Often, we are told by potential customers that they can get a system cheaper from Ebay. Not what we really like to hear for one of many reasons.
The debate, as ever, is on-going about the vulnerability of DIY systems. General technological advancement can always mask vulnerability cosmetically when it comes to selling something.
Once something is installed and put to the test, the mask starts to slip. The consequences and cost of this could be massive.
We are not dealing with buying a cheap pair of shoes which can just be thrown away if they are not up to your standard. We are dealing with a system that protects your cherished property and loved ones. I know which one of the two I would like to work properly.
As much as technology has advanced, and also how much cheaper you can buy things from places like China, you still are probably going to be buying a system with inferior components which will have security vulnerabilities.
A recent investigation by Which? Flagged up 100,000 cameras being sold on Ebay & Amazon which were prone to hacking and thus security breaches via their CamHi app. Basically, your house or your business could be spied on if you buy cheap. Have a read yourself:
With CCTV and Smart security systems becoming a more and more frequent purchase for home and business owners, and with many people going for cheaper options, the government published proposals in July 2020 requiring three requirements of smart products to bolster protection.
The three new requirements are:
- Device passwords must be unique and not resettable to any universal factory setting.
- Manufacturers must provide a public point of contact so a vulnerabilities can be reported
- Information stating the minimum length of time for which the device will receive security updates must be provided to customers.
Again, please have a read:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-advances-plans-to-boost-security-of-smart-products
All this does help. But is it enough?
As an SSAIB accredited company we will always aim to go beyond that standard. We already provide the first two requirements as a standard and with on-going maintenance of your system the third requirement is a given.
But will non-accredited installers and suppliers really aim to meet these requirements? It is very hard to enforce and vet these processes and products. Especially when so many of these products are coming from overseas.
As an accredited company, we also offer a professional level of installation, products with bank level encryption, and remote engineering meaning most problems with the security system can be remedied without the need for an engineer visit.
So, what else can we do? Well, we can get down to speaker’s corner and bang on about new laws being needed and sign petitions and so forth.
But maybe home-owners and business-owners could do with trusting an accredited security company with their security requirements?
If you are considering a smart home security system, please get in contact.
