I have 11 home security myths you need to erase

When it comes to your safety, myths and rumors crop up like weeds in the garden. People believe in it so much security misinformation they were told this years ago and never questioned – but these days it’s very wrong. And believing these rumors not only compromises your safety, can also cost you money and peace of mind.

From how burglars break into homes to how tenants can protect their rentals, I’ve identified the biggest mistakes. I’ll also explain why these common myths about home security systems are incorrect.

Myth: Home security systems are expensive

What good is a home security system if the initial and ongoing costs exceed the value of what was damaged or stolen? It’s a valid point, but home security may be more affordable than you think, especially if you go the DIY route.

While it’s true that the costs of a professional home security system can quickly add up, it’s not uncommon for home security companies to offer special deals that could save you hundreds of dollars on equipment and installation. Depending on the provider and the promotions available, it is entirely possible to get a basic system for free with installation included (yes, you will have to sign a contract, but we’ll talk about that in the next section).

On the other hand, you’ll need to purchase all of your own equipment for a DIY home security setup. Still, you can get everything you need to monitor your home inside and out, with cameras and motion sensors, for a few hundred dollars or less.

Professional monitoring isn’t available with all DIY devices, but if it’s an option with your camera or security system, expect an additional monthly fee of $10 to $25 for a generally unlimited number of devices. Fees are often lower if you pay annually rather than monthly.

Myth: you have to sign a contract or at least pay a subscription

Again, this one comes from professional home security service providers, and it’s true that this is still true in some cases. Most home security companies require a one- or two-year contract, especially if you choose promotional offers like free equipment or installation. However, a contract is not always required: some suppliers like SimpliSafe and Xfinity does not require you to sign one.

And you won’t have to worry about a contract with DIY setups at all, because the systems Arlo, Ring and others are still without a contract. Likewise, monthly subscriptions are not required, although you may want to add one for professional monitoring or more storage options. Subscriptions can cost as little as $10 per month to cover unlimited devices. For a single device like a camera, they can go as low as $3.

If you don’t want to pay a subscription, no problem. DIY cameras, motion sensors, and other home security devices come with an app that lets you do your own monitoring and options like local video storage that let you avoid extra fees.

Myth: Home security systems are complicated

I completely understand this potential hesitation. Whenever a home project involves wiring, it starts to look more like expert work.

However, when you opt for a professionally installed home security system, someone else (a professional installer) will do the heavy lifting for you. They will also walk you through how to use the system during setup, and technical support and online resources are available 24/7 for any issues you may encounter later.

When it comes to DIY security devices, no wiring should be involved beyond simply plugging in and connecting to your Wi-Fi. Hardwired video doorbells are an exception, but I can say firsthand that installation is still pretty quick and simple. Smart locks are also a simple DIY project. Either way, an app will guide you through all phases of installation, configuration and use.

Myth: Burglars can cut the lines of a home security system

This myth hasn’t been true for a long, long time, because home security systems no longer use landlines (and many people don’t use landlines anyway). From professionally installed complete systems to DIY packages, home security systems work over wireless signals like your Wi-Fi network, as well as specialized signals like Zigbee, Thread, and cellular connection backups in case wireless connections don’t work.

The result is systems that burglars cannot “cut” or otherwise disable. Even if burglars have access to a keypad or security hub inside the home, many are designed to alert homeowners of tampering and automatically lock. With cloud video storage, burglars also cannot get rid of automatically recorded video storage.

Myth: Burglars can use Wi-Fi jammers or other technology to disable my security system

It makes headlines and gives police departments an easy excuse to talk about community crime, but these high-tech burglaries don’t really exist. Wi-Fi jammers exist, but burglars need to know the make and model of the security system or at least have an in-depth knowledge of sophisticated spyware. This is why one of the few confirmed cases of successful home theft via Wi-Fi jamming involved someone who already knew the homeowner and their home. And jamming security signals won’t magically unlock doors or open windows for burglars. You can read it all here in our comprehensive guide.

In this regard, fears about smart home hacking are also largely justified. Cybercriminals have better things to do than try to hack into home security devices, and today’s modern encryption techniques are very effective in stopping any attempt. This type of “hacking” is usually carried out by a security center employee or an old acquaintance who already had access to the smart home system.

The new exception to this rule is promptware, or giving rapid AI injections at home which make him obey malicious commands. However, security companies are working to secure their AI against promptware, and once again, following important security practices can largely eliminate the danger.

Myth: I rent, so I can’t get home security technology

Your property and security are important whether you own or rent, and there are many home security solutions for tenants. These devices are often non-invasive (no holes in the wall, permanent wiring, or brackets) and can come with all the home security features you would need, including access to live camera feeds and recordings, push notifications, professional monitoring options, and emergency response assistance.

Even if you’re just renting a room, you can still find plenty of safety answers if you’re worried about your roommate’s behavior.

Check with your leasing office or property owner before installing a system, and be sure to avoid any devices that may invade your neighbor’s privacy.

Myth: Home security systems are not effective

It depends on what you mean by “effective”. If someone wants to break into your home, even the best security system won’t stop them. That said, if someone is considering break into your house or drag a package onto your porchthe presence of a security system or surveillance camera is a good deterrent.

A University of North Carolina study found that about 83 percent of professional criminals surveyed said they would try to find out if a home or business had a security alarm before attempting a burglary. About 60% said they would look for another target if an alarm was detected.

Even if the burglar succeeds, your security devices can capture images, videos or sounds leading to their identification and arrest. At the very least, you can use this information to alert your neighbors and help prevent future events. And don’t forget that this evidence is very useful when making a claim against your home insurance after a theft.

Keep in mind that many security guard companies and other security services will try to convince people that security systems are not very effective or that they can be easily blocked. This isn’t true, so don’t confuse marketing with real home security advice.

Myth: I don’t need home security because I have a big dog

Dogs can act as a security deterrent, but they cannot replace real home security, for several reasons that all pet owners should be aware of. First, it is difficult to train a dog to be vicious only toward suspicious intruders and not toward innocent strangers or visiting family. And if your dog attacks someone, even a burglar, he has solid arguments to win his case in court. (We also don’t think it’s very cool to breed dogs this way.)

Secondly, many burglars strike when you and your dog are out for a walk or when you are on vacation and your dog is at the kennel, so pets will not be of much help in these cases.

Third, home insurance tends to disapprove uve some of the most infamous guard dog breeds. If you purchase a Rottweiler, Doberman, or similar breed for home protection, your insurance company may deny burglary claims or threaten to cancel your policy.

Myth: It is illegal to record videos in your home

Privacy laws apply to videos recorded in your home, but only in certain cases. You cannot film or record a video in which people have an expectation of privacy. This includes bedrooms, bathrooms, changing rooms, etc. But your living room, your kitchen or your yard are all possible games. Just keep the cameras away from neighbors and you should be fine.

Likewise, technically you don’t have to tell anyone if you have a security camera installed in a more public space, but it’s always polite to let people (babysitters, roommates, etc.) know if you do.

Myth: My outdoor lights will keep all thieves away

Outdoor lights at night can scare away some intruders, especially if they are motion-activated and include the ability to recognize humans, so they can send you an alert. But there’s a small problem: Most burglaries tend to happen during the day, when burglars think no one is home. Lights don’t help much in these cases.

Instead, an affordable home security system or even just a smart lock or video camera can be a big help, no matter the time of day.

Myth: I live in a rural area, so I don’t need extra security at home

This assumption does not work because it varies enormously by region. Although property crime (which includes burglary and vandalism, and should not be confused with violent victimization or other statistics) is generally down everywhere, there is no guarantee that rural areas are free of property crime compared to neighboring urban or suburban areas.

In fact, in some rural areas, property crime rates are higher than in cities. Even on average, property crime rates in rural areas are between 50% (PDF) and 75% of those in urban areas, so the risks remain numerous. And more remote locations can be more tempting for burglars trying to avoid the gaze of neighbors.

To find out more, read up Home Security Mistakes You Can Make. Learn to stop the porch pirates, reduce the risk of car break-ins And what to keep in a safe. For more home safety tips, check out the three places you should never install a security cameraAnd how to use an old smartphone as a security camera.