Santa Discovers Smart Home Technology

 

Security Cameras Susceptible to Hacking?

It seems every day I read another story about a burglar being caught because the homeowner had a security camera in place that captured images of the intruder.

More and more burglars are learning the hard way what home security cameras can accomplish, which is a good thing.

Not All Home Security Cameras Offer the Same Protection

However, there is a dark side to home security cameras that is working its way into the public’s awareness – and that is just how easy it is to hack some of these devices.

If you’re like most people, you don’t want to give up your privacy to get some added peace of mind. And it happens that not all home security cameras offer the same level of security. Some homeowners are often remiss in setting up what few security measure may be available, as revealed in this story, out of Phoenix.

    Phoenix and Scottsdale residents had no idea their home security cameras were hacked. We found live streams of people’s bedrooms, living rooms, and playrooms, the inside of their homes streaming online for everyone to see.

That’s right: you may think you are the only one who has access to what your wireless home security cameras are seeing – but that is not necessarily the case.

How the Hackers Did It

    Security experts say homes that were hacked were using the default password. “Many cameras and devices in general, because they want you to be able to access the device for the first time, will have a default password,” said Matthews. Sometimes the default username and password is “admin,” or “admin” and “1234.” Companies expect customers to change the default passwords, but lots of people don’t.

Well, that tells part of the story. The truth is that some of these cameras are not that hard to hack even with a customized password in place. It’s just as important to buy cameras with higher levels of built-in security.

Make Sure You Shop Wisely

We agree that hacking is common – and will only become more so. This is why it is very important to make sure you utilize every security feature available to you.

It starts before that, with the equipment you buy. Some home security cameras have more robust anti-hacking protection than others. You should not have to spend a ton of money, but it probably makes sense to ask the right questions, and then spend a little more to get the peace of mind you deserve.

Diny's Jewelers Updated Holiday Hours

Christmas is just right around the corner so don't wait to pick up that amazing piece of jewelry for your loved one. We have a variety of price ranges to fit any budget. Happy Holidays from all of us at Diny's Jewelers!

1903 Cayuga St. Suite 105, Middleton WI 53562 • 608-831-3469

Engagement Rings - A Word From Beverly Diny

The most romantic and meaningful jewelry items you will give a woman can hold memories of a lifetime. The engagement ring being the most important as two people make a commitment to each other.

The diamond earrings as she looks at herself in the mirror, holds warm thoughts of how you love her. The necklace she wears near her heart tells a story of her life, personality, and values.  The luxury of receiving a diamond bracelet gives her a hug that she is cherished.

The Best days of our lives, are the good memorable ones... The ones that make us smile when we have a quiet moment to reflect. What a woman loves most is when a man cares enough to mark a moment in her life. The most important life changing day for two people can be the day you get engaged. Two people making a commitment to each other.

Celebrating the big moments in life; birthdays, anniversaries, and an accomplishment of a job well done. And so the best gift can be the unexpected gift at an unexpected time. Marking the moments with an ever enjoyable memory.

Giving diamonds that are everlasting, warm and bright can give the effect of giving an everlasting hug.

Do You Really Need A Home Security System?

The Answer is yes!

 

  According to Alarm System Report, over 2 million home burglaries are reported in the United States each year and, on average, a burglary of a home in the U.S. occurs every 13 seconds-or about four burglaries a minute, 240 an hour, and nearly 6,000 a day.

 Both homeowners and renters need to consider these statistics when it comes to protecting their families, roommates, and possessions. One potential deterrent to home burglaries is a home security system, which, according to statistics, does have an effect on whether or not a burglary will be successful. 

 Despite any numbers or fears of break-ins, only 14 percent of U.S. residents have an anti-burglar alarm protection system installed in their homes. With crime rates increasing in metro cities especially, now is the time to decide if investing in a security system is the right decision for you.

By The Numbers

Statistics paint an interesting picture as to how home security systems and alarm monitoring can affect crime rates and home burglaries. For example, the FBI burglary rates of homes states that 1 in 3 homes without a security system will fall victim to a burglary as compared to 1 in 250 homes that do have a security system.

 Fifty-nine percent of home burglaries occur during the day while residents are at work or at school, and homes with a lot of cover, such as from trees, fences, and gardens, are most commonly broken into. Most break-ins occur in July and August, and February has the least amount of break-ins on average. Statistics show that more than 95 percent of burglaries involve break-in by force, such as by breaking a window or door lock. In many cases, a security system could prevent homes from becoming a part of these statistics.  

Pros and Cons of a Security System

The main and most essential reason to invest in a security system is to deter crime in your home. According to the Electronic Security Association's "Home Safety Fast Facts" report, 9 out of 10 burglars said that if they encountered an alarm or home security system, they would not attack the home. According to the Greenwich Study of Residential Security report, homes without a security system are 2.7 to 3.5 times more likely to be subject to a burglary. Thus, in addition to precautions like window locks and deadbolts on doors, a security system is a prime candidate for your home safety options.

 Often the main deterrent for people thinking about getting a home security system is the cost, which usually includes a monthly bill and any initial installation products and fees. You may not think the cost is worth covering the potential risks-a decision that only you can make for yourself.  

Pros and Cons of Alarm Monitoring

Not only can you invest in a security system itself, but alarm monitoring services are also crucial. Instead of just protecting your home, these types of systems can alert a company monitoring your home for you, send you messages regarding the status of your home, alert the police in the case of a break-in, and so forth. This can offer your home an even more complete security package, as someone will be safeguarding your home just as intently as you are.

 Another important reason to invest in alarm monitoring is for smoke and fire detection, which often comes as part of the security package. Whether it's a cooking mishap or an electrical issue or spark from your central heating unit, fireplace, water heater, heating stove, and so on, it's important to have an alarm monitoring system that can report the fire quickly-possibly even before you can. Fires can be dangerous and cause a lot of damage, so it's important to prepare and protect your home in any way possible.

Akin to security systems, cost is often the main drawback for some when they look into getting an alarm monitoring system. Monthly fees and initial setup costs can add up, but the safety of your home may still make these costs worth it to you.

Cost and Savings of Security Systems 

The cost of security systems can vary widely with different monthly fees and contracts. Depending on the way you look at the costs versus the savings, security systems may or may not make sense for your home.

A 2005 FBI study showed the average burglary will result in $1,725 in losses and, depending on the area, a home could have a 25 percent chance of being burglarized each year. This means that a homeowner has a 1 in 4 chance of losing around $1,725 a year from a burglary. While monthly fees certainly can vary, a basic security system will cost you far less than what the average burglary will cost you. And, depending on your policy, your homeowners insurance may be reduced by up to 20 percent just because you have a security system installed in your home.

A security system may ultimately be less of an expense when you include all of the potential savings. As compared to the yearly $1,725 average loss of a burglary, you could potentially have years of home security before reaching how much you could lose from just one burglary without a security system.

If you're interested in learning more about security systems and comparing features and prices please touch base with JK Security in Madison. You can call 1-608-255-5799 to speak to a JK Security Specialist for more information and a better understanding of your options.

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas - Diny's Jewelry

Have you procrastinated about buying that special gift for your loved one?

 

Don't worry, Diny's Jewelers in Madison can help!  

We're open late so please swing in Madison's Most Recommended Jewelry Store 

 
 

Home Security Monitoring Special

Stop being overcharged for your monthly Home Security Monitoring when J&K can service it for as low as $18.00 a month!  Please review the details below and then either give us a buzz at our Madison location, 608.255.5799 or simply fill out this form. 

We’ll get right back to you and answer any questions you might have.

• 24-hour monitoring
• We can monitor almost ANY alarm system!
• One-time $50.00 takeover fee
• No Contracts – Ever!

The Question: How much does it cost to paint a house Madison?

Hello my name is Josh Shaffer owner of Epic Painting llc. Thank you for taking the time to inquire about epic painting and our services. I'd like to first start off by letting you know that I prefer to personally look at every property/job if possible before giving an estimate as every situation / may pose its unique challenges that require more time and or materials. 

Below I will be listing a range of prices for interior and exterior projects commercial and residential. Obviously each project needs to be estimated/evaluated by me or a representative to determine the Scope and Product to be used.

INTERIOR

Paint jobs range from $400 - $5,000
Bedroom; $250-550
Bathroom; $225-$450
Kitchen; $175-$400
Hall/Stair case; $325-$525
Trim painting ($1.25/lnft) if primed
Doors $125 two coats if primed

ADDITIONAL FEATURES/COSTS

ADD $150-$300 FOR WALLPAPER REMOVAL PER ROOM
ADD $45/MAN HR FOR ADDITIONAL ADD ON’S $35/MAN HR IF UTILIZING WINTER DISCOUNT
ADD $100-$350 FOR CLOSETS
These prices are based on homes painted in the Madison, WI area by Epic Painting llc. All labor and materials are provided in the cost estimates. This is for informational purposed only for an accurate estimate please contact Epic Painting llc 608-446-2322 or email epicpaintingllc@yahoo.com to set up an appointment for an estimate.
*Most Exteriors will need two coats*

EXTERIOR

Important determining factors to keep in mind are; Size and Height of the house, Siding material and condition of said siding.
Paint jobs range from $2,000 - $8,500 depending on the scope of the project
One story ranch homes: $2,000-$3,500 (800-1,600sqft)
Two story: $3,200-$5,800 (1,500-4,500sqft)
Three story; $5,000-$8,500 (3,500-6,500sqft)

PREP NEEDED

Lead-safe preparation is standard for houses with wood siding build before 1978
Minor prep: $0-$600 power washing, spot-prime, 1-6 tubes of paintable caulk.
Average prep: $600-$2,000 includes scraping (lead-safe) for two days, spot-priming multiple areas, 6-12 tubes of caulk.
Extensive prep: $2,000-$4,000 includes one week or more of scraping, full coat of primer on entire exterior, 10-50 tubes of caulk.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES/COSTS

ADD TO PREVIOUS TOTALS…
Pouches: $500-$1,100 per porch, including the floor, spindles and hand rails
Multi-colors: $500-$1,000 for 3 or more colors
Extensive fascia/trim: $500-$900
Gutters/downspouts: $275-$650
Foundation: $300-$800
Window sashes: $50-125/sash
Doors: $75-$125/door
Shutters: $150-$400 sprayed (2coats)

I hope this information helps you in setting a budget/plan for your painting needs!

Thank you for your time,

Josh Shaffer

Epic Painting LLC

608-446-2322

Epic-Painting.com