Mobile Home Security: Capabilities & Functionality

With on-the-go lifestyles, it's helpful to be able to access key security features from our iPhones, Androids, Blackberrys and tablets. Security apps bring greater peace of mind, seamless management, and greater adaptability for added levels of convenience and protection.

As a result, mobile home security is on the rise and quickly gaining mainstream adoption. In fact, our partner, Alarm.com (who powers our mobile solutions), surpassed one million interactive users in 2012 and reports 75% of remote access events are through its mobile app, as opposed to its web interface.

So, what's possible with these systems, and how do they work? Read on for details.

Home Security App Capabilities

Mobile security systems provide great value, as they can be customized to align with homeowners’ unique challenges. Basic capabilities include:

Remote Access: Log in to your security system anytime, anywhere. Double check that you've set your alarm, adjust settings as needed and view logs.
Streaming Video: Watch live video feeds from your home. See your kids coming home from school, virtually greet visitors at your front door, check in on pets and more.
Location-Based Services: Tap into the GPS on your phone. You can even get notifications when your phone is no longer in the vicinity of your house, but your security system hasn't been turned on.
Real-Time Alerts: Receive text messages, phone calls or emails when sensors are activated. For example, get a notification every time your garage door opens or a cabinet within your house is accessed. Alerts can be tailored based on the activities you deem most important to monitor.

How Mobile Security Works

So, how is all this possible? It's pretty straightforward.

A home security specialist installs sensors and cameras throughout your house, based on the areas you would like to monitor and specific security needs. These are determined through an assessment of your property and goals by your security consultant.

Sensors and cameras are then controlled by, and transmit data to, a central panel within your home. From there, data is transferred over the Internet where it can be accessed by homeowners via web browser or mobile app with a simple login (email and password), or through real-time alerts.

Signals are also sent to a central monitoring station, managed by the security company, when an alarm is triggered. This ensures that emergency support is sent as quickly as possible, when necessary.