Home Security Cheat Sheet: Expert Advice for a Safe Home

Smart home solutions abound for home security and safety, from alarm systems to guides on Wi-Fi hacking and stopping porch pirates. It all gets overwhelming for newcomers looking to protect their home, especially if they don’t know a lot of tech terms or product specifications. But this is a great place to start.

Take a look and find what you need. (You can also check out our home internet cheat sheet and our solar panel cheat sheet.)

DIY or Professional Home Security System: Which is Best?

Is DIY or a professional home security system best? Arlo sensors can do nearly anything and are easy to move whenever you want. There are pros and cons to each home security option.

DIY home security setups are often more affordable, customizable and compatible with other smart home devices, but you'll likely have to do the installing, setup and constant monitoring yourself. A professional home security service, though it's typically a bit more expensive and may require a monthly subscription, offers 24/7 monitoring and expert technicians.

Can I Get a Home Security System Without a Monthly Subscription?

Most DIY home security systems do not require a monthly subscription and come with live feed viewing, push notifications and alerts, local storage options and more at no extra cost. Several features often require a monthly fee, but this varies a lot between brands.

Ring charges for object detection and smart alerts, while Nest doesn't. Nest offers limited free cloud storage, but most brands make you pay a subscription for online video storage. Lorex and Eufy specialize in local storage with less emphasis on cloud data. With a little work, you can quickly find devices and whole systems that don’t require any kind of subscription.

Can My Home Security System Get Hacked?

Any kind of technology can have security vulnerabilities. However, your home security system isn't going to get hacked. Cybercriminals don't go around trying to hack doorbells or smart locks. They don't have the tools, the know-how or the time.

The closest we’ve seen to home hacking is the use of security system jammers, but there are barely any reports of criminals actually using these devices and if they do, they usually have first-hand knowledge about the security system beforehand.

Preparing for a Home Emergency

Home emergencies can include anything from raging wildfires to floods, earthquakes or really bad sewer system problems. The best way to handle events like these is with the right preparation.

Even if you’re caught off guard, keeping a cool head and contacting the right experts can keep the woes at bay. These guides are a great starting place. For more information about home security products and tips for creating and maintaining the best home security setup for your home, check out the CNET Home Security page.