In today’s work-from-home regimes, smart gadgets can help you automate physical home security surveillance. Just remember to secure them religiously!
From the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic’s outbreak, organizations in Asia were already cited for being successful in remote-work implementation, and keeping their employees engaged.
As an employer (or employee) who would like to put a premium on privacy, how do screen out unwanted visitors, unnecessary intrusions, uncalled-for vexation?
The following smart tools for wfh may be what you need, once you know the risks and you are determined to secure these Internet of Things gadgets from even-more determined hackers:
- Smart locks
Almost all of us, at one point or another, have lost keys to doors, and have had to call the locksmith. With smart locks installed, you can open doors remotely using your smartphone: this can be done via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, smart locks can be connected to other utilities in the house, such as the lights and air-conditioning, so that you can turn them on whenever the door is unlocked. Smart locks can also be programmed to allow specific people to enter your house.
- Smart sensors
No fortress is totally secure without a sensor. Even in a David Morrell novel from over 15 years ago, sensors were an integral part of the scenery. In the past, you would need a code or password to run the sensors as you leave or enter the house. What if you forget the password? This is not uncommon as even PC users sometimes forget the password that lets them (and only them) access their PCs.
Smartphone-installed sensors, however, accept simple gestures to determine your identity. Having determined your identity, the sensors can identify unusual movements in your home after you leave, making it useful in case a burglar intrudes in your absence.
When that happens, the sensors will send an alert to your smartphone. As with most sensors, smartphone-controlled sensors can also be made to work as sirens.
- Security Camera
You no longer have to purchase these costly devices, although many people still believe in the efficiency of Closed-Circuit Televisions (CCTV). Any smartphone can now be turned into a security camera just by downloading a mobile app.
Alternatively, you can connect your smartphone to a real IP camera and then remotely monitor your home using that connection. You can have a live feed of your house while away, using the same systems that permit you to remotely unlock the doors or turn on/off the air conditioner or thermostat.
- Door bell/viewer
It is like ‘caller ID for the front door’ and it was just an idea for reinventing the doorbell. The digital doorbell/door camera can detect motion when people come to your property. It then sends notifications to you on your phone, tablet or PC. You can then choose whether to speak to the visitors in real time from anywhere.
Upon market launch, such devices were merely glorified doorbells that contained a microphone and small camera for use in screening out unwanted visitors. However, these products are so sophisticated that they allow users to answer the door from anywhere with an internet connection. Just mind the risks if you neglect to secure such products from hackers.
Used diligently with regular firmware and software updates, the smart devices listed above can make privacy easier to control while we work and play at home—long after the pandemic ends.
