SpyGearCo: Spy and Surveillance

The Art Institute of Chicago, one of the premier fine arts museums in the United States, recently installed state-of-the-art IP-based video surveillance. Learn how you can use IP video as well.

More people were killed in homicides during 2017 than were killed in armed conflict, says a UN report.

Last month, San Francisco became the first city to ban facial recognition. Now, other cities in California like Oakland and Berkley are considering bans on the technology, as well. 

Marlon Gonzales, Houston Dynamo Director of Security, controls all aspects of fan, player and visitors, from their homes to the route to the stadium. How does he employ technology to aid in security and safety?

Your business’ surveillance camera system is one of your most valuable security assets. When your system isn’t working properly, like when your security camera’s feed is flickering at night, finding the cause and fixing it quickly is important to protecting your workplace, equipment, and employee safety. Understanding the root cause of your security camera’s nighttime issues can help guide you to the right solution to your feed issues. Here are just a few of the common issues that can cause your security camera image to flicker at night.

Power issues

Like most equipment, loss of power or not getting enough power can cause performance issues for your security camera system. If you’re experiencing flickering images when reviewing your camera’s feed at night, your first check should be your power source.

Security cameras use infrared lights to allow the cameras to capture images in low light conditions. If your cameras have a low battery, the infrared lights may not be getting enough power to operate properly. You should also check your power input to be sure that your system is on a dedicated power supply and not using a power splitter, which can lessen the amount of power being delivered to your cameras. Our technicians can help identify if your system is on a dedicated power supply and run new power to your cameras if not.

Changing light conditions

Proper lighting is a key component of a camera’s ability to capture a consistent image. At night, headlights and flashlights are more likely to be able to wreak havoc on your security camera system’s ability to produce a clear image.

Since nighttime cameras use infrared technology to produce high-resolution images in low light conditions, the interruption of headlights can sometimes cause flickering as the camera automatically adjusts from infrared to normal light to produce the image. Review your security camera footage to identify the times when your security cameras flicker most. If changing lighting conditions are the cause of your image flicker issues, adjusting the angle of your cameras or repositioning them to areas that are less directly exposed to oncoming headlights is a relatively quick and inexpensive solution. Read Why is My Security Footage Low Quality for more tips on improving your camera’s images.

Damaged connections or cables

If your outdoor security cameras are flickering at night, the problem may rest on damaged connections or cables. Damaged equipment can cause power issues and data transmission issues that lead to subpar image quality.

Check all of the connections running to your cameras for loose wires or wires that have been exposed to the elements. Exposed wires and cables quickly become corroded or otherwise damaged. We recommend that all outdoor connections be properly installed inside a weatherproof box to prevent damage from the elements. Any damaged connections or cable should be immediately replaced and a weatherproof box should be installed to prevent further damage to your security camera system.

Aging or faulty equipment

Let’s be honest. The older your security camera equipment is, the more likely it is to experience issues. If you’re experience issues with a brand new system, you may have bought defective equipment.

All security camera systems have a limited lifespan and, if yours has reached the end of the line, there’s very little you can do except replace it. If you’ve verified that cameras are getting enough power and the cables and connections aren’t damaged, it’s likely to start shopping for new cameras, a replacement switch, or a new video recorder. If you have a spare camera in your inventory that is working properly, you can use it to help confirm your diagnosis before purchasing a new system. Check out How to Get Funds Approved for a Security Camera System for helpful tips to help guide your expenditure request.

If your new system isn’t working, you should contact the manufacturer or installer for technical support and obtain return instructions. Nearly all manufacturer’s offer a warranty that covers faulty equipment that includes refunding your purchase price or providing replacement equipment within a set period of time.

We’re here to help

Prefer to leave the investigation to the professionals? Our team of experienced service and installation professionals can troubleshoot and resolve any security camera issues you may have. If you need to replace your outdated system, our team will even perform a free security consultation and site visit, either onsite or virtual, to understand the needs of your system and create a detailed recommendation for your new security camera system.

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for your security camera needs, look no further than the experienced professionals at Camera Security Now. Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the camera solutions that your company needs while keeping you on budget and ensuring the security of your business, employees, and customers. To find out how easy it is to ensure the safety of your workplace, request a quote today.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and connect with us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.

How to Save Money Installing the IP Camera System Wouldn’t it be nice if it was easier to install IP cameras? After all, installation is a big part of the expense of an IP camera system.  Some manufacturers provide IP cameras that are designed for easy installation. They thought about everything from how the cameras […]

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The Somerville, Mass. City Council has voted to ban the use of facial recognition technology in public spaces.

In the monitoring and surveillance sector, Artificial Intelligence based solutions such as Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA), are entering the mainstream as they reach levels of refinement, usability and affordability.

The Capitol Gazette in Annapolis, MD, the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino, CA, and just recently, a disgruntled worker in Virginia Beach, VA who took his personal grievances out on his workers at a government office, killing 12 people. All recent examples of workplace violence that are becoming all too frequent. According to a recent study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), approximately 1 out of 7 Americans do not feel safe at work.

5G technology could allow paramedics to diagnose medical problems more quickly, experts say, with the help of a "robo-glove" that can carry out remote-controlled ultrasound scans in an ambulance, or at the scene of an accident, according to a news report. 

In May 2019 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed Senate Bill 7030, permitting the arming of teachers and staff in Florida schools beginning October 2019.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio has announced a plan to decrease police presence in the city’s schools by limiting the situations in which law enforcement will be allowed to respond to matters that arise on school grounds.

Ecommerce retailers face many challenges as consumers become more dependent on the convenience of online purchasing.

The number of video surveillance cameras in London will hit an all-time high this year, according to CCTV.co.uk research. 

Global security concern remains at the highest level in 13 years, according to the 2019 Unisys Security Index report. 

These three guys die together in a tragic accident and they all go to heaven.   When they get there, St. Peter greets them and tells them, “We only have one rule here in heaven. Don’t step on the ducks.”   So, they enter heaven and sure enough, there are ducks all over the place. […]

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The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Rep. Donald Payne, Jr. (D-N.J.) as the 2019 recipients of the SIA Legislator of the Year Award.

Video surveillance has long been a critical component of facility management and security plans, and it is only expected to grow.

What is the Best Access Control Management Software Door access management software is an essential part of your access control system. It allows you to manage the door readers in your organization, and then enter and manage all the people who will use the doors.   Most of the access management software available provides simple […]

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Passengers will be able to carry liquids and laptops through security at London's Heathrow Airport inside their hand luggage after new security scanners are installed.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed into law several bills related to enhancing school safety and expanding access to mental health resources.

Theft, fraud and losses from other retail “shrink” totaled $50.6 billion in 2018, up from $46.8 billion the year before as industry security executives said there is a growing overlap between loss prevention and cybersecurity efforts.

The FLIR Saros DH-390 Dome Camera is an outdoor perimeter security camera that combines multiple technologies. . .

Thief! Intruder! Sometimes, perimeter security puts you in contact with a variety of visitors, not all of them welcome, but how does one differentiate between visitors without making a bad first impression or creating a vulnerable situation?

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Gary Peters (D-Mich.) introduced the Secure Traveler Act, legislation that would expand enrollment in TSA PreCheck for individuals who have passed extensive background checks.

The Speco Tech SecureGuard® Active Shooter System allows businesses, schools, events and venues to act quickly by employing its surveillance video with mass notification features.

U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Gary Peters (D-MI) introduced the Protecting Faith-Based and Nonprofit Organizations From Terrorism Act (S. 1539) – to authorize $75 million annually for grants to nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help secure their facilities against a potential terrorist attack.

With San Francisco banning the use of facial recognition technologies for their local agencies, the debate on the efficacy of the technology has risen back into the national debate arena. 

Automated Network Attached Paging Provides Emergency Announcements Network attached paging systems are replacing the older analog paging systems. They are not only easier to install; they provide increased functionality. One of the most helpful features of this system is its ability to make automated announcements. You can push a button and make a pre-recorded page, […]

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Comparison of The Topography of Access Control Systems Access control systems used to be very complicated and difficult to wire.  The early access systems used a central control box that connected to all the doors. The wiring was complex and expensive to install.   The latest access control solutions bring all the control functions to […]

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Warehouses have a lot at stake — smuggling, theft, and terrorist activity all pose potential risks — and can threaten your business’ financial and legal well-being. This is why warehouse owners are usually known for their tight security practices.

Because warehouses are busy operations, day-to-day logistical issues can often take up a lot of time. However, it is crucial that warehouse staff and owners keep security in mind along with productivity. Follow these guidelines to stay ahead of security risks.

1. Access Control

When it comes to security in the warehouse, the first thing you want to control is who has access to the facility — and when they are granted access. In order to monitor this, you should implement a system with RFID-enabled ID cards for identification purposes for all staff and authorized visitors.

However, security shouldn’t start at your access control. Obviously your perimeter needs to be secured with fencing and a staffed gatehouse. Vehicles should always be supervised and parked away from the cargo areas. Pickups and deliveries should only take place in designated areas with proper security measures — but we will get there.

2. Facility Cameras

An effective warehouse security plan relies heavily on the security technology which is put in place. Surveillance cameras covering all sides, possible entrances and exits — and more — are essential to the security of the warehouse. Surveillance feeds should have 24-hour maintenance, with at least 30-day storage of the footage.

To ensure that you are able to recognize individuals being recorded on your cameras, it is important to have your system installed by a team of professionals. Factors like camera placement, programming, and type of security camera are not as easy to determine as you might think. Thankfully, some security companies offer budget savers like free consultations and virtual site visits.

3. Security Training

Security, surveillance, and threat awareness are not a one man job. In order to ensure the safety of your warehouse, it is necessary for all of your staff to understand their responsibilities when it comes to security. Communicating the importance of security checks to your staff is vital for the receiving, processing, storing and sending processes.

Employees are much more likely to report threats if they understand why and exactly how to do so. Because even small threats could signal a potential compromised shipment or develop into dangerous situations in the future. It goes without saying that regularly run drills for fires, alarms, and natural disasters are pivotal.

4. Cybersecurity

Now that you understand the importance of minimizing physical threats via proper security training and equipment, let’s talk about cybersecurity breaches. Protecting your warehouse’s data is especially important, due to the fact that most warehouses keep extensive logs of all activity in the facility. With records of shipments, transactions, drivers, and vehicles — a lot of information is at stake.

Passwords should always be changed every few months and control logs should also be examined regularly for suspicious activity. Any firewall access violations should be reviewed and confidential information should be stored with extra security. Sometimes it’s best to have an outside view of your cybersecurity plans.

5. Situational Awareness Software

In order to bridge the disconnect between alert and action, situational awareness software has been developed. This software can improve your ability to manage the growing number of threats that warehouses face.

Situational awareness platforms are designed to ensure that security threats are addressed quickly and effectively by tying together all relevant security assets and delivering relevant information to those in position to act. That way warehouse employees, security staff, management, and even truckers can all receive the same information at a relevant time.

The Importance of Warehouse Security

Are your security procedures up-to-par at your warehouse? Safety audits are important to hold regularly as they can help identify any potential risks and take note of what may need improvement. Implementing these practices will improve your warehouse security moving forward — and can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

The Texas Senate moved to abolish the cap on how many trained school teachers and school marshals can carry guns on public school campuses.

The United States Government is considering placing limitations on the Chinese surveillance giant Hikvision’s ability to buy American technology.

The U.S. Commerce Department would place Hikvision on an “entity list,” which requires American companies to get government approval before they conduct businesses with any foreign company listed. These limits would effectively place the company on a United States blacklist for potentially posing a threat to national security and privacy.

Hikvision products enable their clients to track anyone around the country by using technology that can analyze their facial features, body characteristics or gait. The emergence of new technology like artificial intelligence, speech monitoring and genetic testing is making monitoring networks, like the ones used by Hikvision, increasingly effective. The latest technology can also be used to monitor activity considered unusual by officials, such as people running or crowds gathering. Though useful for government officials to monitor its citizens, such technology can easily provide opportunities for these products to be intrusive on their customers’ privacy. Because of the economic, technological and geopolitical threat this could pose, the U.S. government is cracking down on technology companies like Hikvision and Huawei.

The fear of backdoors

After an investigation by Amazon on expensive servers that were installed for a company called Elemental by Super Micro Computer Inc. (commonly known as Supermicro), tiny microchips that weren’t a part of the boards’ original design were found nested on the servers’ motherboards. Amazon reported the discovery to U.S. authorities, sending a shock-wave through the intelligence community. After the ensuing probe, investigators determined that the chips, which were disguised as signal conditioning couplers, allowed the attackers to create a stealth doorway into any network that included the altered motherboards. These chips incorporated memory, networking capability and sufficient power for an attack. Essentially, anyone with access to the hidden backdoor could gain access to your private network — which includes your surveillance system.

These servers were discovered inside the data centers operated by dozens of other companies. As soon as these servers were installed and switched on, the microchip could alter the operating system’s core so it could accept modifications. This secret microchip also had the ability to contact computers controlled by hackers in search of further instructions and code.

Surveillance in China

In China, the surveillance industry is being used extensively to keep tabs on its own citizens. Their government is using surveillance technology, including facial recognition via CCTV cameras, to target certain ethnic groups who have accused the government of discriminating against their culture and religion. China has built what amounts to a police state in the country’s northwestern region — Xinjiang — which includes extensive surveillance powered by companies like Hikvision.

Chinese surveillance firms have also began exporting this technology to other nations like Ecuador, Zimbabwe, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, who also wish to monitor their citizens in a similar manner.

What this means for Hikvision customers

Hikvision is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of video surveillance products and is central to China’s ambitions to be the top global exporter in the surveillance industry. Due to the recent limitations and developments, American companies who currently supply products to Hikvision may have to receive government approval first. In the immediate future, businesses and individuals will still be permitted to buy Hikvision products. However, it is likely that over time these regulations will become stricter due to the threat that their products could pose to national security. Which means if you’re using a Hikvision system, you may lose support and the ability to buy replacement products from them in the near future.

Avoid Chinese knockoffs

We specialize in Geovision surveillance equipment, which is one of the most highly revered brands in the industry. With the growing interest in workplace security from companies throughout the nation, it’s important to consider where you’re getting your equipment. When you buy your equipment from untested or unreliable distributors, you’re taking more than just a security risk. Less reputable brands are infamous for advertising higher resolution than their cameras can output. Not to mention the features they advertise — like motion detection, facial recognition, infrared sensors and remote access — often don’t perform as well as they make it seem.

When you order your equipment from Camera Security Now, you’re not only getting the best brands in the industry — you’re also getting lifetime support, equipment and placement advice, installation and product-testing from a company with over 20 years of experience in the surveillance and security camera industry.

Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the camera solutions that your company needs, helping you ensure the security of your business, employees, and customers. To find out how easy it is to keep your company secure, request a quote today.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and follow us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.

Lyft announced a new suite of safety features and programs for its riders.

A man was driving down the road when a policeman stopped him. The officer looked in the back of the man’s truck and said, “Why are these penguins in your truck?”   The man replied, “These are my penguins. They belong to me.”   “You need to take them to the zoo,” the policeman said. […]

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A home invasion occurs every 18 seconds in the United States, so it’s little wonder that home security is an increasing concern for most homeowners. With the interest in home security camera systems growing, our own Andy Wendt recently sat down with Courtney Wheaton from ABC22/Fox45 to discuss the best options for home security camera systems and tips to help homeowners make the most of their systems. We’d like to thank Courtney for stopping by and for her interest in home security. Be sure to check out Courtney’s segment on ABC22/Fox45 and join us as we express our gratitude to her and the stations for the great service they are providing to the greater Dayton area by offering security camera advice to homeowners. Here are just a few of the advice, tips, and options we discussed with Courtney that can help you make your home or business more secure.

Focus on home security

According to a report by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 60% of convicted burglars stated that they avoided homes with security systems, including visible cameras, yard signs, or stickers on doors and windows. With only 14% of homes in the US protected by a security system, there’s always a less-risky target nearby. Even a basic, DIY home security system can make your home less tempting to potential thieves.

For most homeowners, a doorbell camera system is sufficient for providing basic security. Homeowners can easily install most of these systems themselves, without much hassle. Since doorbell cameras are often small and undetectable from a distance, be sure to display any lawn signage or window stickers provided with your kit to help deter burglars from targeting your home.

Keeping an eye on your home

Most home invasions occur during daylight hours, usually between 10am and 4pm, when intruders are less likely to get caught in the act by a homeowner or their family. It’s not uncommon for burglars to make several passes by a home, often even ringing the doorbell, prior to forcing entry into your home.

A simple doorbell camera system can be a budget-friendly deterrent for criminals and provide peace of mind for homeowners. No matter what time of the day or night your doorbell is rung, an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer notifies you when someone rings the doorbell and allows you to remotely view the person on your porch. Most versions even offer proximity motion-triggered recording, often as much as 30 feet from the camera itself.

In addition to helping ward off potential intruders, doorbell cameras can also help catch “porch pirates”, a particular concern during the holiday season, and can keep an eye on your mailbox when you’re traveling. And then there’s the priceless peace of mind of knowing who’s standing on outside your door when your doorbell goes off unexpectedly in the middle of the night.

At a price point of about $100 to $150, the price point of doorbell security camera systems makes them very pleasing to the wallets of homeowners. Doorbell security cameras are typically wireless and easy to install. Be sure to check your system to determine if its battery operated or needs to be connected to power. If your system is wired, the power comes from the same wiring that powers a standard doorbell. Within just a couple of hours, most homeowners can set up and begin viewing footage from their cameras.

Know your system’s limits

While doorbell camera systems provide a level of security for homeowners, it is important to know the limits of any system that you choose for your home. With proper research and planning, most homeowners can find the right home security camera system to help protect their residence.

While most doorbell cameras are wireless, hardwired power and data connections are more reliable. While your system should notify you when the batteries are low, batteries can die at any time, possibly leaving you without coverage. Another issue can be spotty internet, especially with Wi-Fi connections. If you frequently have issues with your Wi-Fi connection, you may want to seek out a system with a hardwired data connection.

Nearly all retail home security systems require that your cameras are connected to the internet. If you have a high-speed internet connection, this is usually not an issue. However, if you live in an area without access to high-speed internet, this is an issue that should be addressed prior to installing your system. Another important thing to remember is that anything on the internet is vulnerable to hackers and your camera’s feed could be viewed by others. With our commercial camera systems, your cameras do not require being connected to the internet.

With many home security systems, it may be surprising to learn that your recordings don’t always belong to you. While you can usually view the live images from your cameras at no additional charge, most doorbell and other home security camera systems actually charge a monthly fee in order to see playback of recorded footage. Some systems require a monthly fee for them to work at all. With one of our systems for businesses, the recording device, remote connection to that device, and all of the recordings belong to you with no additional monthly charge.

Home security systems, like doorbell cameras, are best when you need only one or two cameras, with most systems maxing out at four or eight cameras. For those who need a larger number of cameras or for several people to have access to the cameras, business security camera systems are usually recommended. We know how to manage systems of any size – whether you need 10 cameras or more than 128, our experts have the experience and skills needed to ensure that your system is set up properly and can scale up your system as needed. Our systems also offer access control and other features like PTZ, license plate reading, and RAID storage.

Our recommendations

To help homeowners make the right selection, we have tested several brands of residential camera systems, including Nest, Arlo, and Ring. All of these doorbell security camera systems are excellent options for homeowners with similar features and quality.

Our best in show recommendation goes to the Ring doorbell camera system. Ring is extremely easy to install, offers high-quality 1080p video day and night, features a slender design with changeable faceplates, and some versions even use pre-buffering technology to allow you to view even prior to motion triggering.

For our testers, the best wireless recommendation has to go to Arlo, which can support up 4 cameras. The battery life for Arlo cameras is surprisingly long, lasting at least two weeks, and is the solution we have used for our elevator cameras.

Trust the professionals

Andy Wendt, VP of Marketing, has been with our family of companies for more than 30 years and his experience and expertise in the security camera system industry is unparalleled. Andy and the team at Camera Security Now work closely with clients to find the best solution to meet their security needs, offering free site visits and security consultations for businesses, schools, and municipalities.

If you’re looking a one-stop shop for your security camera needs, look no further than the experienced professionals at Camera Security Now. Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the camera solutions that your company needs, helping you ensure the security of your business, employees, and customers. To find out how easy it is to keep your company secure, request a quote today.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and connect with us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

Our Most Popular Cities For Security Camera Installations

Camera Security Now is based in southwest Ohio and offers security camera systems and service throughout the country. Our headquarters is located in Middletown, Ohio and we are dedicated to the local communities and helping them protect their businesses, municipalities, schools and homes.

We have many loyal and satisfied customers throughout the area and are proud to be a part of the local tristate community. Some of our most popular cities for security camera installations include:

• Middletown, Ohio
• Dayton, Ohio
• Bellbrook, Ohio
• Springboro, Ohio
• Miamisburg, Ohio
• Englewood, Ohio
• Kettering, Ohio
• Centerville, Ohio

EchoGuard from Echodyne delivers multi-sensor ground and airspace security solutions for a range of governmental and commercial uses.

How safe is your business? Whether your enterprise is big or small in size, certain things can leave your company more susceptible to break-ins and theft. Do you know what to look out for?

We’ve compiled the top 50 ways your business is vulnerable to theft:

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1. You don’t have a high-quality video security system installed at your business
2. Your building exterior has poor outdoor lighting
3. You don’t have an access control system installed
4. You don’t do thorough background checks before hiring new employees
5. Employee theft
6. Your loading dock is un-monitored
7. Un-monitored cash registers
8. You keep cash in your cash registers when your business is closed
9. You don’t have a sign-in or check-in area for visitors and delivery personnel
10. Office computer passwords are not required to be changed every 30 days
11. Your office computers do not have anti-virus software installed
12. Access is not limited for shared folders and files on the network
13. The perimeter of your building is not being monitored
14. Your Wi-Fi network is unsecure
15. You don’t get copies of keys back from terminated employees
16. Visitors have access to your network hardware
17. Your facility does not have hidden cameras installed in high-traffic areas
18. Your warehouse is not being monitored
19. Supply rooms are left unlocked
20. You don’t run background checks on your cleaning service
21. Your front or back door is frequently propped open
22. Fraudulent claims
23. Fraudulent returns
24. You don’t keep important or sensitive documents in a locked area
25. You don’t shred discarded documents
26. Shoplifting
27. Till skimming
28. Embezzlement
29. In-accurate accounting
30. Credit card theft
31. Bad checks
32. You don’t perform schedule maintenance on your video security system
33. Not having a strong firewall for your network
34. Poor indoor lighting
35. Unprotected or unlocked windows
36. Unlocked or un-monitored cash offices
37. A clear view of equipment, cash registers or other items that are enticing to thieves
38. Liability claims
39. Benefits fraud
40. Your mail center is unsecured
41. You don’t require visitors to wear badges
42. You don’t require visitors to sign non-disclosure agreements
43. Big ticket merchandise is placed in windows or near doors
44. Not performing regular operating system updates on company computers and laptops
45. Unlocked computer equipment
46. Your company mobile phone is not password protected
47. You don’t monitor your business for signs of identity theft
48. You don’t limit access to company credit cards
49. You don’t watch your monthly credit card statements
50. You don’t require retail employees to sign in and out when working cash registers

Protecting your business and your assets from theft begins with educating yourself about the risks, and taking the necessary steps to reduce your risks, including installing a video security system.

Want to learn more about protecting your business? Call 877-995-2288 today to speak with our security experts, or get a free online business security needs analysis.

U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Doug Jones (D-Ala.) introduced the School Security Enhancement Act, a bill that would allow for Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants awarded to local communities to be used for evidence-based school safety technology and infrastructure.

As companies across the country continue to invest in workplace security, it’s no surprise that the number of companies offering security cameras is also growing in proportion. With the security of your employees, customers, vendors, equipment, and worksite on the line, it’s important to know that you’re in good company when selecting a company to install and service your security camera system. When it comes to providing our clients with the best experience, we know that high-quality customer service and professionalism are just as important as the products we offer. Here are just a few of the qualities that you should keep in mind when selecting a security camera system provider for your company.

The company you keep

As with most other things in life, businesses are often judged by the company they keep, so it’s important to make smart decisions about who you choose to associate your business with. Your security camera system vendor should always exceed your expectations, meet all deadlines, and provide the best service to you and your team.

Security Camera Now started as a regional provider of security camera solutions for businesses, local government, educational institutions, and individuals in the Southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky areas. While we’ve grown over the last 30 years to offer nationwide service, we’ve never lost our commitment to our local area. From Dayton, Ohio to Covington, Kentucky, we offer state of the art surveillance solutions to help our clients meet their security needs.

Thanks to the Tech Amy, our trusted network of installers and servicers, we are able to provide nationwide installation and service with the same dedication and commitment to service and quality that we offer to our hometown companies. Since we started in 1998, we have been everywhere and have seen everything. There is no security job too big, no problem too hard to solve, and no destination too remote for our team.

It’s all about integrity

Integrity is the backbone of good business. When looking for a security camera system provider, your potential partner should have a reputation for meeting commitments, staying on budget, and open and honest business practices. When the security of your team is on the line, don’t trust their safety to an untrustworthy provider.

You need to know that your security camera partner is looking out for the best interests of your company. That’s why our process starts with a free security consultation to better understand your needs and to answer any questions you might have. We work with you to understand your biggest security concerns, the scope of the project, your budget guidelines, and other information that will help us guide you to the right security camera system solution for your project.

While our team can work off schematics and floor plans to create a plan for the project before installation can occur we need to see and inspect the area where cameras will be needed. While on-site visits can be costly and delay the start of your project, our free one-hour security consultation and comprehensive site review allow us to expedite the process for your project. We work with you to set up and conduct the visit via Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts, or other video chat program and your representative walks us through the worksite, allowing us to see any obstructions that the install team might encounter or to address any additional concerns. Instead of spending a few hours with a technician on-site, we work with your representative to complete a digital site visit in a fraction of the time.

We know that every company is striving to keep costs as low as possible on every project while still meeting goals. That’s why we work with you to keep your security camera system project costs in check. Our up-front itemized pricing lets you know exactly what to expect, with no hidden fees or required monthly fee plans. While other vendors may low-ball their initial quote to get a foot in the door, our security consultation and site review allow us to provide you with an accurate quote for your project well in advance, which will come in handy when you need to get a capital expenditure request approved before the project starts.

A partner you can trust

Our commitment and promise to you are to always exceed your expectations for customer service and professionalism. From our 15-minute guaranteed response on quote requests to our quick response time on phone calls and emails, our commitment to service has always been a top priority. When you need a partner you can trust who is also a trusted partner in the community, look no further than Camera Security Now.

If you’re looking a one-stop shop for your security camera needs, look no further than the experienced professionals at Camera Security Now. Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the camera solutions that your company needs, helping you ensure the security of your business, employees, and customers. To find out how easy it is to keep your company secure, request a quote today.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and follow us on social media. Join in the discussion by commenting below.

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors has enacted to ban the use of facial recognition technology by police and all other municipal agencies.

Mobile phones are the new Credential Have we reached the tipping point? Will our smartphones become our new door key? It all depends on the number of smartphones in the population. One survey indicates that 81% of the US population owns a smartphone. As the percentage increases, there will be enough smartphones to enable the […]

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A home invasion occurs every 18 seconds in the United States, so it’s little wonder that home security is an increasing concern for most homeowners. With the interest in home security camera systems growing, our own Andy Wendt recently sat down with Courtney Wheaton from ABC22/Fox45 to discuss the best options for home security camera systems and tips to help homeowners make the most of their systems. We’d like to thank Courtney for stopping by and for her interest in home security. Be sure to check out Courtney’s segment on ABC22/Fox45 and join us as we express our gratitude to her and the stations for the great service they are providing to the greater Dayton area by offering security camera advice to homeowners. Here are just a few of the advice, tips, and options we discussed with Courtney that can help you make your home or business more secure.

Focus on home security

According to a report by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology, 60% of convicted burglars stated that they avoided homes with security systems, including visible cameras, yard signs, or stickers on doors and windows. With only 14% of homes in the US protected by a security system, there’s always a less-risky target nearby. Even a basic, DIY home security system can make your home less tempting to potential thieves.

For most homeowners, a doorbell camera system is sufficient for providing basic security. Homeowners can easily install most of these systems themselves, without much hassle. Since doorbell cameras are often small and undetectable from a distance, be sure to display any lawn signage or window stickers provided with your kit to help deter burglars from targeting your home.

Keeping an eye on your home

Most home invasions occur during daylight hours, usually between 10am and 4pm, when intruders are less likely to get caught in the act by a homeowner or their family. It’s not uncommon for burglars to make several passes by a home, often even ringing the doorbell, prior to forcing entry into your home.

A simple doorbell camera system can be a budget-friendly deterrent for criminals and provide peace of mind for homeowners. No matter what time of the day or night your doorbell is rung, an app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer notifies you when someone rings the doorbell and allows you to remotely view the person on your porch. Most versions even offer proximity motion-triggered recording, often as much as 30 feet from the camera itself.

In addition to helping ward off potential intruders, doorbell cameras can also help catch “porch pirates”, a particular concern during the holiday season, and can keep an eye on your mailbox when you’re traveling. And then there’s the priceless peace of mind of knowing who’s standing on outside your door when your doorbell goes off unexpectedly in the middle of the night.

At a price point of about $100 to $150, the price point of doorbell security camera systems makes them very pleasing to the wallets of homeowners. Doorbell security cameras are typically wireless and easy to install. Be sure to check your system to determine if its battery operated or needs to be connected to power. If your system is wired, the power comes from the same wiring that powers a standard doorbell. Within just a couple of hours, most homeowners can set up and begin viewing footage from their cameras.

Know your system’s limits

While doorbell camera systems provide a level of security for homeowners, it is important to know the limits of any system that you choose for your home. With proper research and planning, most homeowners can find the right home security camera system to help protect their residence.

While most doorbell cameras are wireless, hardwired power and data connections are more reliable. While your system should notify you when the batteries are low, batteries can die at any time, possibly leaving you without coverage. Another issue can be spotty internet, especially with Wi-Fi connections. If you frequently have issues with your Wi-Fi connection, you may want to seek out a system with a hardwired data connection.

Nearly all retail home security systems require that your cameras are connected to the internet. If you have a high-speed internet connection, this is usually not an issue. However, if you live in an area without access to high-speed internet, this is an issue that should be addressed prior to installing your system. Another important thing to remember is that anything on the internet is vulnerable to hackers and your camera’s feed could be viewed by others. With our commercial camera systems, your cameras do not require being connected to the internet.

With many home security systems, it may be surprising to learn that your recordings don’t always belong to you. While you can usually view the live images from your cameras at no additional charge, most doorbell and other home security camera systems actually charge a monthly fee in order to see playback of recorded footage. Some systems require a monthly fee for them to work at all. With one of our systems for businesses, the recording device, remote connection to that device, and all of the recordings belong to you with no additional monthly charge.

Home security systems, like doorbell cameras, are best when you need only one or two cameras, with most systems maxing out at four or eight cameras. For those who need a larger number of cameras or for several people to have access to the cameras, business security camera systems are usually recommended. We know how to manage systems of any size – whether you need 10 cameras or more than 128, our experts have the experience and skills needed to ensure that your system is set up properly and can scale up your system as needed. Our systems also offer access control and other features like PTZ, license plate reading, and RAID storage.

Our recommendations

To help homeowners make the right selection, we have tested several brands of residential camera systems, including Nest, Arlo, and Ring. All of these doorbell security camera systems are excellent options for homeowners with similar features and quality.

Our best in show recommendation goes to the Ring doorbell camera system. Ring is extremely easy to install, offers high-quality 1080p video day and night, features a slender design with changeable faceplates, and some versions even use pre-buffering technology to allow you to view even prior to motion triggering.

For our testers, the best wireless recommendation has to go to Arlo, which can support up 4 cameras. The battery life for Arlo cameras is surprisingly long, lasting at least two weeks, and is the solution we have used for our elevator cameras.

Trust the professionals

Andy Wendt, VP of Marketing, has been with our family of companies for more than 30 years and his experience and expertise in the security camera system industry is unparalleled. Andy and the team at Camera Security Now work closely with clients to find the best solution to meet their security needs, offering free site visits and security consultations for businesses, schools, and municipalities.

If you’re looking a one-stop shop for your security camera needs, look no further than the experienced professionals at Camera Security Now. Our camera service and installation professionals deliver the camera solutions that your company needs, helping you ensure the security of your business, employees, and customers. To find out how easy it is to keep your company secure, request a quote today.

Follow our blog to stay up-to-date with CameraSecurityNow.com and connect with us on social media. Join the discussion by commenting below.

Johns Hopkins University School of Education is creating a new center to study school safety and student health.

Studies conservatively estimate that a business can prevent 25-50% of criminal activity by employing a simple video security camera and/or system. At today’s crime rates, such an investment will pay for itself in months.

Here are some of the MANY ways that a security system can protect your business:

1. Fraudulent Claims

Some people make a career out of staging “slip and falls.” Fortunately, many of these claims have been successfully disputed by businesses using CCTV cameras in public areas.

However, it’s equally important that companies place CCTV cameras in areas of the business not accessible to the general public, where most claims of employee injuries occur.

2. Supply Theft

Products stored on a shelf in plain sight may be difficult for a thief to access. However, stockrooms are typically out of sight and out mind of a business manager, and make perfect targets for internal thieves. It only takes a single hidden security camera to identify where your supplies are going.

3. Returns Theft

Goods returned to a store are often held in separate storage spaces, and don’t get the same level of security as newer goods. However, thieves will quickly recognize this lack of attention, and consider them to be easy pickings.

4. Tool Theft

A typical company will keep ample supplies of expensive gear on hand. For some businesses, this gear may be considered safe from theft due its uniqueness, which makes it difficult to pawn.

Thanks to the abundance of online auction sites and shoppers, anything can be sold rather easily. This makes no business immune from theft.

5. Office Creepers

An unfortunate byproduct of busy offices with lots of expensive technology lying around is something we call “office creepers.” Office creepers will stroll right into the heart of any business and take their pick of laptops, monitors, printers, etc.

6. Productivity Loss

Websense has released studies that show business loss due to low productivity far outweighs more traditional means of theft. Recognize everything from low productivity to employees running separate web-based businesses while on the clock and stop that activity with a small investment in video security.

7. More Productivity Loss

Certainly, there are more common acts of everyday productivity loss with extended conversations, extended breaks, low accomplishment of tasks, and so on. These are common to almost every business, but confronting these offenders can be difficult to do from a legal standpoint.

8. Crimes Against Others

Inside any business, the company is not the only one with valuables. These days, both customers and employees enter a business equipped with a variety of items commonly targeted by thieves — including cell phones, laptops, cash, and personal information. And as such, also customers can become a prime target for thieves. Losing the trust of customers can do considerable harm to an otherwise successful business.

9. Customer Experience

Many of our business customers who are focused on customer service will employ body-worn video equipment and mystery shop their own business to document the true customer experience. This tactic quickly roots out the bad apples, and provides very powerful training videos to educate the company’s employees of how to properly interact with the customer.

10. Outside Locked Doors

In these tough times, desperate folks are even targeting things you wouldn’t normally think as valuable. At the top of this new list is metal — anything metal, from cooper wires for lighting, aluminum from air conditioners, and even storm drain covers.

It’s impossible to be everywhere in a business at all times — but with video surveillance systems you can get very close. When items are missing and questions arise, a quick review of footage recorded sometimes weeks ago will uncover the facts and enable you to take quick and decisive action. Modern video surveillance solutions are not only easy to use and affordable, they are also easy to install.

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