What Makes A Security System Smart?

June 15th, 2022



A smart home can be a few different things depending on how you set it up.  At its heart, a smart home can connect otherwise unconnected appliances and devices, and this makes it easier to control music, TV, the temperature, the oven, and so on from a single spot.  Some smart homes respond to voice commands, some work with smartphone apps, and many can work with both.

A smart security system adds this same convenience to your home security.  In fact, with the right products and the right security company in Chico, CA your security system can act as the backbone of your smart home.  Still, the main purpose of a smart security system is to connect all the different security features you install so they all work and communicate together.

Wireless Locks

No security system is complete without access control, a way to keep the wrong people out while letting the right people in.  Most homes provide this with deadbolt locks, but with a smart security system you can upgrade this to an electronic lock you can lock or unlock remotely.  You can also have a system that recognizes a signal from your smartphone, a key code, or a biometric scan that checks things like fingerprints, irises, or faces.  This gives your Chico, CA a comprehensive and convenient way to get inside without needing to fumble for the right key.

Coordinated Cameras And Alarms

There are many ways that surveillance cameras and alarm systems can also integrate into a smart home.  Cameras with facial recognition can be part of an electronic lock, and with motion detection they can save power and hard drive space by only recording when something is moving in front of them.  You can also have the alarm system turn on the cameras when someone sets them off or have it trigger when the electronic is broken or disabled.  With a smart security system you also won’t have to run over to the security panel every time you come home.

Smart Security Safeguards

While a smart security system is convenient and effective compared to normal home security, you should keep in mind that it will also be convenient to someone who manages to hack into your home network.  That means you need to choose security systems with protections against cybercrimes, protections like encryption, passwords, firewalls, and antimalware software.  You should also make sure you use these protections, because setting a security alarm with a default password is like getting an electronic lock but never locking it.

A smart security system adds convenience and extra protections that go above and beyond other setups, but it also adds new vulnerabilities that you need to account for and protect against.  That’s why it’s important to choose a security company in Chico, CA with years of experience and a strong understanding of how a smart security system works.  With the right protections in place, a smart security system can even make your computers and mobile devices more secure.

What Our Customers Say

"I had the Alibi system installed several years ago. It has functioned flawlessly. The image quality is exellent both night and day and in all weather conditions. I particularly like the replay (which can be set at various speeds) and zoom functions of the system. Tech support from Crimefreeliving has been excellent. I have received quick responses to questions, and timely home visits — as when I changed IP carriers and my Alibi system needed to be reset. I have recommended Crimefreeliving to several friends."

Rich

"As a small business owner here in Chico we definitely saw the need for video surveillance. After expressing our needs and concerns Tim did an excellent job getting us set up with the set up with the appropriate equipment. He really took the time to address our concerns in a very friendly, professional and knowledgeable manner. I highly recommend Tim for all of your business and residential video surveillance needs."

Ron H., Owner/Auto Doctor

"I have to say I love having my security cameras at my home. Tim Truby did a wonderful job of installing the five cameras. He is very neat and cleaned everything up after the installation. He explained to me how to operate the monitor, my phone and IPad. However, I have had to call Tim because I'm not tech savvy and forget what he has told me. He usually just helps me over the phone and then all is well. I'm 80 years old and enjoy the comfort of knowing I have these security cameras."

Gloria

"Tim Truby designed and installed a 32 camera system for us here at the Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District. We had received several other quotes from security system vendors, but Tim’s quote was the least expensive. Tim also installed the system quickly and has always been available when we needed him. We are very happy with our security camera system and we can highly recommend Tim Truby for all of your surveillance system needs."

D. Weseman, Butte County Mosquito and Vector Control District

Crime Free Living updated our old video system with a new 16 Channel HD Alibi Video Security System. The old system had been added onto by different installers which resulted in a cabling mess. There were cables that worked and cables that went nowhere. It was a mess. Tim sorted it all out and installed cameras that are very clear. He also installed a monitor for our cashiers to watch hidden areas, a monitor to watch the entry door, and a monitor that allows employees to watch the outside parking and gas pump area. All work was done on time and very professional! Will always recommend Tim and Crime Free Living.

S. AM PM Chico Arco Station

"I had Tim install an Alibi Video Security System at my residence and a couple business locations. The remote view option is invaluable to absentee owners or anyone who travels a lot. The clarity and quality of the cameras have allowed for viewing employee theft. The evidence provided from the HD video cameras was fantastic! Tim was professional and provided extra value from his law enforcement background."

J. Folsom Arco Station

"Tim, I want to thank you again for doing such a fantastic job on installing a wireless IP security camera system at our dream home. The extra time that you took to hide wires, and install a clean, professional system is much appreciated. I still can’t believe the clarity, quality, and ease of use of this new system. I wished that I would have met you before our original inferior system was installed by another company. Now, whether I am at home, or monitoring the system from around the world, I know that my home and family are safe and sound."

John M.

"In April of 2017, my husband and I made a phone call to Crime Free Living that turned out to be a smart and wise decision. Amazingly, in just a few hours, Tim installed four Dome Security Cameras, weatherproof enclosures, and hooked up into our home a 23" Full HD Widescreen Security Monitor. Even more than his professional expertise was the time spent with us in making sure that this system was working correctly and properly installed on our phones so that anywhere in our travels we can monitor our new home in Magalia."

Tieka and Don S.

"I have been using Crime Free Living for the last couple years ar work and at home and I really recommend this product. Tim is a very good service provider. If he can't figure it out, he's got good tech support with the system that he offers."

Gary D.

"I have known Tim for over 10 years. To date, Time with Crime Free Living has installed two separate surveillance systems for my company. With each system, Tim has listened to my needs and custom dsigned surveillance systems for my specific needs and within my budget. The equipment used is always state of the art, the workmanship is top notch, and Tim is the example of trustworthy. I would recommend him for any job."

Steve D., Down Range Indoor Training Center

images Certifications & Training

With 16 years of experience in law enforcement, Tim Truby, CEO, is fully certified in video surveillance and training.

  • Certified Advanced Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Academy Instructor Certification
  • California POST Certification in Specialized Surveillance Equipment
  • California POST Certification in Basic Crime Prevention
    • Advanced Crime Prevention through Environmental Design
    • Certified Alibi Security Dealer
    • Enhanced Risk and Threat Assessment (FEMA)
    • Incident Command System (100 & 200)
    • Certified Cognitech Video Forensic Investigator
    • Neighborhood Watch Toolkit Trainer
    • Computer Crimes/Investigations
    • Domestic Crisis for Crisis Negotiators
    Call (530) 327-7268