Home Security News

Secure Briefcase Includes Biometric Fingerprint Reader

If you carry a laptop or other important documents in your briefcase, you may be wondering if there's a high tech way to secure it.  Keys can be stolen (and let's face it: key-locks are so last century), but it's a little harder to steal someone's fingerprints. 

This biometric business case from Hammacher Schlemmer has got you covered! For a mere $1,100 (you didn't think this kind of snazzy anti-spy security was cheap, did you?), you can rest easy, knowing only your fingerprint will open your briefcase.

Here's what you get for your money:

"A scanner on top of the case reads your fingerprint, compares it to its internal database, and provides access only when it detects a perfect match, providing an unprecedented level of security when traveling with sensitive business documents or valuables. Its memory stores up to eight fingerprints, allowing associates or family with approved security clearance to access the contents. Made from high-density, flexible polycarbonate, the hard-sided business case withstands 250 lb./ft. of force and reverts to its original shape, thwarting cracks or dents and protecting what's inside"

Woohoo, be the first in your office to have a biometric briefcase.  Just make sure to charge the cost to the company account.

Wireless Outdoor Motion Sensor

An outdoor motion sensor can be useful, either for hooking up to indoor/outdoor lights (that will turn on automatically when someone walks onto the property or drives up the driveway at night) or transmitting to a driveway alarm system (that rings a bell or chime when someone comes up the driveway).

You can get a simple outdoor motion sensor for about $20, but you may find it less troublesome to install a wireless sensor, such as this one.

The Optex Wireless Motion Detector costs $90, but you don't have to run any wires to install it, and it is supposed to be a little more reliable (larger sensitivity zone + it stands up well to the elements) than cheaper models I looked at.

Features include an adjustable field of view you can tailor for narrow areas or wide spaces, and it runs on a 9V battery, so it doesn't need to be placed anywhere near an electrical outlet.

You can get the outdoor motion sensor and a driveway alarm or lights at SmartHome:

Optex Long Range Outdoor Wireless Motion Sensor

Shopping for a Security System for Your Business

We've talked a lot about home security systems, but what about security for your business?  Perhaps you own a store, work from an office, or run a factory, ranch, or other physical structure with lots of employees.  In these scenarios, security is just as is important as it is for your home, maybe even more so since you might stand to lose a lot more, financially speaking, if your business is burglarized.

That's why installing a security system for your business makes sense.  If you've decided to take this step, the Internet is a good place to start researching what's out there.  Do you want a wireless burglar alarm that you can install yourself?  Do you want video surveillance that you can watch over the Internet (i.e. check in on the facilities from home or the road)?  Would you prefer a hard-wired (still the most reliable) system that a professional installs for you?  Do you want a monitored system, meaning someone is keeping an eye on your premises 24/7?  Perhaps you want to get a call on your cell phone or a text message whenever someone walks onto your property.

All of these options are out there, and deciding exactly what you want can get confusing.  One thing you can do is browse security companies that offer their products over the Internet.  One such company is Advanced Perimeter Systems Limited.

Their Perimeter security systems are manufactured in Scotland and sold all over the world.  Among their products, they feature security management software (this lets you keep an eye on all your alarms, surveillance systems, etc. from a central point), intruder detection systems (these can warn you if someone is moving onto your property before they can do anything to cause trouble), and electric fences (perhaps you want to keep people from even stepping on your premises). 

Just remember: before you hire a security company that will tell you what you want, do some research yourself and get an idea of what's out there and what will work for you.  You'll save yourself money this way, because no one will be able to talk you into anything.

**This is a sponsored post.

Security Mailboxes That Aren't Ugly!

I've written about secure mailboxes before (the kind where the mailman can put the mail in the slot, but it takes a key to get the mail out, so nobody else can mess with your letters), and it's a pretty smart idea from a home security standpoint.  The downside is that secure mailboxes tend to be utilitarian (read: cold and ugly).  If you want something a little homier, you can get a custom mailbox that fits the style of your house.  Though it will cost you more than an off-the-shelf model, a mailbox is something that lasts for a long time (especially if you get a quality one designed and custom-built for you). 

For information, here's a blog post on where to find a locking mailbox.

Spy Finder Hidden Camera Detector and Other Gift Ideas

Believe it or not, security and spy gadgets can make excellent Christmas presents, especially for the man in your life.  Think James Bond.  What guy doesn't like to play with fun gadgets?

If you're looking for a good gift for him, this Spy Finder Hidden Camera Detector allows you to walk into a room or store and immediately know if there are any cameras monitoring you.  The site suggests you can use it in dressing rooms or locker rooms to suss out hidden wireless cameras and immediately know if someone is watching you.  The gadget runs on 2 AA batteries and is on sale for $100 at BrickHouse Security.

In keeping with the James Bond theme, what guy wouldn't like a pair of night vision goggles for Christmas (at least one of these NVG models should be on the "gifts for him" page)?  With them, you can what's going on in your neighborhood, even when it's pitch dark outside.  Prices for these start at just over $100.

One gift on the company's site that I felt was a little dorky was the covert wireless cigarette pack camera.  I suppose it could work as kind of a gag gift for a smoker, but really, who is going to use something like this except for a kid?  And I don't want to be giving my kids anything that looks like a pack of cigarettes.

All in all, though, the BrickHouse site has some fun security and spy gadgets that could make good Christmas presents for people.

Window Cop, a Wireless Alarm for Your Windows

Here is a home security alarm that gives you added protection for your windows without the cost or hassle of installing a whole house system, including wiring that involves tearing into walls and what not.  Window Cop is a battery-operated alarm system (so no wires to worry about) that fits double-hung windows between 21" and 37".  It's a screen that lets you open the windows and enjoy fresh air without putting your house at risk (especially if you have a tendency to leave those windows open when you go to sleep). 

If someone tries to enter the house, the alarm will start up an ear-piercing siren to drive them away.  It also keeps children from falling out windows or getting hurt, if you have toddlers running around the house.

Prices start at about $30.

http://www.windowcop.com/

Ferocious Guard... Duck

That's right, I said guard duck, not guard dog.  This is more for fun than actual home security, but I got a kick out of it, so it gets a blog post. 

"No one ever suspects the duck. Would be thieves and trespassers might not even notice the mallard on your porch until its motion sensor is triggered and it quacks out a loud alarm. Each 8" tall, hard plastic water foul requires two AA batteries (not included)."

That's right; look out burglars: there's a new duck in town. Ahem.

The plastic duck will run you $10.95 and is available over at Archie McPhee.

Fingerprint Activated Home Safe

The BioSaf Denali safe we looked at the other day isn't a bad choice if you want a safe that's fingerprint activated, instead of opening to a combination or a key, but it is a bit on the small side.  If you have more valuables that you want to store, you could try a bigger model. 

This biometric access safe from Hammacher Schlemmer measures about 18" in all directions and weighs 140 pounds (you should bolt a safe to the floor to ensure a burglar can't make off with it, but even if you didn't, this one would be a pain for them to carry out to their get-away vehicle!).  The safe gives you 1.2 cubic feet of storage, and it can keep your documents and belongings safe in the event of a residential fire (it can withstand temperatures of 1700 degrees F for up to an hour).  The price is $500.

Biometric Access Safe

Hidden Safes

Even though I'm a firm believer in a wall- or floor-mounted safe that is secure enough no burglar will be able to swipe it or get into it, they do cost a few hundred dollars.  Many people don't have that kind of money to spend, and if you live in an apartment, you may not have the option of drilling holes into the floor to secure a safe.  This is why hidden safes are popular.

Hidden safes are pretty much what they sound like: little cubbies for your valuables that are disguised as wall outlets, jars of peanut butter, cans of cola, etc.  This article on hidden safes has more information on what your options are and where you can shop online to find these devices.

Residential Safe with Fingerprint Reader

If you like the idea of a home safe but hate the idea of memorizing a combination (and remembering it months later when you decide you actually need to get into said safe), this safe could be for you.  The Denali from BioSaf has a biometric fingerprint scanner, so all you have to do is press your thumb to the reader, and the safe will pop open.  No more keys and combinations that have to be memorized.  Let's just hope no burglars have the thought of removing one of your fingers in order to use the digit to open the safe on their own... (I've watched too many science fiction movies.)

Price is $400 from BioSaf via Home Improvement.