Simple and Effective Home Security Tips
When it comes to home security, the basics can be common knowledge—installing a home security system, using a reliable door lock, and setting up a home security camera. But many don’t realize there are other, often overlooked vulnerabilities in their homes that could be exploited by potential burglars. The bad guys are stepping up their game, and we must as well.
The following home security tips will address unusual, but effective ways to make your home a safer place, from protecting your garage door against high-tech hacks to protecting your door’s peephole. Let’s dive into these home security tips you never thought of before.
1. Secure Your Garage Door from High-Tech Break-Ins
The Threat of Brute Force Hacking
Garage doors provide an ideal access point for burglars, especially those who have discovered high-tech methods to hack the systems. Devices like the Flipper Zero, which was originally designed for testing purposes, can be misused to brute-force access to garage doors by repeatedly trying different signal combinations until the right one is found.
According to a recent forum post, this process can be surprisingly simple, leaving unsuspecting homeowners at risk. With common digital hacking tools like the Flipper Zero becoming more common, homeowners now have to defend against digital threats.
Fishing for the Emergency Release
Even without a device, garage doors can be vulnerable through the emergency release cord. From the outside, thieves can sometimes use a clothes hanger or similar tool to fish for the emergency garage door release. If they can pull it the release it would allow them to manually open the door and gain access to your home.
How to Protect Your Garage Door
Power Off the Garage Door: One solution is to disable the garage door all together by flipping the breaker in the fuse box. This means that no electronic or digital means will open the door. As long as you can enter your home another way, this is a good idea to try.
Install a Garage Door Lock: A physical lock on the door track can be an effective way to secure your garage, blocking access even if the emergency release is pulled. You can unlock it from the outside with a key.
Use Zip Ties on Emergency Release Cords: Zip-tying the emergency release cord can prevent it from being manipulated from outside. Just make sure it can still be easily cut in case of a fire or other emergency. Or you can cut the handle off of the garage door making it nearly impossible to fish from the outside.
2. Strengthen Your Wi-Fi Network Security
Why Wi-Fi Security Matters for Your Home’s Safety
In the digital age, securing your Wi-Fi network is as crucial as having an alarm system. Wi-Fi is the gateway to your smart home devices, security cameras, and sometimes even your alarm systems. If a burglar gains access to your network, they can compromise these devices, potentially unlocking doors, disabling cameras, or viewing your security camera feeds.
Essential Tips for Securing Your Wi-Fi
Change Default Passwords: The first step is to change default login credentials for your router. Using unique and strong passwords will make it harder for intruders to gain unauthorized access. Also consider using a password manager.
Enable WPA3 Encryption: According to Keeper Security, WPA3 is the latest security protocol for Wi-Fi networks, providing stronger protection against hacking attempts.
Important Note: Many 2.4 ghz security cameras like Ring and Blink cannot use WPA3.
Disable Remote Management: Many routers offer a remote management feature that allows access from outside the home. While convenient, this can create a security vulnerability. Disable remote management and access your router settings only from within your network.
Limit Access to Trusted Devices: Many routers allow you to create a whitelist of devices that are permitted to connect. Use this feature to limit Wi-Fi access to only devices you trust. This can also be done with MAC address filtering.
Use a VPN: Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) create a secure, encrypted connection. Some routers come with built-in VPN functionality, offering an additional layer of security for your home network. I recommend NordVPN.
3. Shield Your Car Key Fobs to Prevent Vehicle Theft
The Rise of RFID Relay Attacks
Car theft technology has become sophisticated, with some thieves using antennas to relay the RFID signals from your key fob, often located inside your home, to unlock and steal your car. These devices, sometimes called “RFID relay” or “signal extenders,” allow thieves to steal your car without ever touching your keys.
Watch a Car Relay Attack
How to Protect Your Car’s RFID Signal
Use a Faraday Bag: The simplest solution is to keep your car keys in a Faraday bag or a metal coffee can. This creates a barrier that blocks the RFID signal from being picked up by a thief’s device. I full recommend Faraday products by SLNT and use them in my daily life.
Keep Your Keys Away from Entry Points: To reduce the risk of relay attacks, keep your keys as far from the front door or garage as possible. This makes it harder for thieves to access the signal.
Park In Your Garage: Nearly all RFID relay attacks happen on cars that are parked in the driveway. This makes it easier for the thieves to spot vehicles and choose their targets. It also makes the process of attacking the vehicles easier.
4. Cover Your Door’s Peephole
The Privacy Risk of an Uncovered Peephole
A peephole on your front door is an excellent security feature, allowing you to see who is outside before opening the door. It has a staple of home security for decades. However, it can also be a vulnerability. If left uncovered, thieves can use a reverse peephole viewer to look inside your home, assessing the layout or checking if anyone is home. Also, if left exposed anyone on the other side of the door can tell if you’ve stepped in front of the door as the light coming through the viewer will be blocked by your body.
Quick Solution: Peephole Covers
Installing a peephole cover is an easy, affordable fix. This simple addition blocks visibility from the outside, giving you peace of mind while still allowing you to see outside when necessary. Some newer views come with integrated covers that use a sliding mechanism, making it easy to open or close when needed.
5. Reinforce Outward-Swinging Front Doors
Why Outward-Swinging Doors Are Vulnerable
While they’re less common, some homes have outward-swinging front doors. This design, while offering increased resistance against forced entry, has its own vulnerability: the hinges are on the outside, making it possible for burglars to tamper with them to remove the door.
It also lends itself to being picked or loided easer. Plus if an attacker convinces you to open the door, they have the advantage of being able to grab the door and control it, allowing them to gain access.
Ways to Secure an Outward-Swinging Door
Use a Secondary Lock: The easiest solution is to use a product like FlipLok. It can act as a secondary lock to secure the door from the inside, providing extra peace of mind. Learn more about FlipLok in my interview with owner, Anna Reger.
Install Hinge Security Pins: Security pins or non-removable hinge pins make it much more difficult to remove an outward-swinging door.
Add a Door Barricade: These devices attach to the floor inside your home and offer an additional barrier against forced entry attempts.
For more ideas on defending an outward swinging door, read this article from Bob Vila.
Conclusion: Home Security Tips You Never Thought Of
Securing your home is about more than just installing an alarm system and motion activated lights. By understanding potential vulnerabilities—from your garage door to your Wi-Fi network, car key fobs, and outward-swinging doors—you can better protect your loved ones, deter burglars, and enjoy peace of mind.
Implement these lesser-known home security tips, and you’ll have a comprehensive defense plan in place to keep your home safe from unexpected threats. Because we can’t predict how someone will attack our home, we can only put up the best defenses.
Remember, home security is about covering all bases. Investing time into these tips and tools can help you keep potential burglars at bay and secure your house, doors, and windows effectively. Whether you’re focused on protecting valuables, safeguarding loved ones, or securing your real estate investment, taking proactive steps will create a safer home environment for years to come.
