Home Security News

Talk Directly into the Credit Card Please

There's a reason identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes... it's relatively easy to do for people without any criminal expertese.  A discarded bank statement, a rejected credit card application, just knowing someone's mother's maiden names (how many relatives know yours?), by these little things identity theft is perpetrated.  Voice-related biometrics may be the answer.

Biometrics is often associated with retina scans and fingerprint locks, but voice-verification is in the works and would increase phone security (i.e. if someone tries to buy something over the phone using your credit card, but isn't using your voice, the purchase will fail).

More information on how the technology will work and when you can expect to see it at Business Week's May I See Your Voice, Please?

Wearable Pool Alarm for Children

Part of home security is making sure your own family is safe around the house.  If you own a swimming pool, you may have already installed an alarm (to keep unsupervised children out of the water) as it is required in some counties.  That may not be true everywhere, but protecting children should always be a concern.  Most pool alarms I've seen are sort of integrated into gates/fences. Installation can be on the costly side, especially if you don't already have a fence around your pool. The Safety Turtle Pool Alarm System is a little different in that it's something your kids wear. Basically, you put it on your child's wrist like a watch, and it sounds an alarm if they fall in.  The potential for use may be even bigger for non-pool owners (maybe your children aren't good swimmers, but they're going to a birthday party at someone's lakefront or pool front home) as it can be used anywhere.

Custom Stainless Steel Doors

Weighing 200-300 pounds, steel doors can certainly be a deterrent to any would-be thieves that might otherwise be tempted to try and kick their way in.  When people think of stainless steel doors, they may think of big solid silver slabs that, while secure, don't exactly look inviting or particularly appealing.  However, there are manufacturers out there making custom-designed residential steel doors.  Visit Jaroff Custom Entryways, Inc. to get an idea of what's out there.

Tips for Securing Home, Garage, and Yard

Discovery's home security related TV show It Takes a Thief also has a website (http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/ittakesathief/splash.html).  Within the site, you can find five pages of home security tips that are worth reading through.  They cover specific areas such as house, garage, yard, and what to do when your family is leaving for a vacation.  Check it out at Discovery's Home Security Tips.