FAQs on Home Security Systems

If you have questions about home security systems, check out our blog for answers! We’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions and answers from our team. 

General Questions: 

What does a home alarm system consist of?

The typical system includes perimeter protection (doors and windows) linked to an alarm. It also may include interior protection, such as motion detectors, smoke, and CO monitoring. More information.

How much does it cost to install a security system?

Each home or business is unique, and that can affect the price. That’s why we start with a complimentary consultation to learn about your situation and recommend solutions that fit your needs.

Will I own the equipment?

Yes.

Can I access the system with my smartphone when I’m away from home?

Yes, there are options that allow you to remotely access your alarm system. You can view and run your security system from your smartphone or iPad with Honeywell Total Connect Services. Additionally, give us a call to discuss home automation options for your light switches and keyless door locks. More information.

Does the alarm work when the power is out?

Yes, a battery backup is included in your system.

Will I get a discount on my homeowner’s insurance when I purchase a security system?

Usually. It depends on the insurance company, but it’s worth checking as some offer discounts of up to 15 percent on homes with monitored systems.

Why would I need a monitoring service? Won’t the siren noise be enough protection?

Monitoring protects you and your home 24/7. Having and monitoring a home security system can increase your peace of mind, especially if you travel or have valuable items in your home. Our monitoring is provided by an award-winning company and will contact the police, fire, and medical emergency agencies. They are always there to call the authorities. For more information, see our blog on monitoring.

How much does monitoring cost?  

We offer reliable, low-cost monthly monitoring. Our monitoring starts at $31.95 for cellular monitoring.

How long is the monitoring agreement? 

Our monitoring contracts are just for 1 year. We don’t require long-term contracts.

What types of systems are compatible with Secur-Tek’s monitoring? We can monitor many types of systems. To determine if your specific system can be monitored, please call our office.

 

Security Upgrades, Camera Systems, and Monitoring: 

Can Secur-Tek upgrade my existing system? 

Yes, but it depends on the type of system you have. If you have a Honeywell home security system, we can upgrade your system by adding remote monitoring, cameras, and detectors for gas, smoke, and motion. If you have another type of system, we may be able to help — please call for a consultation or contact us.

How many cameras are needed to cover your home? The number of cameras you may need to safeguard your home depends on your home design. We can add cameras to enhance your protection; Secur-Tek offers a complimentary consultation where we look around your home and recommend how many cameras are needed and the locations to install them.

Who do I call for service on my Secur-Tek system? 

Secur-Tek Inc. stands by our products and the same reliable technicians install and service our systems. To set up a service call, please call our office at 919.387.1800

How do customers rate your service?  

We’re glad you asked! We have many customers who have been with us for years. You can check out our testimonial page to see what customers say about us. We also have many 5 Star ratings on Google.

 

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We hope you found this helpful. If you live in our service area and have further questions or would like an estimate on upgrading or monitoring your security system, please give us a call at 919.387.1800.

 

Secur-Tek, Inc. serves the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, Apex, including Cary, Clayton, Fuquay-Varina, Garner, Holly Springs, Pittsboro, and Wake Forest.  These are the North Carolina counties we service: Wake County, Chatham County, Durham County, Orange County, and Harnett County.

Business Security Systems Need to Protect Inside and Out

Business owners all strive to keep their businesses safe. Installing security systems, cameras, and access tracking are all part of burglar prevention for your business.

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But what about protecting your company from inside threats? According to a recent study, 20 percent of employees would sell their work passwords to a competitor.

“The research by identity management company Sailpoint, found that of those who would sell their passwords, 44 percent would do it for less than $1,000, and some for less than $100. This is made worse by the fact that 65 percent admit to using a single password among applications and 32 percent share passwords with their co-workers.”

Less than $100. That could be all that’s standing between you and a hacker who takes down your business. While we all want to believe the people we hire are good, moral employees who would not do something like that, we simply do not know what people have been through, what life situations may drive their behavior.

Business security systems that keep intruders out are important, but just as vital are your internal security procedures. Take a look at this checklist of things to review to keep your data safe:

  • Employee access – Secur-Tek can help you control access to the business itself, and to certain rooms. But what about who has access to your important data? Of course employees need to have a certain level of access to data, and programs to do their jobs. Maybe you already track who has access to what while they are employed with you. But what happens after that employee leaves? The above survey found that more than two in five employees still have corporate account access after they leave their job. Do you have security procedures in place to revoke access or change passwords?
  • Uploads to the cloud – Well-meaning employees may be uploading data to the cloud using various storage programs. While it’s useful to backup information in case of a crash, be sure to confirm which information is uploaded where. If you don’t have a secure server set up, your data may be at risk.
  • Downloads – In large companies, employees are supposed to check with the IT department before downloading any software or installing anything. Studies show this does not always happen. Employees get impatient with the extra layer of process. As a small business owner, you may not have an IT department, or may not have oversight of what your team downloads. But one wrong program means a virus or malware or spyware, putting your business at risk. Make a list of approved programs and check all the computers in the office on a monthly basis. While this sounds big brother, your employee is not the one whose business is at risk.

Secur-Tek works to keep your business secure from the outside. Be sure to consider what security measures you take inside your company to keep it safe.

CCTV By Secur-Tek: Keeping the Triangle Safe and Secure

CCTV imageIf you live in Apex, NC or across the surrounding Triangle region and you own a business of any size, Secur-Tek Inc. has the product to have on-site that just might make all the difference in the success of your company.

Secur-Tek knows that business owners can always benefit from a closed circuit television system (CCTV).  Whether it’s an issue of trust, safety or just for peace of mind, CCTV can provide an aspect of protection to any business.  Just the presence of security cameras in customer and employee areas will often minimize issues ensuring the safety of your operation.

Secur-Tek of Apex, the premier installer of CCTV systems in North Carolina, offers any size system, from one to one hundred cameras that can be installed and configured by our installation team!  Custom specifications make each system unique and tailored to each and every business.

CCTV systems are highly effective in:

  • Monitoring and ensuring safe practices in an industrial or warehouse setting.
  • Discouraging theft within a business from both external and internal parties!
  • Reviewing performance of employees in action, both in real time and in replay.
  • Reviewing inconsistencies in normal operation.

If you have any doubts about your employees, or feel like heightening security could positively affect your business, do not hesitate to call today for an estimate of the cost of your custom developed system.

At Secur-Tek we offer:

  • Customizable specifications that allow total flexibility of your system.
  • PC based systems that easily monitor and keep track from the computer and related devices!
  • Remote video transmission systems to make it even easier to review the video
  • Strictly observation systems, for an affordable protection option.

Choose the system and functions that work best for your operation, and we take it from there!  You will benefit greatly in safety from the addition of every level of added protection.  Call Secur-Tek Inc. today to explore the options and make a change for the better!

Security & Home Automation