
Self monitoring is the common difference between DIY and traditional security, but there are plenty of companies that strike a happy medium between both. We looked at providers offering pure DIY as well as those offering professional monitoring, either de facto or as an upgrade. We required all systems to have Z Wave Support — the most universal mesh network for communicating appliance to appliance. One of the biggest draws of a DIY system is the opportunity to add in third party equipment like Philips Hue lights or a Nest Thermostat at any point. Z Wave is available in over 2,400
home security and automation devices from more than 700 companies. Plus, you have flexibility in where you place
various devices because Z Wave can communicate farther distances than other protocols — like Wi Fi, for example — since it functions by sharing an Internet connection between devices as opposed to a localized router. Ultimately, we wanted systems that could integrate seamlessly into our homes and improve our quality of life. To find which fit the bill, we spent a day outfitting a 1,900 square foot home with the equipment of our finalists. We appraised the installation process, the ease and clarity of registering and syncing, the app experience, and functionality. We were pleased to find we could get most systems up in less than half an hour, but the quality of both hardware and software differed. We docked points for flimsy or easy to knock over physical elements and slow or dysfunctional cyber ones.
It’s frustrating when it’s a wedding photo, but it’s nerve racking when you’re
trying to capture a face or license plate after a break in.

You see, the creation and
storing of passwords are becoming more and more of a primary concern to us and a primary target for hackers and identity thieves. There are really two
parts to password security; the creation of a password that cannot be easily hacked, and the storing of the password itself. With the need to create and store multiple passwords these days, we need to find ways to become more creative when creating passwords as well as storing them in safe spots; where only you and you alone will know where to find them. I'd like to give you a few healthy tips when it comes to password security. Do not use the same password for all your needs. Do not use birth dates and names of family members or pets.