Visitor management is a crucial aspect of modern-day businesses and organizations. With the ever-increasing security concerns, companies have to ensure that their facilities are protected against unauthorized access, while also providing a welcoming environment for visitors. This is where visitor management software comes into play.

Visitor management software provides organizations with a convenient and efficient solution for controlling access, tracking visitor information, and ensuring a secure and streamlined check-in process. By using a digital visitor management system, organizations can verify the identity of visitors, monitor and track visitor activity, and securely store visitor data.

By automating the check-in process and securely storing visitor data, visitor management systems help organizations to achieve a better balance between security and efficiency, making them an essential tool for modern workplaces. 

According to FnF Research, the visitor management software market is expected to be valued at over US$ 1529.50 Million in 2021 and US$ 2724.42 Million by 2028. A growing requirement for paperless administration, as well as a heightened awareness of security dangers, are contributing causes.

In this article, we will explore in detail the benefits of visitor management software, including its impact on security, efficiency, and data privacy.

Security

One of the main benefits of visitors management software is that it helps enhance security. Visitor management systems provide a secure and controlled check-in process that helps to identify and verify visitors. This helps to prevent unauthorized access, reduce the risk of security breaches, and provide a safer environment for employees and visitors.

Verification of Visitors

Visitor management systems typically require visitors to provide identification and verify their identity through methods such as scanning a driver’s license or passport, or through the use of biometric data such as fingerprint or facial recognition. This helps to ensure that only authorized visitors are allowed access to the facility, reducing the risk of security breaches.

Tracking of Visitors

Visitor management systems also provide a secure and efficient method for tracking visitors within a facility. This is important for emergency situations, such as fires or natural disasters, where it is important to quickly locate and evacuate visitors. Additionally, visitor management systems can also provide detailed logs of visitor activity, which can be used to monitor and analyze visitor behavior.

Efficiency of Check-Ins

Visitor management systems also improve efficiency by automating many aspects of the check-in process. For example, digital visitor sign-in systems eliminate the need for manual data entry, freeing up time for employees. Additionally, the use of electronic badges, or visitor ID cards, helps to reduce wait times and make the check-in process faster and more streamlined.

Customization of Check-In Process

Visitor management software also allows organizations to customize their check-in process to meet their specific needs. This includes the ability to create custom forms, set up electronic sign-in sheets, and define the type of information required from visitors. This customization allows organizations to streamline their check-in process and ensure that only the necessary information is collected from visitors.

Data Privacy

Visitor management software also helps to protect visitor data privacy by ensuring that sensitive information is securely stored. Digital visitor management systems use encryption technology to protect visitor data from unauthorized access, ensuring that visitor information is kept confidential. This protects visitor information from being misused or stolen, helping to maintain visitor trust and ensuring compliance with data privacy regulations.

According to CookieScript, worldwide data privacy regulations will be strengthened in 2023, as well as privacy standards in the United States, with more investment in privacy technology, and other developments such as improved openness in data collecting and processing.

Integration with Other Systems

Another benefit of visitor management software is its ability to integrate with other systems and tools used by organizations. For example, visitor management systems can be integrated with access control systems, allowing organizations to control and monitor visitor access to specific areas of a facility. 

Additionally, visitor management software can be integrated with HR systems, allowing organizations to track employee-visitor interactions and ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures.

Conclusion

Visitor management software is an important tool for modern organizations, providing enhanced security, improved efficiency, and data privacy protection. With its secure and controlled check-in process, visitor management systems are a valuable tool for organizations looking to improve security, reduce risk, and ensure that employees and visitors are protected. 

By automating the check-in process and securely storing visitor data, visitor management systems help organizations to achieve a better balance between security and efficiency, making them an essential tool for modern workplaces.

With the help of key repair services, the goal is to ensure that your home or building is protected. You can get a lock repaired for a number of reasons, such as getting a new home, having a broken key, or losing your keys. This is a service that is available to both commercial and residential locksmiths. Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith is a company that provides key rekeying and key repair services.

Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith services include rearranging padlock strings, programming electronic keys or smart keys, and replacing keys, in addition to rearranging padlock strings and replacing keys. In addition to lock repairs, they also offer other locksmith services. Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith guarantee that you will receive a top-quality service from their team with regard to all your key repair needs. Do not hesitate to contact today. Feel free to contact Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith immediately if you are in need of comprehensive locksmith services.

Jiffy Key Repair

In key cutting technologies, precision key combinations are created by cutting key pairs. Additionally, passcodes often contain more than one code. Key cutting services are offered to customers at Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith Plainfield, NJ. A variety of services are available for commercial door locks, including designing passkeys, cutting keys, and matching padlocks with the manufacturer’s specific code.

Key repair is a specialty of our locksmiths. You can contact Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith if you need a new key for your locker, cabin, or office. Their services are reliable and affordable. They are happy to assist you as soon as possible.

Key Repair Service With A Low Cost

Locksmith Plainfield, NJ, Wisberg and Daughter, offers affordable key services for doors of all kinds. You can replace or reprogram lost, broken, or damaged keys. Count on their experts to replace your lost, broken, or damaged keys. In addition to repairing keys and locks, they provide master keys, grade 3 lock systems, and locking cabinets. With their on-time, on-budget service, you can rely on Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith! Are you worried about the cost of their service? It’s no problem to take advantage of their convenient service. Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith specialists will assist you in completing your work. So, get a free quote now!

A Well-Versed Key Repair Service

The locks on your doors, desks, and padlocks can be rekeyed or replaced with new keys. The locks on your doors, desks, and padlocks can be replaced quickly by Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith. Would you like to know if you have a lock that’s jammed or if you’ve misplaced your door keys? Please contact them. It will be their pleasure to help you!

Repairing and replacing keys and locks are essential when you have lost keys, damaged locks, and feel insecure in your new home. Insecurity grows as a result of rekeying or reprogramming your door lock security system. To protect yourself and your belongings, you need your own unique key configuration.

One Last Piece Of Advice

To get your own customized key configuration, request a free quote now. Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith can replace a lock or a key for you at any time. The replacement of keys and locks can help reduce the stress that comes with moving into a new apartment, lost keys, and broken keys. So, call their “locksmith near me” service and get a free quote now!

Contact Information

If you would like to contact them, please visit their website. Here you will find information about prices and services. Wisberg and Daughter – Locksmith Plainfield, NJ can be reached through this website. If you need a lock repair or key replacement for your commercial door lock, please do not hesitate to contact them as soon as possible; they will be glad to help you out.

All the big tech companies and other large organizations are now emphasizing two-factor authentication (2FA). Google introduced 2FA back in 2011 and now the company is enabling 2FA by default on millions of users‘ accounts. Similarly, there are many other tech giants that are actively forcing users to opt for 2FA.

Although multi-factor authentication enhances the security, it does cause problems for users using older apps that don’t support modern authentication, such as Outlook 2010. So, if you are also using Outlook 2010, then unfortunately you will face challenges with 2FA. Mostly, you won’t receive a prompt to enter the security code. Moreover, if you contact the support of Microsoft, Google, or other platforms, they will emphasize that you upgrade your Outlook version. However, there is a much easier solution in the shape of “App Password”. So, let’s explore in detail how to use Outlook 2010 with 2FA using the app password on Google and GoDaddy. But first, let’s clear out why 2FA is becoming a necessity?

Why Tech Giants are Emphasizing on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)?

Cybercriminals are always busy looking for ways to get unauthorized access to systems, networks, servers, etc. They use phishing emails, social engineering, malware, and similar other tactics to trick victims to access login credentials and penetrate their systems. As per the report of Check Point Research (CPR), a 50% increase is witnessed in cyberattacks on corporate networks in 2021 compared to 2020. Moreover, it is projected that cybercrimes are expected to cost $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

There is no stop to cybercrimes anytime soon, so tech giants are trying to mitigate such attacks with strong security policies, and one such strong security policy is 2FA. Two-factor authentication shows promising protection against using login credentials. What happens is that if attackers get access to login credentials, they won’t be able to penetrate the system due to the second defense layer that requires OTP (one-time password), biometric proof, or app-specific password to give access. This way, 2FA can significantly reduce cyberattacks that involve stealing login credentials.

App Password – The Rescuer for Old Apps that don’t support Modern Authentication

Most apps and online services are now compatible with 2FA, but their old versions fail to offer such support. For those versions of apps, the ideal solution is to use an app-specific password.

An app password is a randomly generated long password (16-digit) that provides permission to access that account. It is only used in apps/accounts where 2FA is enabled. Once you have generated the app password, you can enter it instead of entering your normal password. Moreover, an app password is usually required once and not, again and again, every time you sign in.

Use Outlook 2010 using App Password on Google and GoDaddy

Outlook started supporting modern authentication with its Outlook 2016 version. You can also enable modern authentication in Outlook 2013 by setting up registry keys for every device. However, nothing can be done to enable 2FA on Outlook 2010. So, the best way to keep using Outlook 2010 with 2FA is by using an app password. Follow the below steps to use Outlook 2010 using the app password on Google:

1. Sign in to your Google account.
2. Click on the “Security” tab and then click “App Passwords” under “Signing in to Google”.
3. From the bottom, click “Select app” and then pick Outlook.
4. Click “Select device” and then pick the right device.
5. Lastly, click “Generate”.

Once done, you will get a 16-character code that you have to enter as per the provided instructions. This way, you can access Outlook 2010 using the app password from Google. You can follow similar steps to use Outlook 2010 using the app password on GoDaddy.

Wrapping Up

Two-factor authentication has become a crucial security measure in the present cyber world. But implementing 2FA also causes issues with old apps that don’t support modern authentication. However, it does not mean you must quickly opt to purchase the upgraded version of the app. Therefore, if you are struggling to access Outlook 2010 or any other old app version, then use the app password to get past the 2FA security wall.

With the growing concerns of AirTags used for tracking/stalking people and other items, Apple has decided to make several changes to AirTags in recent updates in order to control its unwanted tracking use.Apple AirTags and Myths of Tracking – Let’s Explore

AirTag was released back on April 30, 2021, with the aim to assist Apple users to keep track of personal items, such as a purse, keys, backpacks, and similar other valuable items via the Find My app. With close to its one-year anniversary, AirTag has received both good and bad reviews. Users have found AirTags useful in finding lost items. For example, a person lost his wallet on the subway but managed to track it at a station across town just due to the AirTag. However, there are bad reviews too mostly related to its criminal use in tracking others. Therefore, this article will comprehensively discuss AirTags, its tracking concerns, and the new expected updates. So, let’s get started!

AirTag Working Principle – A Quick Look

Before we jump on the rising tracking concerns with AirTag, it is important to have a basic understanding of its working principle.

AirTag uses ultra-wideband technology and an extensive network of existing Apple devices to help you track lost/stolen items. It sends a secure Bluetooth signal that is detected by nearby Apple devices in the Find My network. After receiving the signal, those devices send the AirTag location to iCloud. So, when you open the Find My app to track your AirTag, it will provide you with its location on the map. You can even use the app to let the AirTag generate some sound so that you can find it easily. Apple has ensured that the whole process remains encrypted and anonymous in order to keep users’ privacy protected all the time.

AirTag Tracking Concerns

When we look at the benefits AirTags have to offer, then indeed it is a device we all need. However, its advanced tracking capabilities have made a lot of noise over the past few months owing to its growing illegal use. A man was arrested in Connecticut and charged with stalking after an AirTag was found by the police in the victim’s car. Similarly, model Brooks Nader also once informed her followers that an AirTag was slipped secretly into her coat one night in NY city. Moreover, the police of multiple states have also shown their concerns and warnings about the criminal use of AirTags.

New AirPods are also coming with AirTag similar tracking abilities, but they are a lot more expensive compared to AirTags. Therefore, criminals are more commonly using AirTags instead of AirPods. But do only AirTags are involved in criminal tracking tactics and not its other competitors, such as Tile, etc.

AirTags are driven by over billions of Apple users, so the strong Apple ecosystem makes them separate from its competitors. Although there are still concerns about tracking with others, the massive Apple ecosystem makes AirTags an easier way to carry out criminal activities efficiently.

Apple’s New Updates for AirTags

In response to the issues users were facing with AirTags, Apple made a few updates in the past and is planning to make a few more recently.

Back in June 2021, Apple updated the software of AirTags and reduced the alert time, once the AirTag is lost from the owner, to 8-24 hours instead of 3 days. In December 2021, Apple released a Tracker Detect app for Android devices, which empowers Android users to scan for Find My devices near them that are separated from owners (for at least 10 minutes).

Now, Apple is focused to take aggressive moves to handle the criminal use of AirTags with many new changes in the upcoming update. Some of the key changes coming to AirTags are as follow:

1. Privacy Warning at AirTag Setup Stage: With the new software update, Apple is going to display a privacy warning when the AirTag is set for the first time. The warning will narrate that the device is solely meant to track belongings, not to track someone without consent. Moreover, it will narrate that tracking someone with AirTag is a criminal act in many regions and that law enforcement can also request for identity information of AirTag owners.
2. Precision Finding: iPhone 11, 12, and 13 users will get the “precision finding” feature that lets the recipient of an unwanted tracking alert find the unknown AirTag with precision. With this feature, users can see the direction and distance of the unknown AirTag when it appears within range.
3. Change of “Unknown Accessory Detected” to AirPods Near You: Many Apple users have complained about receiving an “Unknown Accessory Detected” alert on their devices. Apple is now ensuring that this alert is not shown when an AirTag is detected and only shows when you are near any AirPods Max, AirPods Pro, AirPods (3rd generation), or any other Find My network accessory.
4. Readjusting AirTag’s Sound: Users that receive an alert of unwanted tracking are able to play a sound from the unknown AirTag to find it. Apple is looking to adjust the tone sequence to make it a bit louder for easier detection of AirTag.
5. Updating Online Support Documentation: Apple has also updated its unwanted tracking support article to narrate the safety features integrated into AirPods, AirTag, and Find My network accessories. The article now offers all the information a user might need to deal with the unwanted tracking alert.

Other than the above-listed updates, Apple is also focusing on other changes that can minimize the use of AirTags in criminal activities. Moreover, Apple is also working with law enforcement and is willing to provide the Apple ID details of the AirTag owner if the company receives a valid request from law enforcement.

Wrapping Up

There is no doubt in accepting the fact that AirTags are being used for tracking others. Many cases have been reported so far and users are becoming more concerned about it. All these events have triggered Apple to implement more strategic measures to control the criminal use of AirTags. The above-listed updates and many new ones that we expect to see soon are going to somehow reduce the criminal use of AirTags. So, let’s wait and see how this whole AirTag tracking scenario shapes up in the future.

It is critical that online transactions, particularly financial ones and those involving the exchange of private and extremely sensitive information, are approached with a high level of caution. This means, whenever you are required to enter a username, password, or other information to access an important account. After all, the loss, theft, or compromise of this data can easily affect our lives in a very negative way. Namely, when it comes to financial transactions millions of people use trusted and well-established online companies such as PayPal.

Cybercriminals and scammers are also aware that millions of people use PayPal where they keep money, card information, names, addresses, and more. Such ill-intentioned individuals or groups are always on the prowl to compromise victims by orchestrating schemes, scams, or attacks on vulnerable entry points. For these reasons and many more which we will cover below in-depth, you must understand the many risks out there and pay attention to PayPal scams. 

What is PayPal?

PayPal is one of the largest payment processors in the world, and probably the most widely-known online payment processor, with an estimated 500 million accounts registered across almost 400 million active users. PayPal began its life in the late 1990s under the name Confinity, and was quickly purchased by eBay at the time for $1.5 billion in 2002, although PayPal is now holding on its own. In fact, PayPal was purchased and sold more than once. Over 85% of online buyers prefer PayPal for its stability, security, and smoothness. The average user also conducts 40 transactions per year, and the average PayPal user has an estimated $480 in their accounts on average. In the U.S PayPal accounts for 25% of online transactions. The company has averaged almost $6 billion in revenue each year. Furthermore, PayPal is constantly innovating, for instance now entering the digital asset markets and allowing users to easily buy cryptocurrency. It is probably the most trusted payment platform in the world and as such has a lot of weight on its shoulders because of its solid, decades-old reputation. A company with so much power and responsibility has to have top-notch security and privacy measures, not to mention protecting their own databases filled with customer information and all kinds of money. 

How to Avoid PayPal Scams

As one of the most widely used companies in the world that are constantly registering growth, PayPal, is a giant bullseye for cybercriminals and scammers looking to find victims and prey on their accounts in various creative ways using several tools at their disposal. Since PayPal is an online platform, the risks are automatically present simply because it operates in the risky realm of cyberspace. Any online platform of this size has to take into account server security, access security, and customer compromise. It is not always easy to secure such a large platform and protect all customers meanwhile offering a streamlined high-class experience, particularly from socially engineered scams such as email phishing. Several other examples of such risks are as follows;

• Hackers claiming there is a problem with your account
• Promotional offer scams
• Awaiting money scams
• Advance payment scams
• Shipping address scams
• Accounts being directly hacked
• Alternative payment request scams
• Overpayment schemes
• Pending payment schemes
• Fraudulent charity schemes

As you can see, there is no end to the creativity of money-hungry scammers and criminals. This is that which has them scrambling for solutions and that which motivates them most. Quick profits are also what can turn scammers and cybercriminals into merciless killers, unfortunately, such is the nature of money and power. All of these schemes can be orchestrated across several platforms, particularly via email, and social media websites such as Facebook or Instagram. It does not end there, though, as you are also vulnerable to SMS scams, and the hacking of your WiFi hotspot.

The top three most common PayPal scams are what is widely known as ‘problem with your account, ‘promotional offer’, and ‘money waiting’ scams. Not surprisingly, all three of these involve socially engineered email phishing techniques. This is simply because this is the simplest, least effort way to make a quick profit. All three of these scams will involve an email (obviously from a fake sender) that is either urging you to do something or trying to emotionally involve you in clicking a link or downloading an attachment in the email. This is what is known as a ‘phishing’ (fishing) email that tries to bait the user into complying.  

What you can do to avoid all of this is quite simple, however easily overlooked by millions of people that entrust their devices, the security of their devices, and the intentions of others to an irrational extent. Here is what you need to understand and turn into a habit;

• Be suspicious of every email you receive, and always, always check the sender’s email address because email addresses can be easily spoofed and mimicked today
• PayPal emails that do not address you by name are 100% fraudulent
• Never interact with any emails urging you to provide sensitive information or download software
• Do not click on links in an email before you confirm the above information
• Always choose your shipping method
• Block package rerouting with your shipping organization
• Never deal with anyone else other than verified buyers and sellers online

Remember the adage “if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it is a duck.” So, if you ever suspect something is off, your instincts may be trying to warn you. For this reason, it is critical that you also set up spam filters in your email accounts, use antimalware and antivirus software, conduct your transactions with a VPN activated in the background, and never use a public WiFI hotspot to access PayPal or purchase items online. Adding to that, heed the recommendations above and you will avoid %99 of problems millions of uninformed users face daily.

Finally, in addition, here is how PayPal themselves can protect you (to an extent); Paypal Buyer Protection and PayPal Seller Protection.

iPhones have impressively strong security systems and are much more likely to deter any attack on the device than other smartphones. Yet, it does not mean that iPhone users have nothing to worry about. There are still many vulnerabilities that iPhone users have to think about and which require users’ additional attention and action. Here’s how to make your iPhone even more secure than it already is.

Get a VPN

While the iPhone’s system may be secure, not every network you connect to will offer the same protection, and most of us switch between a couple of networks daily. This is why using a VPN on your iPhone is so important.

While many people think of VPNs as strictly tools for desktop computers or laptops, your phone is vulnerable too. This is especially urgent if you store important data on your phone that could be accessed through an unsecured connection. Get a USA VPN compatible with your device and requirements and secure your phone from snoopers.

Pay Attention to Permissions

No one likes to read neverending terms and conditions, and no one likes to read the fine print on permissions either. We have become way too liberal with which permission we grant to various apps and websites without even thinking about the implications. Most of us don’t bother reading these texts because we are in too much of a rush to get the app or go to the website for some quick entertainment. But in the process, we forget to think about our own safety and threats to our privacy. Try to get into the habit of reading the fine print on the permissions you are enabling, and try to be pickier about what you allow on your phone.

With an iOS unlocker you are able to remove screen lock without passcode from your disabled or locked devices, including Face ID, Touch ID, 4-digit passcode, 6-digit passcode, and custom graphics. 

Limit the Number of Apps on Your Phone

We absolutely don’t need to have 200 apps on our phones, especially when they are interchangeable. On the other hand, we have to be careful about which apps we keep since we have to hand over our emails and personal data to each and every one of those apps. Fake apps can be difficult to spot, and they can often conceal malware without showing any signs of it. Stick with apps that have a lot of reviews and have been around for at least some time, and don’t just download every new shiny thing that comes out. You don’t know if the app is legit or not, and you could be risking a lot by handing over personal information.

Keep Up With the Updates

Make sure to update your system and apps regularly. Most people overlook the importance of updates, but that is because they don’t know how important updates are for your safety online. Even though on the surface it may seem like a boring, routine task that serves no purpose, updates protect your device from new types of malware and attack techniques, ensuring an increased level of security overall. You can either enable automating updates on your phone or do it manually every time an update is available. Whichever method you choose, just make sure your system isn’t outdated and that you keep your apps safe with updates.

Avoid Getting  Juice-Jacked

You may have never heard this term before, but “getting juice jacked” is a common way to attack iPhones and gain access to the data stored on the device. This is a practice that uses public USB outlets as baits. For example, the USB outlets at train stations, airports, different public spaces, including cafes, can hide a device that will install malware into your iPhone without you even knowing! A way to avoid that is to use your own charges or use USB data blockers when using a public USB outlet instead.

Credit checking and identity theft protection are two services that are often confused because they both monitor your credit reports. However, they accomplish this task in different ways. Understanding the difference between the two is essential to making the best choice for your needs. They are both services that help protect you from identity theft. Monitoring your credit involves a company alerting you to changes in your everyday usage, credit rating, etc.

What Is Credit Management?

Credit checking looks at your credit score, how much activity you do, and what is going on with your finances. It also lets you know when there are any changes in your score to give you a heads up about potential problems. In the digital era, where people spend their time on social media and apps, it is common to see people getting into debt. Without proper knowledge of what is going on with their finances, they can get into a lot of trouble. Individuals can establish control over their spending habits to avoid ending up in too deep of a hole by using a credit monitoring service. It has become an essential tool for consumers who find themselves missing financial information from credit cards or other sources. It allows users to stay informed about their credit status and make necessary changes.

How Does It Work?

It is essentially a method of detecting credit card fraud or identity theft and involves looking for patterns in the usage of an account. The experts behind Number X Antifraud can explain how these processes help protect your finances and can help you feel more secure in your financial decisions. Monitoring can be utilized by consumers or businesses to detect and monitor their credit card usage patterns, check their accounts when they are not physically present, and prevent fraud. The monitoring system alerts users when suspicious activity takes place in their accounts. This includes purchases made on the Internet with a different billing address than the billing address on file, buying goods online with a different shipping address than the one on file, or using an ATM that has been reported as fraudulent in recent days.

The important thing is that identity protection helps prevent fraudulent activity on your credit card or bank accounts and tracks any changes in those accounts. But what’s the difference between these two types of fraud protection, and who should choose one over the other?

It is mainly used by people who have been victims of fraud, identity theft, or even just to monitor their own spending. The system uses various techniques such as credit scoring, credit history, and monitoring alerts to identify entities that have gained access to your personal information by impersonating you. Monitoring tools have been around for quite some time. However, the tools have recently gained more popularity due to their ability to assess your financial history and help manage debt. The most popular tools analyze credit accounts such as those with cards or loans from different banks or institutions such as rent, utilities, mortgage, etc. Some of the common types of data that are analyzed are:

• Credit card purchases: Patterns and uses will be picked up and analyzed to see any discrepancies between your everyday usage and what is happening. If it sees something suspicious, it will usually send an alert to warn you about what is occurring.
• Payments: In some cases, thieves will use your credit card to pay off their own obligations. In this case, you will receive an alert asking you if you have set up a new payment.
• Bank account balances: Many people want to know if their bank balance is approaching a designation amount. If so, they can get informed that they are nearing that amount soon and should take action if required.
• Credit report: Your credit report can make getting out loans easier or more challenging depending on your rating. Therefore, getting notified if your rating has decreased or increased is worthwhile.

What Is Identity Theft Protection?

Identity theft is a serious threat and can ruin your life if you don’t take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. Identity theft services go one step beyond what a typical monitoring service can provide. Identity theft protection services are vital for protecting yourself from identity theft. They help you monitor your financial transactions, credit reports, and tax filings for signs of fraud or other irregularities. Identity theft occurs when someone uses another person’s personally identifiable information, or PII, to commit fraud or other crimes. 

Personal information is any data used to identify an individual, whether collected directly from the individual or acquired from a third party like credit bureaus or social media websites. Identity theft protection services often include monitoring your credit report, and they can also include monitoring your health insurance and banking activity. In some cases, you can even get identity theft insurance designed to cover some or all of the costs associated with having your ID stolen. These services do not verify the validity of claims made by identity thieves, but they do alert you when they are made and provide you with advice on how to take preventative measures. The primary services typically include:

• Coverage for ID theft
• Monitoring of personal information
• Monitoring of Social Security numbers
• Monitoring changes of address
• Monitoring of court records
• Monitoring of non-credit loans
• Updates on data breaches
• Notifications of new credit cards and bank accounts

Who Needs These Services?

When it comes to credit management, almost everyone can benefit somehow. As previously mentioned, it can cover a range of things, from your credit score to analyzing spending patterns that seem unusual. It is a similar situation regarding identity theft protection services. Identity theft is a big problem in today’s society, with millions of people affected each year. With the right identity protection service, you can eliminate a lot of the stress that comes along with this type of situation. Everyone should be cautious about their online accounts and digital devices because the risk for identity theft is high. Identity protection is highly recommended for all people to avoid being scammed and having their ID stolen.

If you’re concerned about identity theft, you must be diligent and proactive. Identity theft protection is good, but it doesn’t replace credit reporting. To truly protect against identity theft, you should have both services in place.

One of the very first things families consider when looking for a new place is the safety of the neighborhood. Home safety measures have evolved tremendously over the past, but with this evolution, the crime rate has also significantly increased. According to FBI statistics, a burglary occurs every 30 seconds in the United States.

Therefore, when you move to a new house, decorating the place should come second, the first thing people should do is to set up home security systems to deter any potential burglaries. While home burglaries may seem random, they are actually based on a pretty simple selection process. Burglars choose a house that looks unoccupied, has easy access and has good cover. To help you with your security checklist, here are 8 home security tips to keep your home and family safe from burglars. 

1. Lock The Windows 

Windows are the most common entry point for burglars, so the first line of defense against intruders would be to lock your windows properly. However, traditional window latches and locks aren’t always effective. Criminals can easily pick a window lock, or even break a window to enter your house. The solution is to invest in some aftermarket window locks or key operating levers that come with an added level of security. Other alternatives can include: 

• Reinforce window glass with security films. This helps prevent the glass of your windows from shattering and hence effectively stop window break-ins. 
• Install window sensors that alert you when someone’s trying to pry open your windows from the outside. These sensors also alert you when the glass is broken. 
• Add window bars that provide the highest level of protection. With these, there’s no chance a burglar will even think of entering your house through the windows. 
• Plant bushes with thorns and pricks under the exterior side of your windows. 

2. Secure The Doors 

Don’t give easy access to the burglars by leaving your doors unsecured. This does not imply that you should simply lock your doors and hope for the best. Many robbers knock down doors to gain access to a home. What you need is an extra layer of security, which you can achieve by adding a deadbolt, a strike plate, switching to smart locks, or purchasing a video doorbell. This way, you’ll always be able to keep an eye on your front door. Plus, smart locks require secure authentication that only you or your family members can provide, and if the intruders try to break the door down, the sensor will alert you no matter where you are. 

3. Get Outdoor Lights 

With ample outdoor lighting, burglars will be put on display if they try to break into your house, and therefore, they usually avoid breaking into homes with a lightened landscape. You can install lights along your front and backyard, pathways, near the garage, and around other outdoor structures. Not only will this make the burglars think twice before trying to break into your house, but will also help prevent you from tripping in the dark. If you’re worried about your carbon footprint when using so much energy, convert to solar-powered lights.  

4. Invest In A Home Security System 

Your house should have some type of security measure to help prevent break-ins, whether it’s a simple alarm system or a high-tech, automated system. There are numerous options when it comes to a home security system, you can purchase one that meets your security needs and budget. When purchasing a security system, you should consider these factors: 

• Whether the system will need to be installed by professionals.
• Research the brand’s reputation and customer service. 
• Whether the system has any extra benefits like smoke or carbon monoxide detection. 
• The installation and monthly charges. 

5. Add Security Cameras 

Having a security camera installed outside your home will not only act as a deterrent for intruders and burglars but also provide you with evidence in case a robbery does take place. Many robbers and porch pirates have been caught because their faces got identified through the security footage. Whether you get a security camera as a part of a home security system or separately, you should opt for one that connects with your smartphone so that you can keep an eye on your place in real-time, and store the footage in case you ever need it.  

6. Eliminate Hiding Places 

Trees, shrubs, and plants may give your home a nice appeal, but they also provide the perfect hiding place for burglars. Therefore, you should always keep the trees and shrubs near your windows trimmed down. You can also opt for smaller flowers and bushes instead of large trees. Eliminate any other potential hiding place that would provide cover to a thief, and give them easy access to enter your place. 

7. Use Home Automation 

If you’ve been thinking of converting your house to a smart home, added security is one great reason to consider this option. Home automation will allow you to control lights, door locks, security cameras, sensors, smoke detectors, and other safety devices. You will get instant alerts in case any suspicious activity is going around in your house so that you can respond in time and stop any potential burglars. Here’s how you can use home automation to your advantage. 

• Schedule lights to turn on and off when you’re not in your house. 
• Scare away burglars and porch pirates with a two-way talk system using a smart doorbell. 
• Get instant video footage when anyone walks up to your driveway. 

8. Lock Your Garage 

Your garage is another common entry point for burglars. Even if your garage isn’t connected to your house, there’s a pretty good chance that you store some valuable stuff in there. Therefore, you should ensure that you lock your garage door, and make sure it’s secured. Here are some ways you can do that: 

• Cover garage windows to hide the goods inside. 
• Upgrade to a smart garage door opener. 
• Install extra locks for added security. 
• Add a driveway alarm. 

Setting up preventive security measures can be somewhat overwhelming, however, they don’t have to become a chore. Follow the tips presented above to ensure that your house is secured when you leave it unattended. Secure every entry point, and use the available equipment to ensure the highest level of security to keep your family safe from burglars.