HomeHome AutomationThe biggest pitfall of a smart security systems

The biggest pitfall of a smart security systems

Is your smart home really secure?

My news feed is set to deliver news about the Raspberry Pi, Tasker, home automation, smart security systems and several more relevant information that inspire me and provide me with the knowledge for further tutorials.

In the recent weeks, I came across several guides/tutorials on how to use home automation to increase the security in your house.  With all the gadgets, sensors and IoT devices you might be tempted to wire up your house to create an elaborate and interactive home security system on the cheap. I’m not surprised that these methods are popular, as provide us with a cheaper alternative than a professionally fitted alarm system. It’s all great, but all these systems have one thing in common. The same weakest link. Learn about the biggest pitfall of the smart security systems

The biggest pitfall of a smart security systems

Turns out, that hacking into home automation systems is not needed. It’s time-consuming and it costs money. Entire home-made security systems can be disabled with a free device in less than a fraction of the second.

The weakest link in your home automation is the lack of the separate power system, independent from mains. Unlike professional installation, you are very unlikely to put extra wires to power an IP cam, or a Pi Server. The router is probably also powered from the mains, same rule applies to security sensors.

Short the wires and you have the secret weapon.

Imagine the thief would short your mains socket. The fuse box will pop the safety fuse out, and anything connected to mains will get powered down. If you are lucky enough, it will power down just a single floor, leaving other devices powered on.

The worse case scenario is when you have an outside plug wired with mains running inside your house. Unless that socket comes with additional fuse installed, capable of blowing before the main one, everything will get powered down. This means no IP cameras, no servers, no sensors, no router to send you a notification.

Your entire effort could go up with the smoke. All that possible without stepping a foot inside your property.

How to prevent it?

This is a tricky question. Apart from having a completely separate circuit for the entire security system, you would need a UPS to keep the system online. This means some serious money. Creating a homemade security system requires you to always look at the weakest link. Don’t let it be the power supply.

PayPal

Nothing says "Thank you" better than keeping my coffee jar topped up!

Patreon

Support me on Patreon and get an early access to tutorial files and videos.

image/svg+xml

Bitcoin (BTC)

Use this QR to keep me caffeinated with BTC: 1FwFqqh71mUTENcRe9q4s9AWFgoc8BA9ZU

Smart Ideas with

Automate your space in with these ecosystems and integrate it with other automation services

client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image
client-image

Learn NodeRED

NodeRED for beginners: 1. Why do you need a NodeRED server?

0
To server or not to server? That's a very silly question!

Best Automation Projects

Tuya SDK for beginners: Intro to Tuya Cloud API

0
Working with Tuya Cloud API. A guide to Cloud automation for beginners, get started with REST!

NEST your old thermostat under $5

0
Nest-ing up your older thermostat under $5

Sonoff Zigbee Bridge – review

0
Sonoff line up will soon include Sonoff Zigbee Bridge and more Zigbee sensors - here is the first look

DIY Smart Washing Machine – for about 15 bucks!

0
Learn how to add washing machine notifications to your Google Home on the cheap

Nora – Google Assistant in NodeRED

0
Integrate Google Assistant with NodeRED thanks to Nora - NodeRED home automation

Smart Home

Multi-lights for your ceiling from Aqara

0
This is the biggest light I held in my hands so far. It's ZigBee and it comes from Aqara - meet Aqara Ceiling Light T1M

Almost the fastest PIR sensor you can buy

0
ITEAD introduced a new ZigBee sensor - Sonoff PIR (SNZB-03P) which is also the fastest PIR sensor in their line up. Is it good? Read more!

Smart Panel automation by Tuya

0
I'm checking out two smart panels by Tuya. Both run Linux systems, fit inside the wall switch cavity and offer a range of automation options

Adding Matter to Sonoff BasicR4

0
Sonoff goes back to basics with Sonoff BasciR4 - a new and improved basic smart relay - and I'm about to add Matter to it (and Tasmota)

Sonoff Presence Sensor (SNZB-06P) is not what you think

0
This mm wave radar sensor combines cool tech and ZigBee 3.0, but it's not what you think it is. Closer look at Sonoff Presence Sensor