Exclusive Springtime Safety Tips for you
🌼🔒 Spring is here. While we enjoy the blooming flowers and warmer weather, spring is also a time when burglaries increase. As more people spend time outdoors, homes are left unattended. Below are some springtime safety tips. Springtime is not just a season of renewal and growth, it’s also a time when burglars snap back into action. As the weather gets warmer, people leave their homes for longer periods. For instance, families travel. Families also spend a lot of time at the ballfields enjoying spring sports. Why Spring Sees a Rise in Burglaries: Additional Springtime Safety Tips: Community Vigilance: Encouraging community watch programs is also an effective way to enhance neighborhood security. Engage with your neighbors and share information. Looking out for one another can create a safer environment for everyone. Stay safe and enjoy the season! 🌷💪 #SpringSafety #HomeSecurity
What You Need to Know About Security System Apps
Every day, you use many apps on your smartphone. From shopping online and Facebook to banking and games, your phone is an important part of your life. This is why a mobile security app would make a great addition to your repertoire of apps. You especially want to keep your phone secure when accessing your home security or business security app. The last thing you want is for a hacker tapping your phone to gain access to your security system. But first, here’s something for you to keep in mind: Security system mobile apps, particularly those provided by a reputable security system provider, are secure in themselves. Breaches don’t typically happen via the app itself but through a doorway opened by an insecurity in the mobile device. To avoid these insecurities, it’s important to keep your software up-to-date to close any doorways that hackers can walk through. You also want to use a security app to lock down your phone even more. Android devices, especially, need to have added security. Top Mobile Security Apps Some of the top mobile security apps include: Norton Mobile Security Avast Mobile Security for Android Kapersky Mobile Antivirus for Android McAfee Mobile Security Google Play Protect These programs will help keep your device clean of viruses and other programs that give hackers access to your phone. Unfortunately, the signs that a hacker has tapped your phone can be very subtle, which is why it’s important to have a security app. iPhone users: Make sure you update your phone to the most recent iOS version. Doing so will close security vulnerabilities. Fact: Android phones are more likely to be hacked because Google Play apps aren’t held to the same standards as Apple App Store apps. Even so, Android apps that are in the Google Play store are safer than those that require you to alter your security settings in order to acquire. If an app is not available in the App store, make sure it is provided to you by a reputable company. If you know nothing about the company, avoid it. VPN usage: Even iOS users will benefit from the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). You can connect one to your iPhone or iPad relatively easily. It’s even an option in your settings. Android users will also benefit from this because it hides your device’s IP address. Signs That Your Mobile Device Is Tapped Although the signs that your phone has been tapped can be subtle, there are ways for you to identify a possible breach. They are: Listen for unusual background noises when you’re on calls. Common noises associated with hacking are humming or static. If the phone makes static noises when you’re not on a call, there might be serious issues. Check your data usage on your phone bill. If the data use is higher than what you’re actually using, that means it’s likely you’ve been hacked. Listen for interference other than the radio interference your phone causes when you’re on a call. If the phone causes interference when it’s not in use, it’s possible someone is listening to you. Reboot regularly so you can check how the device is restarting. If there are issues during restart, that’s a sign of possible hacking. Monitor Your Home Securely When you know your phone is secure, you have the peace of mind that a hacker isn’t going to access important information about your security system. What’s more is that a hacker can’t obtain information about any aspect of your life when you’ve taken the proper measures to keep your device secure. This means that you can use your security system mobile app and check your home while on vacation, at work, or when you’re having an evening out with friends or family. Contact A Professional Rochester Security System Installer At SPS Fire & Security, we take your safety seriously. In times when hackers are looking for every possible doorway to gain access to peoples’ lives, you need to know that your security monitoring app is secure. While the apps associated with our equipment are secure in themselves, the rest of that security lies in the integrity of your mobile device’s security. To learn more about our systems, monitoring, and the mobile apps associated with these systems or to schedule an appointment, call us at 585-770-0348.
Secure Your World by Protecting Your Smartphone
Protecting Your Smartphone Protects Your Home, Business, and Identity If you’re like most people, your smartphone has become an extension of you. It’s used for everything from communicating with friends and family to online banking. It’s also the home of your business or home security app. Protecting your smartphone is important. It’s a wonderful thing to do such things as transfer money from savings to checking from the palm of your hand, arm your security system from hundreds of miles away, or chat with friends for hours on end. Most of all, it’s a lifeline. Debunking the Myths However, a misconception exists that smartphones can’t be hacked, especially iOS devices because people believe Apple products have a lower risk for viruses. But, did you know a skilled hacker can exploit Bluetooth, opening a door to your device anyway? The point is that nothing is foolproof, so it’s time to throw the false sense of security out the window and do everything possible to secure your device so that you protect personal data and home and business security apps. Protecting Your Smartphone: How to Do It The following are steps on how to protect your smartphone from hackers: 1. Keep your operating system up-to-date You will sometimes notice that your phone’s operating system offers updates. Don’t ignore these updates because they contain patches that solve security vulnerabilities. Updating is an annoyance, but it’s the difference between a hacker obtaining your bank account information, hacking your social media accounts, or taking control of your home security app. 2. Don’t jailbreak your phone Many of the more technologically savvy people will “jailbreak” an operating system, but this reduces how well the phone is protected. Jailbreaking allows a person, and hackers, to perform actions that a non-jailbroken phone prohibits. 3. Be careful when installing apps You may notice that when you install an app, you must give it permission to do certain things. Perhaps it needs to read files, use your microphone, access photos, or access your camera. Legitimate apps request these permissions so they can perform their designed functions. However, hackers can use these functions to gain access to parts of your phone that reveal things about you. Always be aware of what you’re downloading. If you have an Android device, Google doesn’t employ a strict vetting process like Apple, and that can be somewhat risky. Android also gives you the ability to download apps from third parties, which requires you to go to your security settings and mark “unknown sources” for the apps to operate successfully on the device. While you can download legitimate apps this way, a risk exists. 4. Locking your phone is Protecting Your Smartphone If you leave or lose your phone, utilizing the Lock Screen protects it. Your email likely contains a lot of personal information. You might even have a banking app on your phone. Everything on your phone is there to make your life easier, which is wonderful. It’s amazing what our phones allow us to do, such as activate our security system from hundreds of miles away or see what the security cameras show. Find Out How You Can Monitor Your Home While Away. If you utilize your lock screen, a thief will find it much harder to get into your phone. All smartphones offer the lock feature in some form. For instance, iOS and Android use passcodes, facial recognition, and/or fingerprint recognition. 5. Set up Find My Device Both Apple and Android use the “Find My Device” service that shows you where your phone is on a map. If it is lost or stolen, you can tack the phone, wipe its memory, or remotely lock it. Make sure you put this feature in place if you haven’t already. 6. Don’t save passwords on your device As tempting as it can be to save passwords on your device to avoid the taxing task of typing passwords with the very small smartphone keyboard, don’t’ do it. Auto-login is convenient, but it is a huge risk. If your phone is hacked or you lose it, it will be even easier for a thief to access your online accounts. 7. Be careful with open Wi-Fi Recent years have highlighted the risk of public Wi-Fi. Anyone nearby can view your online activity. While special skills and software are necessary for this, making it less likely at your local Starbucks, it’s still a risk you can’t ignore. Sticking with your phone’s mobile data connection is safer. Alternatively, you can use a VPN like TunnelBear or CyberGhost on your mobile phone to encrypt your connection. From Home Security Apps to Protecting Your Smartphone All in all, your mobile device is a wonderful thing. It allows you to do things on the go that you couldn’t do before it existed. However, the device you love so much needs to be secured just like any device that accesses the internet. By implementing the above measures, you greatly reduce the chances that you will become a victim. To learn more about how to better secure your home or business and the business and home security apps that are used to control them no matter where you are, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348. We serve Rochester, NY; Buffalo, NY; Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas.
Using Video Surveillance in the Fight Against Door-to-Door Scams
Using Video Surveillance & Its Role In Protecting You Long ago, people knocked on doors. Smiling, they’d tell you about their carpet cleaner. Companies sold things this way. In the meantime, salesmen earned money for their families. Door-to-door sales was a real job. Some people made good money. However, it’s not a common profession anymore. Luckily, using video surveillance keeps the fakers away. Unfortunately, things have changed, and this has created a home security risk. Gradually, these jobs ended. Consequently, more fake salesmen showed up. Sadly, these folks got good at tricking people, sporting vacuums and cleaners just like the old days. In addition, they gave free gifts for demos. However, some real salesmen still exist. Nevertheless, most just check out your house. Now, more get caught because people see they need video cameras by their doors. Types of Door-To-Door Scams IIn Rochester, NY, laws control who can sell door-to-door. For example, Rochester says sellers need a license. This license costs $250 and lasts six months. But that’s not all. Sellers also need a $5,000 bond. An insurance company pays for this bond. Fortunately, this protects people from fake sales by licensed sellers. When someone knocks at your door, it’s smart to ask a door-to-door seller for ID. Also, talk through the closed door. Give the camera a chance to catch the scammer. You know more than ever that a person is a scammer if they try your door handle. Sometimes, they try windows or car door handles. These actions show they are bad news. As for the types of scams, here is what Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, and other parts of the country are experiencing: The meat company scam – A person comes to the door saying they are from a meat or food company and they want to make you a deal. The vacuum or carpet cleaner demo scam – Kirby still has some salespeople going door-to-door these days, but they will most likely have proof they are supposed to be there. Electric company scam – A person claiming to be from the electric company comes to the door and asks to see your bill for one reason or another. Security system scam – A legitimate security system company is never going to come to your door and ask to do a free estimate. Home improvement – Beware of a person claiming to be a construction worker comes to your door telling you they will fix your roof, siding, or fence for a portion of the money up front. You will never see them again. Syracuse, Buffalo & Rochester Using Video Surveillance Systems to Protect Your Family Having cameras by your doors stops fake sellers from hurting more people. Across the country, security cameras reveal the scams. Furthermore, homeowners with cameras almost always catch the scammers. To learn more about how you can protect your home with video surveillance, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 and we will get back to you ASAP.
Personal Security: Ride Sharing Safety in Upstate New York
Exercising Personal Ride Sharing Safety & Security While On the Road The use of ride sharing services in Upstate New York is on the rise. More people use these services because of convenience. Furthermore, the service is more private and personal than the public transportation system. Ride sharing works well for when a person needs a designated driver or when the car is in the shop. It’s an affordable way to get a ride when it is needed, but ride sharing safety must be exercised. However, not all ride sharing services verify the driver’s license of their drivers or criminal records and this is a personal security risk. If you read the small print on the company website, you will find that the ride sharing company isn’t responsible for the safety of the vehicle or really anything about the driver. The company most likely doesn’t verify insurance coverage either. It is all up to you to make an informed decision that can have an impact on your personal ride sharing safety. The good news, however, is that bad things don’t often happen with ride sharing services. The bad news is that a quick Google News search will show some incidents. Nonetheless, ride sharing is growing fast because it’s extremely useful. But you can never be too careful. Vetting Your Driver The best way to ensure your safety and security with a ride sharing service is to vet the driver. When you request service, you are most likely going to be connected with information about the driver. So do these things before you ride: Verify the driver. Look at their user profile to see how many rides they’ve completed and the type of feedback they have received. Send a message or begin a conversation over chat. This helps you to get to know your driver. Make sure you plan ahead. Know exactly where you are going so you can let the driver know. You should also notify your family and friends that you are using a ride sharing service and what route you will be taking. You ARE the navigator. Pick a public meeting place to be picked up and choose a public place to be dropped off. If you don’t feel safe, simply don’t go. You’re not obligated to get into the car. If your plans change or your route changes, text a friend or family member. If there is a reason to be concerned for your safety, contact law enforcement. Putting Your Safety First in Rochester, Syracuse, and Buffalo Whether at home or on the road, your safety and security come first. Never do anything you don’t feel right about. Ride sharing services can make life run a little smoother, but never sacrifice your safety in any area of your life. For example, you can make things more secure at home through a security system, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and other features. By calling SPS Fire & Security, you can learn about how to secure your home as part of your journey toward securing your life. Give us a call today at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below.
Who Knew Home Security Could Reduce Household Hazards?
Home Security Systems Increase Safety To answer the question the title asks, we knew. We know how home security systems can reduce personal injuries and their complications and environmental issues in addition to break-ins. Once upon a time, the home security system was installed to keep burglars from breaking into homes and only for that reason, but systems have evolved into something much more. These systems detect carbon monoxide, smoke when there’s fire, and you can even contact emergency services at the push of a button. This makes the home security system a pretty amazing thing to have! SPS Fire and Security can install these systems so that you can make your home a much safer place than it is now. Reducing Personal Injuries It’s unfortunate that there are times when a minor accident can result in a serious injury. This is especially true for the elderly. The CDC says that one in five elderly people experience serious injuries like broken hips and other broken bones from simple falls. Children are also at high risk for accidents in the home. They are curious and get into everything. Here are some ways to minimize personal injury risks in the home: Invest in a Personal Emergency Response System (PERS). This is a bracelet that can contact emergency services at the touch of a button. This allows elderly people to have more independence in their homes. Add more security in high-risk areas. This is where we come in because we can add additional video surveillance in pool areas, around gates, in garages, and in areas where accidents could happen around the home. An alarm system can sound if certain doors are triggered. If you want the pool gate to trigger an alarm so you know if your child infiltrated the area, you can have that. Reduce Environmental Issues As mentioned before, home security systems can detect smoke when there’s fire and that invisible poison called carbon monoxide. Both can be deadly. Being notified in plenty enough time can save your life and the lives of the rest of your family. To reduce these environmental matters that could be life-threatening, you can do the following: Turn to a security provider that you trust and who will answer your questions when you have them. Make sure your security system is always up-to-date. Having the latest technology is a big deal. SPS Fire & Security will ensure your system is a great system. You can also keep your software up-to-date when prompted so that you don’t risk a security breach and so you can keep track of your home’s environment. Combat Break-Ins Of course, home security is aimed at eliminating break-ins so that everything you’ve worked hard for stays exactly where it is supposed to be. Your security system can be as simple as sensors on doors and windows or can be as involved as cameras placed around the property. You can also remotely access your system via your smartphone so that you know what’s going on at home when you’re away. Simply having the system can thwart break-ins, as you will most likely have a sign in your yard and a sticker on your door that says your home is protected. If a thief still gets brazen and they break into the home, the alarm will sound and the 24/7 monitoring service will be notified so authorities can be sent to the address. If you make video surveillance as a part of your system, you can catch the burglar’s face on video and it can be used as evidence. When they’re caught, it is hard to tell how many potential victims you saved. Contact Your Rochester, NY Home Security Company Protect your home and your life with a quality and technologically up-to-date home security system that will help reduce hazards and complications stemming from personal injury, from the environment, and from thieves that want to take what’s yours. To learn more, call SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348 or complete the contact form below and we will get back to you ASAP.
Tips for Dealing with Bank Scams
Protect Your Money Not only has there been door-to-door scams (in which your home video surveillance system can identify the individual) and many different kinds of telephone scams, one of the most recent scams that have come about is the bank scam. These bank scams happen in many different ways such as telephone calls and emails or letters similar to the ones the bank may send you. One important source of information to remember is that banks will never ask you for confidential information over the phone, so they are most likely not the ones calling you. This newest bank scam has many individuals super careful about the way they gave out their personal information. The person that calls will inform you that there is a safety or security problem with your account or your bank account card. They will also tell you that you can fix the problem right over the phone. Normally, when there is a problem associated with your account, you, as the account holder, are the one that contacts the bank, not the other way around. While keeping your bank accounts secure, don’t forget your home by contacting SPS Fire & Security. Consequences of Bank Scam Calls If this ever happens to you, one fast rule of thumb is wait at least five minutes and then contact your bank at the number on the back of your bank card. The reason for waiting five minutes is for security proposes due to the fact that the person calling you is not your bank and therefore they have not terminated the call. They are waiting for you to start dialing right away. What will happen is your think that you have dialed your bank when really the fake bank caller is still on the phone? It could be very bad. There are many things that could happen if you do not be careful about protecting your bank account and your bank account cards. Your account will become empty. The bank account card that has certain limit on it will be used to the max. You will and could become a victim of identity theft. Chances of other accounts you are associated with being hacked increases. What Can You Do to Avoid Bank Fraud? Your bank will never call you when your bank account is having issues. Normally you are the one that is calling the bank. So keep that in mind. Your bank will never call to ask you to transfer any amounts of money from one account to another. Like stated above, you are the one that is calling the bank or going online to transfer your own money. If for any reason someone calls you and claims to be your bank, wait five minutes before calling your bank. Let your bank know what has happened and they can put a freeze (put a stop to having access to your account for a period of time) on your account. That way the scammer can have no access to your account and you don’t loss money or become a victim of identify theft Never provide ANYONE that calls and claims to be your bank with information such as: name, address, telephone number (they should already have that one since they are the ones that called you), security questions, account numbers, social security number and more. If you have younger children in the house that might know any information associated with your bank account and they are old enough to be answering the telephone, make them aware of this bank scam and any other scam that is going on. Some children don’t know any better and might slip, telling the scammer personal information. Contact Your Rochester Security Alarm Company It is important to keep all elements of your life secure. Not only do you need to protect your bank accounts, but you need to protect your home and everything that you have worked for. Home security systems are a way to do that. If someone knocks on your door, trying to sell you something that isn’t legit or they want information from you, you can capture their face on a home surveillance system. If someone tries to enter your home, whether you are there or not, you and the central monitoring center will know so that the matter can be addressed promptly. If you have become a victim in any bank scams contact your bank you are associated with for help. If you have any questions associated home and phone security contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.
Safety During Power Outages
What to do When the Power Is Out Every year, Rochester, New York sees some of the craziest wind. In some places, it has been known to reach speeds over 80 MPH which is considered hurricane force wind. One storm in 2017 had hurricane force winds that left many in the dark for a little over a day. Others had no electricity for more than a week. RG&E stated that on Wednesday March 8, 2017 at 2:30 PM there were an estimated of 31,000 customers in Monroe County without power and that number grow over the course of the day. Many businesses even closed early, and school events were canceled and rescheduled. The next day, Thursday, many schools closed. As of Sunday, March 12, 2017 there are 9,314 customers without power. During weather-related power outages like Rochester, New York faced, there are many residential and commercial security factors that should be kept in mind. Power Outage Safety Tips Keep in mind that if you lose power that you should contact a neighbor to see if they have also lost power. Sometimes it might just be a blown transformer or fuse from the power lines. If your neighbor tells you that they don’t have power, then go head and contact your local electrical company to report an outage. They will be able to look into the outage and send an employee out to assess the situation. If possible, check the local weather on the internet or a battery powered radio. To prevent overloading outlets, unplug any unnecessary appliances such as microwaves, coffee makers, and refrigerators and electronic devices such as computers, TVs, etc. Once you have unplugged the refrigerator and freezer, keep the doors closed as much as possible. If it is cold outside, think about getting a cooler or two and filling them with ice for the items that you might have to take out of the fridge. Food will last no more than 24 hours if you minimize the door being opened. If the outage is due to windy weather, don’t use outside grills or go outside for any reason because it could become dangerous with falling trees, falling power lines, and airborne debris. In the event that you ever experience an outage contact your local electrical company (RG&E 1-800-743-1701 or NYSEG 1-800-572-1131). Contact Your Rochester Alarm Company Today! Alarm systems have backup battery power that can last up to a specific amount of time. Know your battery life. If you want to keep your home secure during a power outage, contact SPS Fire & Security today to learn about how an alarm system can still protect your home even while the power is out. Remember that most power outages last less than half a day, but power outages can also be a time when burglars become more active around places they know won’t be occupied. Call today at 585-770-0348.
Age Guidelines for Staying Home Alone
When Are Kids Old Enough to Stay Home Alone? Age guidelines for staying home alone, is a very gray area for most people. Just because Macaulay Culkin who was eight years old at the time was able to stay home alone in the hit 1990 movie Home Alone, doesn’t mean that it is the right thing to do. Each state has their own laws about the appropriate ages to be left at home without supervision. The child’s age and their maturity also play a huge part in whether or not they can stay home solo. Basically, it comes down to discretion and the law. Home Alone with Home Security First, you want to have good home security in place to ensure your child has extra protection. If something goes wrong, the authorities can be alerted. This will give you added peace of mind. There are also many guidelines that you as a parent should follow if you are thinking about leaving your children at home by themselves: Age of the child Maturity level of the child The length of time the child will be home unsupervised Are other children being left home with your child The safety of the neighborhood Are there neighbors that can check in on the child Does the child feel safe staying home by themselves? Guidelines considering the age range for leaving a child home alone: 7 & Under: children that are seven years old and under should never be left alone at home for any length of time. This also includes never leaving them unattended in the car, at a playground, or the backyard. 8 to 10 years old: Children that are 8 to 10 years old can be left home only during daylight and early evening hours but only for no more then 1.5 hours. 11 to 12 years old: Children that are 11 to 12 years old can be left home for no more than 3 hours at a time and not overnight. 13 to 15 years old: Children that are 13 to 15 years old can be unsupervised for long periods of time but not overnight. 16 to 17 years old: Children that are 16 to 17 years old can be unsupervised and can stay home overnight up to two nights alone. Keep Your Family Secure Through a Rochester Home Security Company If you have children that are age appropriate and are ready to stay home alone consider contacting SPS Fire and Security at 585-770-0348 to learn about a security alarm that would be right for your home.
Protect Yourself Against Phone Scams
Identifying the Most Common Phone Scams What is this world coming to? Not only do we have door-to-door scammers, email scammers, and internet scammers but now scam artist have come up with new ways to scam the people that they are calling – through phone scams. And it should be noted that some types of phone scams can lead to a robbery. They might be putting out feelers to identify who is in the home, if there is a security system in place, and much more. Despite technological advances, telephone scams are getting more and more popular as a way to steal someone’s identity. Scam artist find it easier to do this type of scam and on their end a little safer because it is harder to catch the scammer doing it. There’s no paper trail like there can be on the internet. Plus, they are able to manipulate caller ID systems to make them look like something they’re not. Recently, there has been a new phone scam called “Can You Hear Me Now?” This scam is a way for the scam artist to access the sound of your voice that is recorded on the scam artist’s end. After the question “Can you hear me now?” is asked and you say “yes,” the scam artist will then say that you have agreed to something. During all the small talk back and forth, the scam artist is gaining access to your personal information or anything else that might be on your phone. Scam artists may use many other questions to gain access to your information. Some other questions they might ask are: Are you the lady of the house? Are you a homeowner? Do you pay the household telephone bill? Scams like this are being more and more popular and there are many ways that you can protect yourself from them. Protecting Yourself From Theft Through Phone Scams Don’t Recognize Phone Number: If there is ever a time that you don’t know the number calling or it says restricted, chances are it is someone you don’t know. If that ever happens, just let the call go to voicemail. Scam artists don’t ever leave messages and if it is someone other then a scam artist, they will leave a message. Act Slowly: Don’t always rush to answer your phone. Chances are if you are rushing thinking it is someone you might know and answer the call, you could end up being a victim of a targeted scam. Look carefully at all calls before answering and leaving the unknown numbers to go straight to voicemail. Don’t Answer Any Questions Over The Phone: Answering questions over the phone lead to information in many ways being leaked to the scam artist. Even the littlest details can help a scam artist gain access to your personal information. Never Give Out Information: No matter what, unless you initiate the call when buying anything over the phone, don’t give out your information. If a company ever calls you about an item that you have purchased, there are questions you can ask to verify the caller is really from the company you have purchased your item from. Don’t Pay: If you are ever ordering anything over the phone, the company that you order from normally doesn’t call you to initiate a payment. You as the customer always call the company to pay for your purchases. Never give out your payment information or social security number to an unknown number. One favorite tool of scam artists is asking for wire money transfers. If you ever hear the word wire transfer, you can be sure that it is a scam. Contact Your Rochester Security Company and Protect Yourself More! Take action now to be safer when answering the phone. You never know what scam artist is going to be calling next. If you have any questions on how to stay safe contact SPS Fire & Security at 585-770-0348.