Cloud Based Security Systems - Do They Work?

I've been researching home security systems and most seem to be cloud based. After my initial research I've concluded that a reasonably intelligent burglar would cut power to the house before entering. No router, no wifi, no ability to record. Is it really that easy to disable such a system or have I missed something?

Comments

  • If they cut the power then your normal security system will also fail unless it has battery backup.

    • They (old style) do have a battery and they also alert on power cuts. Gets old tho

  • I was wondering if I'd missed something. There are battery operated cameras and local storage - it just means hiding them. It would be nice to get an sms too. I will research these things if current popular offerings are that easily disabled. Apparently (I'm still reading) cloud based stuff has been hacked too.

  • Actually, battery backup sounds like the best solution. And recording locally. And sending an sms.

  • https://cloud.cioreview.com/news/the-threat-behind--rewardin…

    These dudes point out the obvious security issues with cloud based security. They seem to think that eventually an impregnable firewall will be created - that seems delusional and out of touch.

  • +1

    You can put 1 camera pointing your power box, also you can use PoE camera with UPS.

  • Buy a UPS. It can be really handy in the long run. Like having WIFI when there is a blackout.

    • Thankyou both. I don't want to be too tied to technology. I found this: https://www.jbhifi.com.au/uniden/uniden-guardian-wire-free-f…

      It uses cr123a batteries for a backup. And I also found that these are available as rechargable. And the people that own them seem pretty happy with them. The arlo has a siren, which is good, but it is at the hub, which is kind of useless. A siren would be good too, at the front door. Normally I wouldn't bother with security, but now it is a requirement. It also records to micro sd. Just read again, it looks like battery power only. Battery backup would be better.

  • Don't think too hard. Intelligent burglar would ware a masks, and for dumb burglar cop wouldn't do much unless large sums/criminal activity/drugs involved. They just say fill up the case report and ask you to claim it from your insurance.
    Security camera more of a deterrence/alarm than anything.

    • It just seems silly that all you have to do to disable a lot of security systems is flick a switch. We have recently moved to a new house (new to us) and it has a motorised roller door. We were using it like everyone else until one day I got locked out. I was able to lift the bottom of the door enough to get inside. Just dumb. If I were a burglar I'd choose houses with roller doors, flick the switch in the power box, wear a balaclava and go to work.

      Oh, you need to lock your roller door - that's effective enough compared to the rest of the house.

      • Only real benefit of security camera is to deter some burglars and can help as evidence for drive by major crimes that happen within your street, I have seen that helped in few times.
        If you got too many cameras around the house, someone will definitely break to you, think that you got drugs or something :)

        • Thanks for that. Your attitude seems "realistic" :)

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