Showing posts with label chicago security cameras. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chicago security cameras. Show all posts

Sunday, August 29, 2021

How to recover recordings from a security camera?

Do you have a business or home with video surveillance cameras installed? You are probably worried about what to do in case these devices fail or stop capturing images. That is why in this note we explain how to recover recordings from security cameras in Chicago.

 First approaches on how to recover recordings from a security camera.

 Security cameras are designed to operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All manufacturers and suppliers agree on that. In fact, these electronic security devices are very tough in that regard. Therefore, the occasions in which they stop capturing images on video are rare.


As an additional feature, digital security camera installation in Chicago, whose image transmission depends on an Internet connection, can continue to record, even if access to the network is interrupted . Therefore, they are teams prepared to face different adverse situations. In this sense, most computers have a slot for micro SD memory.

 Do you want to know how to recover recordings from a security camera in case they fail?

It is worth knowing which are the most common cases in which a security camera stops working :

 1. Power outage and battery consumption

 IP cameras usually have a power connection at the perimeter where they are located. If the building or the space where they are installed suffers a power outage, then the camera may be affected. Many models are equipped with a rechargeable lithium battery. However, it only provides autonomy to function that goes from 48 to 72 hours . After that time, the battery will run out and the camera will be turned off.

 2. Configuration failure

 Electronic devices have many built-in components, microparts, and software. Sometimes these can fail, either due to a manufacturing defect or human error during the pre-configuration of the equipment.

 3. Computer attack

 The cybercriminals have sophisticated tools to attack entire networks of hardware. In this sense, IP cameras can be subject to a computer hack , since they connect to the Internet using a WiFi connection. If hackers enter this connection, they can manipulate the equipment, deactivating it or stealing the stored data.

 4. Structural problem

 Usually surveillance cameras are installed on walls or ceilings . So if some kind of infrastructure failure occurs, such as a leak, crack, or surface drop, the camera can be impaired in its functions.

 5. Physical sabotage

 If a criminal manages to enter the security perimeter, they can attempt to sabotage electronic security equipment in their path. That is why there is a great risk that it will attack the cameras, knocking them down or disconnecting them.

 Knowing how to recover recordings from a security camera

Next, you will know the main ways to recover recordings from an affected device in its normal functions:

 1. Removing and checking the SD memory

It can be said that the first alternative to access the recording of a security camera that interrupted its transmission is to extract and analyze its integrated SD memory. This can be placed on a computer or smartphone and from there saved recordings can be viewed.

 2. Computer forensics

 Also, if this technique is not effective, then you can enlist the help of an expert computer forensic technician . These professionals have the necessary experience to detect, analyze and recover data from devices that are unusable or that have been the object of some damage.

 3. Inspection of the central monitoring station

 In a different vein, the wanted recording may have been transmitted to the central monitoring station before the camera was deactivated. If this is the case , it is necessary to carry out a legal expert opinion on the central database. Then all the video recordings you have received from the affected camera will need to be reviewed.

 Conclusions on how to recover recordings from a security camera

 If you have security cameras in your facilities, you should not worry about a possible loss of data. There are very efficient methods to recover them. In that way, we answer the question about how to recover recordings from a security camera systems in Chicago.

 


Wednesday, February 3, 2021

Types of access control: which to use in each situation

 

Have you ever heard that someone "was in the wrong place at the wrong time"? This expression has everything to do with today's text. It usually refers to someone who has suffered something because he or she is not supposed to, but sometimes it can be even worse.

 

Imagine that you have priceless assets at home or in your office. In addition to financial resources, they are important to you and losing them is unimaginable. How could it be possible to protect the environment so that nothing unforeseen or improper can happen?

 

 In addition to investing in monitoring with images, alarm systems and security equipment, it is essential to adopt specific types of access control, in order to prevent unauthorized persons from entering. This restrictive measure is valid both to eliminate the risks of a crime, such as theft or robbery, and to block circumstances such as accidents, which can result in property damage.

 Managing the entry and exit of people is, above all, providing more security for those who frequent a house, company or condominium. But some solutions are not the most suitable as they prevent access even to those who must enter certain areas. How, then, to combine practicality and efficiency in the management of access permissions?

 There are a number of devices that can be used in environments of different sizes. But given the numerous device offerings, each with its own specifics, what is the ideal solution for each situation?

 House, condominium or company: know the types of Access Control in Chicago

 In homes, access control can be done at external gates to identify residents and visitors, at the garage door and at the main doors of the house or apartment.

  • Doorphone  - equipment that works with an internal telephone and an external extension, such as a wireless intercom, and allows you to answer the door without leaving your home.
  • Video intercom - with the video intercom, in addition to talking to the outside environment, you can see the visitor - even in times of low light, and open the garage door or gate.
  • Digital locks for the entrance doors - the digital lock is practical: it does not require the use of keys, freeing access by means of passwords, proximity cards or biometrics. There are overlapping models , which can be placed next to the conventional lock, as well as recessed ones , all with anti-burglar alarm, open door sensor, password protected function and automatic locking.

 In the condominiums

 In this case, as it is necessary to manage a larger number of people, the devices also need to be able to register more users. There are still more access areas, so it is worth having different equipment.

  • Condominium access control system - this type of integrated solution makes the entry and exit of people and vehicles efficient, in addition to allowing the management of common areas. Accesses can be done in different ways: by biometrics (fingerprint access), vehicle tag, vehicle remote control, proximity tag, intercom and password, all integrated into an electronic concierge, providing security, practicality and comfort to residents of the condominium . In addition, it records and manages the entire flow of people and vehicles through state-of-the-art devices and has a condominium access management system, a software that shows in real time detailed information about users, such as photos, license plates and locations accessed with date and time. Understand how control is done for:
  • Vehicle entry and exit - the opening of the gates can be done by remote control or by vehicle tag connected to the long distance vehicle reader, which causes the gate to open automatically when the vehicle with the tag approaches the garage. When integrated into the management system, it also registers the vehicles that accessed the condominium;
  • People entering and leaving - access can be done in different ways - passwords, tags and biometrics - and must also be integrated into the management system;
  • Management of common areas - spaces such as a ballroom, gym and swimming pool also gain more security and there is better management of use with the use of access controllers. In these cases, the most appropriate is to use devices with a password or proximity tags release and also keep the records updated and integrated into the management system. Thus, in the case of some depredation, for example, the liquidator can easily identify the plaintiff.
  • IP video system for condominiums - the system brings the image quality of IP technology to video door equipment. If the visitor is not served by the apartment, the system offers the possibility of recording audio and video messages, which can be accessed later by the resident. If the visitor chooses not to leave a message, the system automatically takes photos, allowing the resident to see who called his apartment during his absence. The resident can also answer and make internal calls, allow access or monitor the security cameras of his condominium from inside his apartment.

 In companies

 To control access to the company or strategic areas of the organization - security room, CPDs and data centers, finance and stock, for example - equipment similar to condominiums can be used. Thus, the entrances and exits of the institution, both for employees and service providers, can be efficiently managed through passwords, tags, approach cards, biometrics or facial recognition.

 In addition, the solutions can also be linked to management software that stores reports and enables remote, real-time management, authorizing or removing permissions easily and quickly.

 Regarding access control for companies, we suggest reading these two other articles: " Access control systems: the various benefits of the application ", which shows more advantages of the solution, such as overtime management; and “ Shared business: how to control people's access ”, which brings specific solutions to this new and growing market niche.

 The different levels of access control security

 As we have seen, there are different products to allow and manage the access of people and vehicles in homes, condominiums and companies. Each product has its features and objectives.

 But another point that deserves attention is the level of security that identification technologies offer. Depending on the type of access control chosen, there are one or more user authentication and release methods. And they can be listed in this way, according to their degree of efficiency and reliability:

  • Level 1 for the password keypad - the most widely used method, it allows access by registering a numerical sequence for each user. In many equipments it is possible to identify the typed sequence, as well as the numbers can be passed (intentionally or not), facilitating access by third parties before being blocked in the system;
  • Level 2 for the proximity reader - cards or tags containing a radio frequency identification (RFID) chip are used for release. The user receives a card or tag (to be returned or not) that needs to be approached by the reader, positioned next to the gate, elevator, access ratchet or entrance door. The greatest weakness of this system is that users can lose or pass on the card, so that it can be used improperly by third parties before being blocked by the system;
  • Level 3 for the biometric reader - in this case, access is through fingerprint recognition, which is a unique data for each individual. Thus, the person's information is linked to his fingerprint, and each time he accesses the environment, he must insert his fingertip into the reader. To avoid failures, companies that have quality readers should be chosen for faster, more accurate and reliable verification;
  • Level 4 for facial recognition- it is the most accurate and the most difficult to be circumvented. This is because the recording is made by measuring points on the face, such as the length of the jaw line, size of the skull, distance between the eyes, width of the nose, among others, making it even more reliable. Through the camera and the equipment's facial reading software, a face is automatically encoded in a digital sequence and attached to the individual's record. Thus, every time it passes through the controller, the facial information will be compared with the database. The person is identified, regardless of the haircut, the use or not of glasses, for example, and access is allowed. It is worth noting that the system only performs facial reading, not recognizing photographs or other images such as documents, for example.

Related Post: 5 reasons to invest in your company's access control

 

Sunday, September 20, 2020

3 tips to get the most out of your renovation

 Are you thinking of refurbishing your first house, or even remodeling your home once your children have left the nest? In any case, your renovation is an important turn that should be negotiated wisely.

 Today there are a large number of technological solutions to improve your safety and comfort. And, icing on the cake: investment is not necessarily important! Here are three helpful tips for getting the most out of your renovation.

 1. Choose smart devices

 Modern technology offers all the tools that can make your home smarter. All you need is a smartphone, an internet connection, and one or more smart app (s). With the multiplicity of smart devices available on the market, the possibilities are virtually endless. It is you who determine the "degree of intelligence" of your home. Here are some examples of smart devices :

 Smart doorbell and lock

 A connected doorbell allows you to see, from your smartphone, which is ringing at your door and to communicate remotely with your visitor. If it is someone you know, you can, thanks to the smart lock and by means of a simple command on your smartphone, let him in while waiting for you.

 Smart lamps and sockets

 The principle of connected lighting is based on the remote management of your light through a user-friendly application, installed on your smartphone. You also have the possibility of managing your lamps according to your needs and your activity. For example, the lights can turn on automatically when you enter a room and turn off when you leave.

Related Post: Weaknesses in business security: alarm systems

 Smart thermostat

 This device allows you to receive detailed information about your energy consumption on your smartphone or tablet. In particular, you can switch your heating on or off remotely, which is extremely practical if you forget to do so or if you want the temperature to be pleasant when you get home. A smart thermostat is the guarantee of better comfort and optimized management of your consumption.

 2. Go for wireless technology

 Today, wireless technologies are on the rise. And this is just the beginning: this trend will only increase in the years to come, especially in the area of ​​home automation. A wireless system is easy to extend or replace without causing too much breakage. Moreover, the applications are practically endless.

 3. Think from the start of a comprehensive concept

 All renovation work is undertaken with a specific objective. The same principle applies when it comes to choosing smart solutions : think of the applications you think are relevant from the start. To gain convenience and security, please connect all smart devices so that they can communicate with each other. You can for example, with one click on your smartphone, close your front door, turn off all lights and activate your alarm and security camera in Chicago.

Saturday, August 15, 2020

How CCTV Fights Auto Theft

 

Video surveillance does not only find takers among people who want to monitor homes or stores. It has a lot of outlets with concessionaires and parking lot managers. The great use of video surveillance in the automotive world lies in its great efficiency in this area. Indeed, video surveillance is very powerful when it comes to finding a stolen car and even reducing the number of accidents. Here are some examples of the use of video surveillance against car theft:

Parking surveillance

Parking lots are open, large places in which it is impossible to hide. The large aisles are easy to monitor and the entrances are few and therefore easy to protect. Car parks are therefore spaces where video surveillance is key.

Public video surveillance

Nowadays, it is almost impossible not to appear on the growing number of public security camera systems in Chicago The tolls, the cameras positioned above red lights, but also the cameras of the shops which overlook the public road, and which can be exploited, capture tens of thousands of images per day and among which your stolen vehicle will have great chances of appearing. Almost at every street corner, the cameras film the vehicles and, if necessary, make it possible to find a stolen car very quickly

Automatic number plate reading

License plates are the most reliable way to find a stolen car. Some cameras are now equipped with functions allowing them to automatically read the license plates they film, and therefore immediately locate a wanted car. These cameras are more and more common and more and more efficient as they replace the hours it takes to walk past images in the hope of finding a stolen car.

On-board cameras

On-board cameras are not only useful in the event of an accident. Indeed, some on-board cameras can be turned towards the interior of the passenger compartment, and detecting an intrusion, turn on and send the images captured in real time to the owner of the car via his smartphone.

How to monitor your second home?

Most people fail to monitor their secondary home, just like their primary home. Thinking that this one does not represent much for a burglar since the secondary residences are only used for vacations and do not shelter as much value, as the principal residences, the owners often neglect their protection. Even if the best solution is indeed to leave only a few valuables in your second home, monitoring it will allow you to prevent it from being visited or even occupied during your absence.

Install a video surveillance system for secondary homes

There are video surveillance systems more or less specialized in the protection of secondary homes. Remotely controllable, they allow you to monitor your property only when you are not on vacation. Your cameras do not wear out and allow you to monitor your second home, whenever you want.

Install a video surveillance system equipped with a live function

Some video surveillance systems allow you to see what is happening in front of your cameras live. This type of system provides reassurance at all times and ensures, before you go on vacation, the integrity of your second home. It saves you travel and allows you to have autonomous surveillance.

 Notify local authorities

The police or gendarmerie in the locality where you have a holiday home must be informed of your days of departure and arrival. Thus, they will put your home on their list of homes to watch during their round. In addition, they will be much more responsive in the event of a burglary.

Make your home visible from the street

Even if it is tempting to isolate your vacation home from the street and passers-by to enjoy its tranquility even more, an isolated home is much more targeted. At least try to make your front door visible from the street.

Where is the video surveillance going?

Video surveillance is booming, both thanks to technical progress made in the field, and because of the increased need for protection in the face of the increase in thefts, burglaries and attacks. In many different forms, video surveillance can be a private, discreet and minimally invasive means of protection, such as a massive, invasive and large-scale means of surveillance. This development, which takes different forms and which raises the question of the usefulness of so much surveillance compared to its invasive aspect, could lead to various new, more or less utopian uses, of which here are a few examples:

Video surveillance in the service of health

Health is an area in which every technological innovation finds a use. Research in the medical field then seizes on it to create ever more impressive innovations. Some researchers are experimenting, for example, with the use of video surveillance to detect certain cancers. Micro-cameras placed in strategic places could participate in the fight against cancer and the appearance of it in many patients.

Understanding animal language

Almost all animals make sounds and almost all have a bodily expression system to communicate. Cameras are already working to detect the slightest expression of the dog, to be able to assign him a word or an expression, understandable.

Video surveillance against natural risks

Natural risks weigh heavily on societies and are a considerable obstacle for the most exposed developing countries. Affecting the economy, the social, the political as well as the environment more generally, their prevention is one of the main challenges of the 21st century. Surveillance has a non-negligible role here which will gain in importance thanks to what it can bring to the prevention of natural crises. Cameras equipped with opacity sensors can detect an outbreak of fire from miles away. A very high resolution camera will be able to detect an ocean ripple faster than a probe, since it works thanks to the light that travels much faster than the shock wave caused by the earthquake.

5 tips for securing your garage

Garages are increasingly popular in cities where the number of cars is increasing relative to the number of available parking spaces. In addition, they also serve as storage rooms but also as storage spaces for valuables. The lack of space leads owners and occupants to store goods that are sometimes very valuable. Finally, vehicles parked there represent considerable bait for burglars. Protecting your home is not enough, follow these 5 tips to remember to monitor your garage:

Install a video surveillance system

 

Video surveillance systems are often reserved for living rooms or main rooms of a home. The garage is then abandoned while it is sensitive but also easy to monitor.

Install a motion detector

Every movement is easily detected in your garage, since it is a rectangular room with no nooks and crannies. In addition, the opening of the door is unbreakable by a motion detector which therefore acquires an important utility in the surveillance of this space.

 Check the condition of your garage

Your garage wears out and gets damaged quickly. The front door is indeed fragile and subject to extreme temperatures on its exterior part. Its vulnerability requires that you pay special attention to its condition by checking its lock regularly. This door remains the first bulwark of protection, and should not be neglected on the grounds that a video surveillance system is there anyway to protect your garage.

Read also: Are you looking for Skip Hire Services in Buckhurst Hill

Install an alarm there

In a garage, an alarm fulfills an important role because it has a very strong effect. In these contiguous spaces and with a single exit, the sounding of an alarm produces an immediate flight effect in a burglar who finds himself in a way trapped.

Don't forget to watch your garage windows

Few garages have windows. Those that are, are the most vulnerable, due to the fact that windows are rarely monitored. Do not forget to install a camera outside, towards your window, to deter any attempted intrusion.

Monday, July 20, 2020

How to transform your home into a connected home?


Connected devices are everywhere these days: smartphones, smart watches, smart cameras, smart locks and even smart homes. You too can make your cocoon a connected home. In this way, you enjoy more comfort, more safety and can reduce your energy consumption.

In a connected house, different devices and systems are linked together. An Internet connection and your favorite smart apps are enough to create what is called “home automation”. These devices make it possible to transform both an existing house and a new construction into a connected house.

You set the limits. If you want to make the most of your home automation, it is better to look for a solution that integrates all the devices within a single system. Then you can easily order the set using your smartphone and / or tablet.

A connected and secure home in 5 steps

1. Remote management and monitoring of your home

One of the biggest advantages of a smart home is that it keeps you informed at all times and everywhere about what's going on in and around it. With one user-friendly app, you can manage all your connected services and devices through your smartphone or tablet. In addition, you can directly stream images from your cameras and view them live on your phone, tablet or laptop. That way you always keep an eye on things, even when you're on vacation, for example.

2. Smart security: more than locks and cameras

If you are moving towards smart security, opt for an integrated system that not only protects your home from intruders, but also informs you in the event of a fire or risk of CO poisoning. As soon as a motion detector, camera, door or window contact, smoke detector or other sensor detects an unusual event, you are notified. Even if you are not at home. In addition, if your system is connected to an home alarm systems in Chicago, operators can quickly notify the emergency services. You save precious time.

3. Connected lighting: the ideal atmosphere with just one click on your smartphone

A smart home is not only more secure, it also offers more convenience. For example, it allows you to control the entire lighting system from your mobile phone. Get comfortable in your armchair and create the right atmosphere for a pleasant TV night. Or turn off all lights with one push of a button if you need to leave quickly. When you are not at home, you even have the ability to control and operate all your switches. Handy if you forgot to turn off the lights.

4. Connected sockets

The simplicity offered by connected sockets is a real asset. All you need to do is plug the smart plug into your existing outlet and connect it to your control panel. This way you can remotely control all your devices. The possibilities are limitless. Forgot to start the washing machine? No problem. Want to start the day with a hot cup of coffee or with water ready for a good tea? It's very simple. In addition, connected sockets help to reduce your energy bill, for example by automatically switching off your television or set-top box after a certain time. Indeed, these devices also consume energy when they are on standby.

5. Smart access to your home

Thanks to smart apps, you always know who is outside your door. You communicate with your visitors through the doorbell system with camera via your smartphone. Do you want to bring them in while waiting for your return? Your smartphone allows you to open your remote connected lock. You also have the possibility of creating unique codes (temporary or not) for all the people who must enter: the members of your family (or the housekeeper for example) have therefore access to the house thanks to their smartphone, even if they forgot their key.


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