast customers with the cable company's broadband Internet service. The service plays into a national trend in which corporations — including Stanley Black & Decker andUnited Technologies Corp. in Connecticut — have expanded security businesses for either commercial or residential customers. "This state-of-the-art product leverages the power and flexibility of our fiber optic broadband network to bring a whole new level of innovation, choice and value to our customers, empowering them to stay better connected to their home virtually anytime, anywhere, " said Mary McLaughlin, senior vice president of Comcast's western New England Region. Comcast is offering two levels of security. Both systems provide round-the-clock monitoring by C.O.P.S. Monitoring, a New Jersey-based security monitoring company, said Laura Brubaker, spokeswoman for the company's western New England region. The basic system, which is priced at $29.95 a month, provides traditional home security features, including police and fire alarm protection. The preferred system, priced at $39.99 a month, in addition to providing security monitoring, gives customers the ability to remotely turn lights on or off, control digital thermostats, view live streaming video of their home via wireless cameras and also includes carbon monoxide monitoring and provides email and text alert.

Have you ever pondered the delightfully guilty concept of how cool it would be to be able watch what your kids did when you weren't home? To be able to see whether your babysitter rifled through your drawers after the baby went to bed? Or whether your pet sitter was really sitting? And does the cleaning service really dust the blinds? Well, Comcast (CMCSA) has been rolling out a service that could make such voyeuristic desires much simpler to indulge. It's been expanding its Xfinity Home service in the hopes that customers will want to add a few more options, creepy as they may be, to their bundles (and add extra cha-ching to those bills). Are You Ready for Your Close-Up? Through Xfinity Home, Comcast offers home security options along with its cable TV, broadband, and phone products. In addition to alarm systems, one can install those remote surveillance cameras. (Perhaps one could say that for your personal security, you just need to know whether your teens and their friends are raiding the liquor cabinet after school.) It's also touted as a green product, with features that allow you to remotely controlling lights and thermostats, for example. Now maybe Comcast could be watching you as much as you watch Comcast. Regardless, the company isn't the only one trying to tap into Americans' desires for safer and more automated homes. In addition to companies like ADT, for which home security is a core product, Comcast's major rival, Verizon (VZ), has gotten into the business. There's a massive U.S. market for such services; this past spring, Comcast Cable Communications President and CEO Neil Smit described it as measuring about $9 billion. The Hate Factor Some investors may view Xfinity Home as a big boon for Comcast. After all, it's another potential growth channel, and could drive a lot of extra revenue. And Comcast's need for more revenue probably shouldn't be underestimated, considering the fact that it has been losing basic cable TV subscribers in droves for many quarters now. In August, Comcast reported losing 176, 000 video customers in its most recent quarter, which was actually an improvement from previous rates of attrition. While it's true that the shaky economy probably is behind the loss of many customers who now are focused on more important bills, there's another reason that investors should think twice about Comcast: A lot of American consumers despise the company. Comcast is notorious for bad customer service, and it's a common name on lists of the most despised American companies. For example, The American Customer Satisfaction Index rated Comcast No. 4 on its list of most disliked companies. Comcast has been a contender in the Consumerist's Worst Company in America competition for years, and in 2010, won the "gold." There's even an "I hate Comcast" page on Facebook, with nearly 17, 000 members who consider themselves "customers, ex-customers, and victims of Comcast." No Happy Ending for this Reality Show Comcast may be pushing more heavily into security, but there's no security for investors who buy its shares. Why on Earth would a corporate management pursue a new product line when so many of its core customers aren't even pleased with its traditional products and services? Why expand offerings when many consumers already feel like the infrastructure and customer service stinks? Why spread resources thin under such tenuous circumstances? Customers' goodwill is on the line. Investors will have more secure portfolios if they go for companies that have generated tons of goodwill with customers and can explore new business opportunities because they're growing forward from a healthy base. Wall Street may look kindly on new business line announcements for some near-term excitement, but the reality is that over the long haul, the core brand matters. Motley Fool analyst Alyce Lomax does not own shares of any of the companies mentioned.

Tip: All of the steps below will require access to the router setup, and we also recommend configuring wireless security over a computer with a wired connection to the router if possible. Note: Because all routers are different we cannot provide specific steps for every router. Check your router's documentation for exact instructions. Close the network If you have never been prompted for a key, password, or passphrase when connecting to your wireless network, it is an unsecured network. In other words, if anyone is close enough to your router, they could connect to your network. To enable security, open your router setup screen and look for a Wireless Security section. The picture to the right is an example of a Linksys router setup in the Wireless Security section. Select the wireless security method of either WEP, WPA, or WPA2 (we suggest WPA or WPA2, which is mentioned further down on this page) and enter a passphrase to generate the keys. After enabling security on the router, any wireless device that wants to connect to the router must have the key to connect to your network. Change default password Make sure the router password is not using the default password. If the default password is being used, it can be easily guessed and give someone access to your router. With access to the router setup, a person could change your router settings, including viewing any security keys. If available use WPA, not WEP Many routers today will offer two or three different security schemes: WEP, WPA, and WPA2. We recommend WPA or WPA2 security since it is more secure than WEP. However, for compatibility with some older devices, such as gaming consoles, TiVo, and other network devices, WEP may be the only security option possible to use. Using WEP is still better than no security at all. Disable remote administration When enabled, remote administration allows anyone close enough to your router to view or change your router settings. If you never plan on remotely administrating your network, e.g. wirelessly connecting to the router, we recommend disabling remote administration. With routers that support this option, it is often disabled through the Administration section. When disabled, the router settings can still be changed using any computer that is directly connected to the router using a network cable. Change the default SSID name The SSID is the name that identifies your wireless router. By default, many routers will use the name of the router as the default SSID. For example, Linksys routers use 'Linksys' as the SSID. Using a default SSID is a security risk since it identifies the brand of the router and would let any attacker immediately know what exploits to use. Tip: When naming the router, do not use your family's name or any other personally identifiable information. For example, if the SSID contains your family's last name, it can be identified by any neighbor that knows you. Disable SSID broadcast To help make finding your wireless network easier, wireless routers broadcast your SSID, which means anyone looking for a wireless router could see your SSID. To help make it more difficult for someone to find your network when browsing for a wireless network, you can disable the SSID broadcast feature. However, when disabling the SSID broadcast, it will require that you manually enter your router's unique SSID when wanting to connect any new device to your network. Enable wireless MAC filter The Wireless MAC filter feature only allows a wireless device to connect to your router if the MAC Address has been entered into the filter list. Doing MAC filtering can make connecting new devices to your network more difficult, but improves the overall security of your wireless network. Tip: A quick and easy way to set this up is to connect any wireless device you want on your network to your router before enabling the Wireless MAC filter. After each device has successfully connected, access the router setup and open the DHCP client table, often found in the Status or Local Network section. Each device that has connected to your router can be copied into a Notepad, then pasted into the Wireless MAC filter section of the router Security section.

With multiple home security companies selling similar equipment, determining the best home alarm system can be difficult. One factor to consider is whether you want a professionally installed or an out-of-the-box, do-it-yourself system, as each of these solutions has different benefits and drawbacks. The top home security companies offer systems that include touch screen control panels, a large variety of sensors and detectors, cameras, and other devices. ADT has a strong global reputation and provides one of the best home alarm systems in the industry. Offering a variety of hardwired and wireless packages that include a professionally installed control panel, touchpads, window and door sensors, motion detectors, and other common home security equipment, you are sure to find all the gear you need to create a dynamic home alarm system. Another distinguishing feature of ADT is the number of monitoring centers. ADT has four large stations throughout the United States and two more in Canada. Having distributed monitoring centers helps ensure that you always be able to connect with a monitoring agent, even if certain areas are impacted by natural disasters. One potential drawback to ADT home alarm systems is the lack of home automation features, which ADT only offers through ADT Pulse. If you're uncertain about which of the many home alarm systems to choose from, ADT is a safe bet. FrontPoint Security is a leading nationwide home security provider with some of the best home alarm systems on the market. One potential advantage to FrontPoint Security, is the fact that they are out-of-the-box home alarm systems, and don't have to be installed by a professional technician. Some customers may prefer a professional installation, but if you think you may move to a new home during your contract period, self-installed systems are much easier to take with you. FrontPoint sets itself apart further by offering a 30-day risk-free trial, allowing you to make sure the home alarm system is a good fit for you and your family. FrontPoint also has a solid selection of pan-and-tilt and fixed cameras that allow you to stream live footage to your computer, tablet, or smartphone. However, FrontPoint does not offer snapshot camera capabilities, a feature found in some of the top home alarm systems. If you're looking for a competitively priced, self-installed home alarm system, FrontPoint may be the right fit. Vivint is one of the most innovative home security companies and a top choice if you're interested in home security and home automation. Those that have interacted with Vivint's website, mobile app, and main control panel, can quickly tell that Vivint places a major emphasis on design. This is largely driven by Vivint's upper management, as the organization as a whole is very forward-thinking, which is manifested by Vivint's commitment to high quality home automation. Like other professionally installed systems, the relocation options offered by Vivint are comparatively limited, so if moving to a new home is on your horizon, an alternative home alarm system may be a better option. But if you're interested in quality design and want to incorporate lifestyle changes with smarthome capabilities, Vivint should be near the top of your list.

Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by HappyCustomerHere Works well with minimal setup I was looking for a security system that would monitor my main points of entry as well as provide motion detection and a dial-out mechanism without having to subscribe to a month monitoring service. Just like that I found this product that does just that (and then some)! The instructions were a little confusing as it states the components are factory linked to the base - I found that to not be the case. Nevertheless, linking the sensors was easy. I have experience no issues with range from the sensors to the base unit. The system just works, and calls me every time I forget to disarm the unit (I have the audible alarm set to silent). July 17, 2014 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by CDK2256 Security at last This security system is a quality made and easy to program system. I added 4 more motion sensors and they paired easily with the auto dialer base unit included in the kit. Installation was easy with all the included mount brackets and hardware. It makes for a very proffessional system at a fraction of the cost. Strategically placed, the sensors cover rooms, hallways, stairs and even entryway area and communicate with the auto dialer base unit. Even my wife can operate the system to arm and disarm. The remote control fobs are a nice compliment to the unit. After a burglary breakin which prompted this purchase, this system has finally restored my peace of mind. March 4, 2015 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by Matt Great Product I purchased this product to protect my family mostly when we are home and asleep at night. We have a large house and it can be hard to hear somebody break in on the far side of the house. The system was easy to install, easy to use and I caught it on the daily special so it was $80.00 off. The phone dialer unit calls me within seconds of any alarm and gives me options to listen in or talk to the room the dialer is located. I added a few other sensors with no problems, very easy if you can follow the supplied directions. One thing about the directions, its very clear and well written unlike some products manuals you get out of China. I plan on buying the water sensor to alert me if the hot water tank springs a leak. If you want a simple alarm system that will alert you in case of a break in but not one with monthly fees and hassle, then this unit can get the job done at a great price. July 5, 2014 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by vovi Well made and reliable. Excellent customer service. I bought this item from Home Depot. I received it in reasonable time, approximately 10 days with free shipping to my home. The installation was straightforward with no problems. This 7-piece wireless home security alarm system was very well made. It has worked reliably since the first day of installation. There were no false alarms. I had a few programming questions, the customer service from Canada gave me full satisfaction. Highly recommended. January 21, 2015 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by astrojohn Perfect Home Security Solution Before I ordered this system, I was concerned about it dialing properly with UVerse - no problem, works perfectly with a VoIP landline. Appears to be a well-built system. Relatively easy to program (once you RTFM, that is...). Sensors integrate well, sirens are ear-splitting. The dialer is battery-backed in case of power failure. Remains to be seen how long the sensor batteries last. The only issue (which is not really too important) is you have to disable an answering machine if you want to be able to access and control the dialer remotely, i.e., enable/disable, talk through the dialer, etc. Since the system will call you, then reset itself after 1 or 2 minutes, I don't forsee the need for remote access, at least for me. Customer service is exceptional - we had one window/door sensor that triggered the base unit OK but made a raspy squeal instead of the nice tone the second one generated - they sent me TWO new ones even though I had only asked for one. In summary, when coupled with my Doberman glass breakage sensors, BuddyBar, exterior motion-sensing light, and DropCam, I have the place locked down about as good as it can be without bars on all entrance points. Total cost for everything, less than $500 and only $99 a year for the optional DropCam CVR. Now all I have to do is to remember to arm the system before we leave. July 15, 2014 Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Daniel Great deal on purchase. I bought this on sale 100.00 off. It was easy to install . Worked great right out of box. Only negatives I have found so far it is real easy to set off with remote on car keys. And no back light for screen on keypad. January 27, 2015 Rated 4.0 out of 5.0 by Peggy Saisfied with thw product, could have gotten a better price at Home Depot had aI waited afew days. We had a little trouble with the test process, but the cell phones do get a call. I wasn't happy that I paid over $200.00 for the system & a few days later I got an advertisement from Home Depot for the same system at $148.00 April 28, 2015 Rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by M11P REVIEW Takes away lot of worry when away from home. Checked it out and it works fine. Put the sheriff's number on speed dial. Now, hopefully, it will never call me. August 5, 2014

All security systems need to be installed, but it's up to you whether a professional installs one for you, or if you install it yourself. Generally, DIY installation is cheaper, but professional installation is easy. Both methods have their pros and cons—we'll give you the rundown so you can decide which installation method works best for you. Professional Installation The best part of professional installation is that you get to sit back and relax while your system is installed for you. Typically, when you call to order your security system, you'll nail down a time that will work for you and a professional installer, so you can be home while the system is being installed. Depending on where you live, some companies can come to your home the same day you call, so your waiting time is minimal. Another reason to choose professional installation is that you benefit from a professional's experience. An installer can make sure your equipment is set up correctly, walk you through the ins and outs of your system, and make suggestions for how to best secure your home. Although professional installation has its perks, it's not without drawbacks. There's usually a bigger upfront cost in the form of installation or activation fees. It can also be inconvenient to schedule a time to be home when an installer is available. Furthermore, if a system requires professional installation and you move to a new property, you may have to pay a second installation fee to move your equipment, or even leave some equipment behind. Pros Sit back and relax Professional expertise Easy Cons Installation fees Less control over system setup Must schedule an appointment DIY Installation The best part about DIY installation is that it's free—you don't have to pay installation fees. Plus, when you install your system yourself, you don't have to wait around for an installer. With do-it-yourself security systems, you can usually reconfigure your equipment or add more as you see fit, without having to hassle with an installer. Often, with do-it-yourself installation companies (such as FrontPoint, SimpliSafe, and Protect America), you own the equipment, which means if you move to a new property, your equipment will move with you, with no fees and no hassle.

Wholesale Wireless Security Camera System - Low Price, Pro Quality Demand for security cameras and surveillance equipment has never been higher. CCTV and wireless systems are increasingly being employed for a wide variety of uses, from crime prevention to transport safety. Chinavasion's wireless security camera systems incorporate the latest and most advanced surveillance and monitoring technology and are installed and trusted around the world. From discrete mini-cameras to professional grade vandal-proof outdoor systems, we offer a one-stop shop for surveillance equipment that can help maintain public security, protect private property and tackle crime. In the past year, customers have purchased our high quality yet affordable products for a wide variety of uses including public area safety, shop CCTV, warehouse and factory security, university campus monitoring and data gathering. What's Included In The Surveillance / Security Product Line-Up? Our products include baby monitors and door video systems, long range walkie-talkie sets, LED lighting, voice recorders, forensic UV lights, CCTV cameras and finger-print door systems. So whether you want a cute baby monitor with night vision and A/V out or a complete 8-camera surveillance kit with night vision security cameras and a 1TB hard drive for video recording, we have a product to match your needs. Today's surveillance and security equipment is increasingly easy to install, and the digital technology used in many of our systems means that you can integrate IP cameras and other surveillance devices with your PC, smartphone, tablet or TV. With high function count and low prices, our security and surveillance products have a wide appeal, whether you are an individual looking for affordable home security or a retailer wanting to source quality products that will fly off the shelves. As with all products from Chinavasion, our entire range of surveillance and security equipment is stocked in our warehouse and ready to ship to you next day. Quality is guaranteed. Look out for our wholesale discounts and special offers to pick up a bargain! Security Kit For Businesses As a boss, you want to be fair to your employees but you don't want to be taken for granted either. Being certain when your employees are clocking on and off means you can ensure you are paying a fair wage for a fair day's work. You can easily manage and record the exact time an employee has worked per day with our Fingerprint Time Attendance System (CVKG-J89). Using a finger print as a way of identification makes clocking in and out easy for everyone and eliminates the possibility of co-workers clocking in for each other. The system can store up to 1, 000 different fingerprints and 60, 000 clocking records, which can be easily retrieved on a USB drive. You've worked hard to turn your convenience store into a profitable business, growing your customer base and ensuring you have the right stock attractively displayed. It's a profitable shop, and you want to keep it that way. But you can't be there to guard it 24 hours a day and you can't afford to employ a security guard either. A wireless security camera system, such as a four-camera security system, could be the next best thing. Easy to install and use, you could point one camera at the cash register, another facing your customers, have one at the back where the wine and beer is kept and place one in the store room. You can record the video output day and night thanks to infra red sensors and a 1TB DVR. The possibilities are endless, as is the peace of mind from knowing you've got eyes everywhere and the digital evidence to present to the authorities should trouble arise.

Video Camera Alternatives Not up for spending hundreds of dollars on IP cameras? There are two easy ways of cutting down the cost of protecting your home and family. Most people seem to have old webcams lying around, no longer used since laptops or monitors started coming with built-in webcams. Even if you don’t have one around, a quick look on Amazon.com will show a wide choice for under $50. As long as you aren’t trying to use too many webcams, you’ll get practically the same results indoors as with IP cameras. Here are three easy steps to create the best webcam security system. With a bit more effort you can turn an Android device into a home security camera. It also comes with a free battery back-up. It used to be the case that only those spending thousands had a good home security system, but thanks to Sighthound Video, you can build a fairly sophisticated system yourself. Here’s how to turn an old device into an Android security camera.

We heard about a new house alarm scam at the FTC’s recent Common Ground conference in Utah. Here’s how it happens: A sales agent knocks on your door, claiming he’s there to upgrade or update your house alarm or home security system. It seems like he’s with the company you use – only he isn’t. He walks in, pulls out or disconnects your old system, and installs a new one without telling you. He then asks you to sign a document – but what you don’t know is that it’s a new contract. Most people don’t know they’ve been scammed until they get a call from their original home security system company, saying the system isn’t responding. Or they start getting bills from two different alarm companies. Here’s what to look out for to avoid this scam: Sales agents who say they represent your current security company and want to upgrade or install a new system. Or a sales person may claim that your security company has gone out of business, and say they’ve taken over your account. They might insist that you buy new equipment and sign new contracts. If that happens, call your current company to confirm, using the phone number on the paperwork you already have. Sales agents who push their way into your home, or refuse to leave. It’s always safer to say no to someone on your doorstep before they come in, rather than trying to get a salesperson out of your home. Firmly tell the person no. If they continue to pressure you, close the door and call the police. High-pressure or scare tactics. Limited time offers, and pressure to “act now” to protect yourself from supposed crime sprees in your neighborhood are often signs of a scam. Report it to the FTC.