Wireless Security Cameras Posts

Resideo has reported that they are working to resolve an issue where Legacy IP Cameras (Non-HD) are sending notifications on motion activation, but without the actual video clip attached. The legacy, standard-definition cameras normally send a 10-second clip along with the notification.

Until this issue is corrected, Total Connect 2.0 users who have older, Standard-Definition IP Cameras from Honeywell can log into their TC2 account and view or download the video clips from there, once a notification has been received. Resideo is aware of this issue and plans to push an update in the next couple of weeks to resolve it. The legacy IP cameras include the IPCAM-WI, IPCAM-WI2, IPCAM-WL, IPCAM-PT, IPCAM-PT2, and IPCAM-WO.

When the Standard-Definition cameras are working properly a video clip triggered by motion detection via video analytics sends a notification as a text, email, or push notification. The user will actually receive the video clip within that notification and can view it or download it without ever logging into Total Connect 2.0.

Unlike the standard-definition, legacy IP Cameras from Honeywell, the newer High Definition cameras such as the IPCAM-WIC1, IPCAM-WIC2, IPCAM-WOC1, or IPCAM-WOC2 have never sent a video clip attachment along with new event notification messages. Instead, the user has always been required to log into TC2 once they received the notification and then view or download the supplied clip. HD IPCAM clips are 30-seconds, not 10-seconds in length. This, coupled with the increased data usage required by a higher definition clip, may be why the notifications for these cameras no longer include the actual clip.

According to the information we received, Resideo had a planned update nearly ready to go for Total Connect 2.0 when this issue came to light. The plan was to implement this update in early June. Now that the SD camera notification issue has been discovered, the fix for it will be included in the planned update. We expect this fix, along with the rest of the update within the first couple of weeks of June. Aside from this issue, we don't yet know what other fixes or new features this update may entail.

Are you affected by this issue? Are you still using the Honeywell legacy cameras? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Is this type of issue something that would make you consider upgrading to newer cameras, maybe even a new system? Reach out and start a conversation, we always look forward to hearing from you!

In October Alarm Grid received a limited supply of the new IPCAM-WOC2, which sold out quickly. Since that time, Total Connect has been without an outdoor camera option. We're happy to announce that the Resideo IPCAM-WOC2 is back in stock, ready to ship. If you've been waiting, wait no more.

As we reported in October, the IPCAM-WOC2 is the updated replacement for the discontinued IPCAM-WOC1. The two items look almost identical, with the IPCAM-WOC2 having an internal BlueTooth Antenna, as opposed to an external one on the wire dongle. The reset switch has also been redesigned to be slightly easier to reach once the camera is mounted.

In October, we had ten (10) of these cameras available, and they sold out pretty quickly. Since then, we've been waiting for this, and many other items' stock to be replenished, and today we got the word that the Total Connect 2.0 outdoor camera option is available once again. Hopefully, this will be the first of many items to have their stock replenished.

The IPCAM-WOC2 is an outdoor camera with an IP66 rated housing. It captures video in 1080p HD and can connect to a 2.4 GHz WIFI network. It has a 117.0° diagonal field of view, which provides excellent coverage. It has superior night vision capabilities compared to the IPCAM-WOC1, and also supports audio analytics with intelligent sound detection. It supports a MicroSD card for backup storage in the event the network connection goes down, and comes with a 16 GB card included.

As with the other Resideo HD cameras supported by Total Connect 2.0, the IPCAM-WOC2 uses a QR Code generated on a smart device in order to be associated with the proper Total Connect 2.0 account. For this reason, it is best to configure the camera with the account prior to actually mounting it in its final location. Doing so may prevent a few extra trips up and down a ladder. Pairing the camera with the account prior to installation also allows you to verify the installation location and viewing angle before you permanently tighten everything down in the installation.

What do you think about the IPCAM-WOC2 and its availability? Have you been waiting impatiently to purchase a Total Connect 2.0 compatible outdoor camera? Is there some other product you're waiting for? Leave a comment below and let us know. We always look forward to hearing from you.

Beginning on December 6, and continuing through December 31, 2021 Alarm Grid customers who subscribe to Alarm.com video service can capture a picture of Santa Clause as he visits their home. Not all cameras have the ability to capture images of Santa, but Alarm.com has a few cameras that do.

The following cameras offered by Alarm.com are capable of capturing Santa's image:

• ADC-V515
• ADC-V520
• ADC-V521IR
• ADC-V522IR
• ADC-V523
• ADC-V622/ADC-V622-WELL
• ADC-VC726
• ADC-VC736
• ADC-VC826
• ADC-VC836
• ADC-V722W
• ADC-V723
• ADC-V724

Any Alarm Grid customer with one of the cameras listed above and a monitoring plan that includes video has the ability to take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the big man in action. There are limits to this technology, though. The only way you can see Santa is through a still image captured within a screenshot. He moves so quickly, you can't possibly catch him in an actual video clip.

The ability to grab an image of Santa is only available through the Alarm.com Customer App, not through the web page. In order to support this feature, iOS users must be on version 4.17 and higher of the app, while Android users must be on version 4.15.1 and higher. The Alarm.com app is available as a free download through the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.

To use this feature, log into the app using the proper credentials, completing any two-factor authentication that you may have setup. Once you're logged in, click on the menu icon in the upper left (≡) then tap Video from the list of menu items. Select the live video feed of any of the compatible cameras listed above that you may have associated with your account. Click the Santa icon available near the top of the live stream:

This is when the magic happens! The first time you click on the icon, a pop-up window will show you how to capture the proper image for your situation. For cameras and images in full light, Santa may appear in color. If the image is captured at night, then Santa may appear in black and white. Once you have the image, you can either choose to share it, download it, or both.

It's that simple! This magic "Santa Filter" is only available until the end of December. After that, we'll have to wait until next year to see if this particular Holiday Magic will be available again then. Alarm Grid customers with a Platinum Plan (Self or Full) or with a Stand-alone video plan can take advantage of this opportunity.

Alarm.com video customers have another great weapon in their defensive arsenal. It's called Perimeter Guard™ and it works like this. Customers with video analytics enabled and using compatible cameras can program those cameras to flash their LEDs and make noise when an intruder is detected.

All that is required in order to enable this feature is an Alarm.com monitoring plan with Video Analytics enabled. Any Alarm Grid customer who subscribes to a monitoring plan that supports video can have this feature enabled. We don't enable Video Analytics by default because we pay more for it, but we don't charge more for it. But if you want to utilize this feature we're happy to enable it for you. Both of our Platinum plans, as well as our stand-alone video plan support this feature.

The list of cameras that can be used with this feature is always growing. Basically, the camera needs to have either a visible LED or a speaker with which to make noise on. Currently, the cameras that support Perimeter Guard™ are (updated 4/23):

• ADC-V724 on firmware version 0.6.1.387+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)
• ADC-V523 on firmware version 0.6.1.387+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)
• ADC-V723 on firmware version 0.6.1.387+ (supports LED only)
• ADC-VC727P all versions (supports LED and Audio Alert)
• ADC-VC827P all versions (supports LED only)
• ADC-VC847PF all versions (supports LED only)
• ADC-VC728PF on firmware version 0.6.3.601+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)
• ADC-VC838PF (supports LED only)
• ADC-VDB770 on firmware version 02199+ (supports LED and Audio Alert)

With Video Analytics enabled and a compatible camera, the only other thing required is to set up a Video Analytics rule for each compatible camera. This is one of those features that you set, then forget. Get the setup correct, and then it'll take care of itself!

To set this feature up through the Alarm.com Customer Website, follow these steps:

1. Log into the website. Go to www.alarm.com/login and using your Alarm.com credentials log in, completing any 2-factor authentication required.
2. Click Video
3. Click Recording Rules
4. Create or Edit Rule. You can either click the pencil icon to add this feature to an existing Video Analytics rule for a compatible camera, or you can Add a new rule. To see how to create a rule using Video Analytics, check out this informative FAQ. Verify that the initial Video Analytics settings are properly configured, then click Next.
5. Choose response. In the Activates section choose the audible and visible response desired:
   
   • Camera LED response. Click to toggle the Camera Status LED to Enabled if you want the LED to respond when activity is detected. There is a Duration drop-down, select how long you want the LED response to last.
   • Camera Audio Alert. This option is only available on cameras using the 2-Way Audio feature. Click the Camera Audio Alert toggle to enable an Audio Alert. There is an Audio Sound dropdown menu. Select the type of sound you want the camera to make.
6. Click Save

To set this feature up through the Alarm.com App, follow these steps:

1. Log into the App. Open the Alarm.com app and using your Alarm.com credentials log in, completing any 2-factor authentication required. Click the Menu icon in the upper left.
2. Tap Video from the available menu. Then tap the Gear icon.
3. Tap Recording Rules
4. Create or Edit Rule. You can either click the pencil icon to add this feature to an existing Video Analytics rule for a compatible camera, or you can Add a new rule. To see how to create a rule using Video Analytics, check out this informative FAQ. Verify that the initial Video Analytics settings are properly configured, then click Next.
5. Choose response. In the Activates section choose the audible and visible response desired:
   
   • Camera LED response. Click to toggle the Camera Status LED to Enabled if you want the LED to respond when activity is detected. There is a Duration drop-down, select how long you want the LED response to last.
   • Camera Audio Alert. This option is only available on cameras using the 2-Way Audio feature. Click the Camera Audio Alert toggle to enable an Audio Alert. There is an Audio Sound dropdown menu. Select the type of sound you want the camera to make.
6. Tap Save

It's that simple! Once you have this configured, using the advanced video analytics available through Alarm.com, the rule will take care of itself. The idea is that the flashing LED and the audible sounder will scare away an intruder before they ever make it to your home. It's a pound of prevention to ward off a ton of regret.

What do you think about this Alarm.com feature? Have you used it and had experience with it? Do you think it's something you'd like to give a try? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. We love to hear from our readers.

Alarm Grid has obtained an extremely limited supply of the brand new Resideo IPCAM-WOC2 WIFI, outdoor, 1080p camera, compatible with Total Connect 2.0. After the announcement in March, 2021 that the IPCAM-WOC1 was discontinued, Resideo and Honeywell Home were left with no outdoor camera option.

Our blog in March announced that the Honeywell IPCAM-WOC1 would be discontinued. At the time, we didn't know why the camera was being discontinued. There wasn't a lot of information available then about why it was discontinued, or whether there would ever be a replacement. With Alarm.com releasing new variations of their cameras at a fast and furious pace, we were left to wonder what Resideo was thinking.

In July, 2021, we passed on to our readers that either the IPCAM-WOC1 (also sometimes referred to as the Lyric OC1) would make a return, or if not a return, that it would possibly be replaced with something very similar. It came to light that the reason the outdoor camera had been discontinued in the first place was that certain components involved in its production were no longer being produced.

Resideo was unable to source those same components elsewhere, so they are preparing to release the IPCAM-WOC2. This camera is technically not even released yet, so we don't have official documentation, with the exception of a Quick Install Guide, which frankly, contains several errors. For starters, we know for a fact that the image of the camera and its components used in the guide is incorrect. This document, much like the camera itself, will soon be receiving a face lift.

Some of the things that we know are updated in the IPCAM-WOC2, as compared to the IPCAM-WOC1 are: The Bluetooth Antenna is internal on the IPCAM-WOC2. It was external (part of the big wiring bundle) on the IPCAM-WOC1. The WOC2 will support Audio Analytics, with intelligent sound detection. The WOC1 did not support audio. The IPCAM-WOC2 comes with a 16 GB MicroSD card pre-installed, the IPCAM-WOC1 came with a 8 GB card. These are just a few things that we know about, when the full specs are released, we will update our product description with the full gamut of features and specifications.

If you've been waiting to get your hands on an outdoor 1080p camera that's compatible with Total Connect 2.0, now is your chance to pick one up. Given all the supply chain issues revolving around the global chip shortage, this is one of a handful of products that we know is currently in stock. But you had better hurry, because supplies are extremely limited. Once the units we have in stock are gone, we will likely have to wait for the full product release before we can offer any more.

The new ADC-V724 is the first camera from Alarm.com to offer 2-Way Audio in addition to 1080p HDR video, and IR night vision. With the integrated mic and speaker, you could easily have some fun with the neighborhood trick-or treaters while still protecting your property from vandals.

We all know that house in the neighborhood where the owners go all-out for Halloween. In some cases, it's like a haunted house attraction where, instead of having to pay to get in, you get candy if you're brave enough to get to the door. The Alarm.com ADC-V724 could help you make your house the one everybody's talking about this year!

Don't get me wrong, this camera is great all year. It just happens that it's being released at this time of year, which is fortuitous. Because, maybe you're not that house, maybe you're the other house. The one where the inhabitants turn all the lights off and pretend not to be home because they forgot to buy candy. Maybe you're in for some tricks because you don't have any treats. Well, the ADC-V724 has you covered there too. With one of these installed, you can sit inside and watch your property. If anyone shows up to play tricks, you can politely tell them through the camera that they should skip your house.

The ADC-V724 has an improved mount over previous versions of Alarm.com cameras, for better long-term stability. It also has an easier to reach Micro SD card slot, in the event you want to take advantage of the Onboard Recording feature. The minimum capacity for a Micro SD card is 32GB, maximum is 512 GB. No Micro SD card is included with the camera. It also allows you to take advantage of the full suite of Alarm.com Video Analytics, which is a powerful tool for eliminating unwarranted video captures. The ADC-V724 offers High Dynamic Range (HDR) for better light/dark contrast in low-light environments, and can work with either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz WIFI. With the built-in microphone, audio is included in recorded clips. When it comes to providing evidence to the police, audio is often just as important to them as video evidence, so this is a great added feature.

The speaker and Micro SD card slot can be seen in this image:

What do you think about the Alarm.com ADC-V724? Are you in the market for new indoor/outdoor cameras? Will you be going all-out for Halloween, are you the house with no candy, or somewhere in-between? Leave a comment below and let us know what you think. If there's something you'd like to see us cover in our blog, you can let us know that as well. See you next time, until then as always, stay safe!

We have a quick post for you today, as we just wanted to tell you about the new "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature for Alarm.com. With this feature, you can prevent certain users from accessing security camera footage. The feature is available to all ADC users with added cameras.

As you likely know by now, the deep lineup of Alarm.com Security Cameras is quite impressive. But what if you want to make it so that certain users are unable to view security camera footage through Alarm.com, while still being able to access the Alarm.com platform for other tasks, such as arming/disarming and controlling automation devices? That is now possible thanks to the "Restrict Camera Access by Login" feature! You can easily set up the feature through the Alarm.com website using a compatible web browser.

Once the feature has been set up, access to live and recorded camera footage will be restricted for any designated users. It is also possible to restrict access on a camera by camera basis, so that a user can view one or more cameras, while access for one or more other cameras is restricted. The feature can really come in handy in a number of different situations. For example, if you have children or teens in your household, and you want them to be able to arm/disarm from the Alarm.com Mobile App, but you don't want them to view the feed for the camera in the master bedroom, then this is a great option. Another scenario could be that you have employees with access to the Alarm.com account for your business, and you don't want them to view the camera in your private office.

To get started, visit the Alarm.com website, and log in to your customer account. Make sure you are using login credentials with Admin access for the Alarm.com account. Once you are logged in, select Users on the left-hand side. Then choose Manage Logins on the upper bar. Then press the blue "Add A Login" button in the bottom-right corner. You will then follow the steps to create a new login. This will include providing a valid email address, a login name, and setting the language preference. Then press the blue Save button in the bottom-right.

From there, you will be taken to the Manage Login Permissions page. Under "Permission", click the box for Limited Device Access. Make sure to check any boxes for functions that you want the new login to have access to. For example, by checking the box for Remote Arming and choosing the name of the system from the selectable box, you are giving the login the ability to arm/disarm the system from the Alarm.com Mobile App or website. To restrict camera access, do not check the box next to Video Cameras. Alternatively, if you only want to restrict access to certain cameras, then you can check the box next to Video Cameras, and only choose cameras from the dropdown menu that you want to allow the user to view.

Additionally, if you ever want to change the restrictions (i.e. add/remove camera access), then you can simply access the Manage Logins page on the Alarm.com website, click on the underlined login name for the user whose permissions you want to adjust, make the appropriate changes, and press Save in the bottom-right corner. Please note that this feature can only be applied to a single-system login. Group logins cannot be given access to video devices on a per-device basis.

It's nice to see Alarm.com adding a new feature like this. Sure, it's something relatively small, but it's a nice touch that can really come in handy. It's also cool how you can customize access so that certain cameras remain visible, but other cameras, perhaps ones in more private areas (e.g. Master Bedroom, personal offices, etc.), are restricted for access.

If you have any interest in the feature, then we encourage you to test it out. Then after trying it out, leave a comment down below sharing your experience. We would love to hear what you have to say about this new feature. The comments section down below is also a good place to ask any questions you might have.

Or if you have yet to get started with video surveillance from Alarm.com, then we would love to help you out. We offer Alarm.com Video Surveillance on our Platinum Level Plans (Self or Full) and our Video-Only Plan. Don't forget to check out our monitoring page for information on all our available plans. You can also send an email to support@alarmgrid.com to get the ball rolling on new monitoring service a bit more quickly. We check emails during our usual business hours of 9am to 8pm ET M-F. As always, we look forward to hearing from you soon!

If you have a new Alarm.com Security Camera or you are thinking about getting one, then you may want to know just how easy it is to get a camera online and paired with your personal Alarm.com account. Today, we're looking at the setup process for the ADC-V515, ADC-V523, and ADC-V723.

You may recall that the ADC-V515, ADC-V523, and ADC-V723 were our Top Alarm.com Camera Picks in a post we made a couple of months ago. These are indeed the cameras you will most likely be considering if you are a residential user. They're great because they can be powered with a simple plug-in adapter that comes included with each device, and they are also extremely easy to pair with the local WIFI in your home. Plus, the ADC-V515 and ADC-V523 Indoor Cameras can be rested on a desk, table, or countertop for a tools-free installation. The ADC-V723 Outdoor Camera needs to be hard-mounted, so you will have to break out the toolkit to install that one. But just drill a few holes and secure the camera's backplate using included screws, and that camera will also be ready to go.

The other popular Alarm.com Camera for residential use is the ADC-V622, which is also sometimes called the Alarm.com Wellcam. Unlike the other three (3) cameras, Alarm.com markets the ADC-V622 for more of an "independent living" solution so that you can monitor a loved one. It can make a good security camera as well, though its applications are usually a bit different. Alarm.com also has a great lineup of commercial security cameras, which you can usually identify by having a C in the name (e.g. ADC-VC826). But for today, our focus is strictly on the three (3) main residential security cameras, the ADC-V515, ADC-V523, and ADC-V723. We may cover the other cameras in a future post as well, so stay on the lookout for that. But for now, besides the camera, the other things you need to get started are a home WIFI network and an alarm monitoring plan with video surveillance that includes access to Alarm.com, such as an Alarm Grid Platinum Plan. You can learn all about our monitoring plans in this post. Remember that you will only use Alarm.com Cameras if your security system supports Alarm.com, or if you choose to use a stand-alone video-only Alarm.com plan. If you have a Resideo or Honeywell Alarm System, then your system will most likely use Total Connect 2.0 instead of Alarm.com. In that case, there is a nice selection of TC2 IP Cameras you can choose from. But today, we're only looking at Alarm.com Cameras.

When you have a new Alarm.com camera, the first thing you will want to do is power it on. For the three cameras we're checking out today, the power adapter comes included. Most users find the stock setup to be sufficient, but Alarm.com does offer a convenient 9-foot extension cable called the Alarm.com ADC-VPE-9FT-W if you need an extra-long wire run to the nearest outlet. Alarm.com recommends extending the power wire no more than 100 feet. Once you plug the camera in, you can verify that it is receiving power by seeing that the camera's LED light has turned on.

The next step is to get the camera online. These are WIFI cameras that don't support wired ethernet options. You must get the camera connected to wireless WIFI internet. The ADC-V523 and ADC-V723 support both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks. But the ADC-V515 only supports 2.4 GHz networks, and it will not support 5 GHz networks. Keep that in mind if you are using the ADC-V515. Each camera can be paired using AP Mode pairing or WPS pairing. Of these two methods, AP Mode pairing is more secure, and it is the method recommended by Alarm Grid. Check out any of the FAQs below for instructions on AP Mode pairing:

• ADC-V515 AP Mode Pairing
• ADC-V523 AP Mode Pairing
• ADC-V723 AP Mode Pairing

WPS, stands for WIFI Protected Setup. You can use WPS pairing as an alternate method for getting your Alarm.com Camera online. Although WPS pairing is usually seen as easier than AP Mode pairing, it isn't as secure, and it opens up the door for various network vulnerabilities. If you accept the risks, then we have guides showing WPS pairing as well.

• ADC-V515 WPS Pairing
• ADC-V523 WPS Pairing
• ADC-V723 WPS Pairing

Once your camera is online and has a solid green LED, all you need to do is pair it with your Alarm.com account. You can do this using the website or mobile app. Both methods are very easy, so it really comes down to preference as to which one you use. If you decide to pair through the website, then make sure you are using a compatible web browser for Alarm.com.

• ADC-V515 Account Integration via Website
• ADC-V523 Account Integration via Website
• ADC-V723 Account Integration via Website

If you haven't tried out the Alarm.com Mobile App for controlling your system remotely, then setting up a camera through the mobile app can be an excellent way to show you how it works. Anyone with an Alarm.com account can use the mobile app at no extra charge, and you can conveniently download it for free from either the Google Play Store on Android or the Apple App Store on iOS. Then use one of these guides to pair your Alarm.com Camera:

• ADC-V515 Account Integration via Mobile App
• ADC-V523 Account Integration via Mobile App
• ADC-V723 Account Integration via Mobile App

We hope that you find these guides useful for setting up an Alarm.com Residential Camera. We will likely be covering the Alarm.com Wellcam ADC-V622 and the Alarm.com Commercial Security Cameras sometime in the near future, so stay on the lookout. Feel free to comment below to share your thoughts on Alarm.com Cameras. What do you like about them? Is there anything you'd love to see in future updates and releases? Leave a comment down below, and stay tuned for more content on security systems and cameras coming soon.

Alarm.com has a new security camera available, the ADC-V515. This is an entry-level camera for use in homes and small businesses. It supports virtually all of the same great features as the higher-end cameras from Alarm.com. The camera is available for purchase on the Alarm Grid website.

The Alarm.com ADC-V515 is set to replace the existing Alarm.com ADC-V522IR, which will remain available until the existing stock is exhausted. What's great about the new ADC-V515 is that it offers nearly all of the same excellent features and strong performance of earlier Alarm.com Camera models, but at a lower price point. We recommend this camera for anyone looking to set up video monitoring inside their home or business on a budget.

For an entry-level camera, the ADC-V515 certain boasts some impressive specifications. It offers full 1080p recording and High Dynamic Range (HDR) functionality for more luminous video captures. Its viewing angle of 110° is only 7° less than the higher-end ADC-V523. You can also effectively use the ADC-V515 at nighttime or in a dark environment thanks to its IR Night Vision feature, which works from up to 15 feet away. You will also love the ability to adjust images through Flip, Brightness, Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, and Exposure.

One restriction with the ADC-V515 is that it can only be used with WIFI connectivity. The camera does not support wired ethernet connectivity, and it cannot be set up with Power over Ethernet (PoE). This is important to keep in mind if you are accustomed to wiring your security cameras for PoE. Instead, the ADC-V515 gets its power from a plug-in transformer, which comes included. Additionally, you can only use 2.4 GHz WIFI networks with the camera. It does not support 5 GHz WIFI networks.

Remember that the ADC-V515 is for indoor use only. If you need an outdoor camera, then you might consider the Alarm.com ADC-V723 instead. Also keep in mind that you will need Alarm.com Video Monitoring service to use the ADC-V515 or any other mainline Alarm.com Camera. You can get Alarm.com Video Monitoring service with a Platinum Plan from Alarm Grid. Both our Platinum and Self-Platinum Plans are viable options. Click here to learn more about our monitoring plans.

If you are interested in starting new monitoring service, upgrading your existing service, or if you just want to learn more about the ADC-V515, then please email our support and planner teams at support@alarmgrid.com. We're here to help you from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. We look forward to hearing from you!

There has been a lot of talk in the tech industry lately about security and privacy. With the rise of home security cameras and doorbell cameras, many users are worried about protecting their devices. Today, we're going to discuss how Alarm.com does its part to keep your devices secure.

Every Alarm.com account is protected by a unique username and password. And all sensitive communication with the Alarm.com servers is protected through strict authentication protocols and secure encrypted connections. Whenever your security system or cameras are communicating with Alarm.com, the information is sent across extremely secure encrypted servers. This makes it virtually impossible for others to obtain your sensitive information through malicious methods.

You may have heard talk of other security systems and video doorbells being "hacked" or maliciously accessed. These horror stories are something that will likely always be a factor in the highly advanced technology-based society we live in. As a user, it is important to stay on your toes and always be careful. But one thing you can rest assured about is that Alarm Grid and Alarm.com are on your side. We do everything we can to make sure that your information is protected and that your privacy is always maintained.

But you need to do your part as an end user as well. You must protect your Alarm.com account and stop others from gaining access. This is done by establishing a strong password for your account that includes a combination of numbers, symbols, and both upper and lowercase letters. A long password is always advised, and you should not share passwords across multiple websites or services. Additionally, you may want to change your password regularly for added security.

Alarm.com also offers two-factor authentication as another way to keep your account secure. If enabled on your account, you will get a text message with a secret code whenever you go to login to your account. You will need to provide this secret code in order to access your account. Although this takes extra time, it does go a long way towards securing your account. You can enable two-factor authentication for your Alarm.com account by logging into your Alarm.com account and accessing the Settings Menu. Then choose Login Information > Two Factor Authentication > choose Enabled. You will then need to provide your cellular info to receive a confirmation code.

You should also make sure to have your Alarm.com account monitored for any unexpected activity. By enabling this feature, Alarm.com will analyze the data of your system to learn your typical activity patterns. If any activity occurs outside of these normal patterns, then Alarm.com will send a text and/or email alert so that you are notified. This can be very useful if there is system activity that you do not recognize. Again, this feature will need to be enabled on your Alarm.com account for it to work. Please note that it takes 30 days of activity with Alarm.com to establish activity patterns. Alarm Grid provides this service at no additional charge for all customers with Alarm.com monitoring service. Please be aware that other monitoring companies may charge extra for this feature.

If you are an Alarm Grid customer and you want us to enable certain features on your Alarm.com account, then please reach out to us! The best way to reach us is to email support@alarmgrid.com. You can also email us if you are hoping to learn more about how Alarm.com keeps your account protected. Remember that our support hours for responding to emails run from 9am to 8pm ET M-F. Please note that our hours will differ for the upcoming holidays. We look forward to hearing from you!