As many of your know the month of October was National Home Security Month (NHSM), which highlighted the importance of protecting your home and being extra vigilant in the darker months. 

Smart technology is more popular than ever with homeowners across the UK, as research revealed there are now 15 million 'smart homes' in Britain. However, if you haven't encountered smart security before it can be a daunting task. 

As the digital revolution continues, advances in smart technology and the development of smartphones and apps have allowed for the expansion of smart products and in particular smart security products. Smart home alarms, CCTV and video doorbells can significantly help to ensure that your home is protected. Smart technology allows you to check in on your home via your smartphone, arm and disarm your alarm from anywhere, giving you peace of mind that your property is secure, even while you're out. 

All of this is brilliant news if you know how everything works. Unfortunately, many homeowners are aware of smart home appliances, but don't know much about them. Here at Discount Electrical we have put together a few starting points on smart security to give you a quick guide to things you need to know and to give you a bit of confidence in your product selection.

What does 'smart security' actually mean? 

Traditional security methods like a house alarm rely on a hub, which everything is controlled from and wired to. 

The 'smart' essentially means that the device can connect and 'talk' to other devices beyond itself. Therefore, a smart alarm offers the same functionality as its wired alternative, but it'll do it wirelessly (apart from the power supply.) All of the smart alarm system elements talk to each other via either your home's Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Does that mean hackers could get into it? 

Hackers are a valid concern, but smart security devices are programmed to exacting standards, meaning that hackers cannot cain access to the system. 

In fact, in the case of smart locks, the British Standards Institution (BSI) has introduced a locking standard known as the TS621:2018, which has become the recognised UK standard for smart locking devices.

Do you have to be a computer genius to use it? 

In general, if you are a competent DIYer and you know how to use a smartphone, then you will be able to set up the majority of smart security products. In fact, it's easier than you might think to set up a new smart security device. 

And if you're not 100% confident with the technology, then there are plenty of online help and support guides from the different manufacturers to help with product set up, or if you are really struggling you can bring in a professional to help. 

Essentially, whether you're new to smart technology, or a dab hand with anything technical, there's something on the market to suit your security needs, technical ability and budget.

Aren't smart products really expensive? 

It is a common misconception that smart security is really expensive, surprisingly many smart security items are actually very affordable. For example, the Curv360 alarm kit, is a complete smart alarm package and costs substantially less than the cost of a leading smartphone. 

And if you're looking for a security camera, then you will be able to pick up a high quality item for around two hundred pounds. At Discountelectrical.com we work with one of the leading smart security manufacturers QVIS and have a range of security cameras that are both affordable and high quality, for more information look at the CCTV section here>>.