You return home from vacation or visiting relatives over the holidays to a house that has been broken into. Home break-ins can not only require expensive repairs but can also cause great distress and inconvenience. With Fall coming and family visits out of town likely, there are some things homeowners can do to help prevent these types of issues. Leave a Vehicle in the Driveway Leave a vehicle in the driveway if your family has more than one car. It…
The past decade has been a whirlwind of technological advances in many industries, including the home security business. From the introduction of doorbell cameras to complete integrated smart home systems, technology that didn’t even exist ten years ago is now so commonplace we don’t even think about it. However, not all new technological innovations are successful. Sometimes a hot new device that at first seems like it might be “the next big thing” turns out to be a flop (remember…
In recent years, the trend in many industries has been towards consolidation, and that has certainly been the case in the home security business. There are many reasons for this, but the main reason is that small, locally owned alarm companies have faced increasing competition from giant corporations including cable companies, tech companies like Google and Amazon, and manufacturers of DIY home security equipment. While none of these mega corporations can come close to matching the level of service and…
If you’ve begun the process of researching options for a monitored alarm system to protect your home, you’ve almost certainly noticed that almost all alarm companies require you to sign a contract or agreement of some type. As is the case with many types of contracts, these documents can sometimes be full of fine print and hard-to-understand legalese. If you’re like many people, when you encounter a contract like this you just skim over it at best, or possibly even…
To our valued customers, friends, network partners and associates: As COVID-19 cases in our area continue to decline, we remain committed to the health and safety of our employees and customers. Our staff will have face masks available at all appointments and will wear them if required/requested by the customer. We will continue to follow all applicable guidelines from the CDC and Virginia Health Department as they are updated going forward. Frank L. Pegram, President
When it comes to protecting your home from burglars, there is no doubt that the single most effective thing you can do is to have a monitored alarm system (and promote that fact to would-be burglars with a yard sign). However, true home security isn’t a one-and-done proposition—it’s about adding multiple layers of defense to make your home a less attractive target than other nearby homes. In addition to a monitored alarm system, other layers of defense you might consider…
If you have an alarm system in your home that was installed sometime between the years 2000 and 2015, there is a chance that if you look at your alarm control panel, you will be looking at the logo of a company that no longer exists—Interlogix. Interlogix was, for many years, a leader in the security and alarm industry. They manufactured some of the most widely used control panels in the residential market, such as the Simon and Concord line…
The revolutionary new 2Gig Edge Alarm Panel is finally here, and as promised it incorporates a number of industry-leading features: Built-in facial recognition and analytics within the panel keep your data secure. Panel is 50% thinner than previous models with double the viewing area and higher resolution. Two microphones and dual speakers provide high-quality, echo-free 2-way communication. A simple user interface with 1-button access to key features makes using the panel a breeze. With features like those (and many more),…
As we put 2020 in the rear view mirror, it’s time to look ahead to what 2021 might have in store for us. While we wouldn’t dare hazard to guess as how this year will compare to last year overall, there are a few specific things about our industry—the home security business—that we can predict with a fair amount of confidence. In this article, we’ll take a quick look at the top home security trends we believe will affect the…
Ring, the manufacturer of a widely used video doorbell, last week issued a recall notice affecting over 350,000 of its 2nd generation doorbells. The units affected by the recall were sold on Ring's website and on Amazon between June and October of 2020 (Ring is owned by Amazon). The reason for the recall notice is that if installed using the wrong type of screw, the batteries of the doorbells in question could overheat and catch fire. So far the company…
When it comes to home security, there are countless products and gadgets on the market—and new ones coming out all the time. Nobody has time to spend hours digging through statistics, product descriptions, and reviews to weed out the bad gadgets and find the right home security product for their needs. In order to help keep you from ending up with equipment that you might not be happy with, we reviewed five popular “DIY” home security gadgets that we think…
Qolsys is a leading security and smart home manufacturer based in the U.S. that designs state-of-the-art security and home automation solutions for dealers in North America, including Dynamark Security of Richmond. One of their main products is the IQ Panel 2, an all-in-one control panel for smart homes and home security systems, which we are reviewing here on our blog. What is the IQ Panel 2? Though Qolsys released its flagship product, the IQ Panel 2 Home Security System control…
Exciting news! Dynamark Security has hired a new sales rep, Kevin Deshazo. Kevin has many years of experience working in the home security business and will be a valuable edition to our team. You may interact with him soon as will be assisting in serving our existing clients as well as new accounts. Here is a little bit about Kevin in his own words: I was born and raised in RVA and then spent 20 years in sunny Florida. My…
As a locally owned security company that Richmond homeowners have trusted for over 35 years, Dynamark Security of Richmond takes pride in being transparent and honest in our marketing and advertising. Unfortunately, many companies in the home security industry do not take this approach. In one recent, high-profile example of the type of deceptive advertising used by some home security companies, SimpliSafe—a company that produces DIY-security equipment—was forced to retract certain claims they were making after an investigation by the…
When it comes to the crowded landscape of the home security industry, there are a lot of companies fulfilling various roles, including equipment manufacturers, installers, monitoring services, and even big tech companies like Amazon and Google that dabble in the home security market. Understandably, this can sometimes cause confusion among consumers about the role of a specific company, and this has definitely been the case with one of the newer and most innovative companies in the industry, Alarm.com. Alarm.com is…
We certainly are living in unprecedented times as Virginia (and the rest of the world) navigates the COVID-19 pandemic. Our hearts go out to everyone who is being directly and indirectly affected by the Coronavirus. Your security needs may have changed because of the "stay at home" order and the closure of all nonessential businesses. Perhaps you are at home far more than before, or you're concerned about keeping your business safe while it's closed. Dynamark Security remains committed to…
Here at Dynamark Security of Richmond, we often field questions from people about the do-it-yourself alarm systems available from home improvement stores, whether it's SimpliSafe or Ring or Google Nest or other similar systems. The main questions they have are about what the difference is between using a system like that vs working with a professional custom alarm installation company such as Dynamark, which has been around for 35 years. If you think it through, there's a lot of obvious…
Over the past ten years, one of the biggest consumer complaints in the security industry has been the unreliability of WiFi cameras. Part of that has to do with the fact they're totally dependent on your WiFi, and thus are subject to the same disruptions in signal strength as other devices. However, the the other part of it is that they pick up so much extraneous "stuff"--dogs, cats, birds, weather, cars going by, etc. Other than people who install cameras…
Smoke detectors are a critical part of home safety. They detect and warn people about the presence of smoke and a possible fire. Smoke and fires usually aren’t as dangerous during the day when you are at home and awake. People typically smell the smoke early enough to put out the fire before there is too much damage. Smoke detectors are very helpful at night when you are asleep or when you are away from home (if you have a…
Many people use voice assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri and Google’s Assistant in their homes to help control their home’s systems, including in some cases security systems. However, a newly discovered flaw in those virtual helpers calls into question the wisdom of connecting them to security systems or even using them at all. As it turns out, these assistants can not only be controlled by sound (i.e., voice commands), they can also be controlled by light. In tests…
Editor's note: Since the original publication of this article, more information has continued to come out regarding privacy violations and lax civil rights protections related to Ring products. We will continue to update this post with links to this information below as it comes out. Senator Markey Investigation into Amazon Ring Doorbell Reveals Egregiously Lax Privacy Policies and Civil Rights Protections BBC Report--Ring doorbell 'gives Facebook and Google user data' When it comes to protecting your home, many of the…
Summer is often the ideal time for major projects around the home because of nicer weather and longer daylight hours. Whether you are having your bathroom renovated or your basement finished, any remodeling project puts your home and family at risk for burglary or unwelcome intruders. With a revolving door of contractors, construction workers, and other people coming in and out of your home it can feel impossible to “vet” everyone. If your renovation project involves exposed walls, there is…
As a homeowner who operates an Airbnb, you want to make sure your home and property stay safe while your guests enjoy a comfortable visit. It can be challenging to balance security and homey hospitality. We’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you keep your guests and property secure while keeping everything accessible, inviting, and in compliance with Airbnb policies. Smart Locks Using physical keys comes with a variety of cost and security risks. Keys easily get lost, damaged,…
The opioid crisis continues to grow and take its toll on communities around the country. In the US alone, more than 47,000 Americans died of opioid overdose in 2017. But death isn’t the only way opioid addiction ruins lives. Like with many addictions, opioid addicts are often driven to adopt destructive and illegal behaviors that harm not only themselves but those around them. One such behavior is burglary, as the US has seen a rise in opioid-related theft and addict…
Update: After we published the original post below, reports came out that Google had "forgotten" to tell consumers that some of their Nest security devices contained a hidden microphone that was not listed in the technical specifications--adding yet another possible avenue for privacy violations. Click here to read the full report. Is your smart home security camera truly secure? With the popularity of smart cameras like Nest on the rise, the number of hackers who can access these cameras--and their…
While commercial security systems are something every business should invest in, they only help keep out bad people who aren't authorized to access your building. What about people you invite into your building, such as employees and vendors? Now more than ever, any business in the market for a new employee conducts a background check on each candidate before they make their hiring decision. It just makes sense to ensure that the people who will be in your building day…
Even though, as a security and alarm company, Dyanamrk Security of Richmond is dedicated to helping our customers secure their physical property, we also want to make sure you are protected from criminals seeking to rob you through scams. In the ongoing battle between telemarketing scammers and consumers trying to avoid them, the latest front involves something called call spoofing. To help protect our customers and the general public from this new threat, we're publishing the information below about what…
For a limited time, when you install a new alarm system, upgrade an existing alarm system, or switch your alarm monitoring service to Dynamark Security, we will give you two free wireless remote controls for your alarm system that you can attach to your keychain! All you have to do is mention this promotion when you contact us for a free quote. The remotes feature four buttons that can be programmed for individual control or can be paired for two-button…
Every year, especially during the spring and summer, the home security industry and its customers are targeted by scams. The aim of these scams is to get homeowners to switch their monitoring system to a new, far inferior and far more expensive options, often with hidden fees and bad intentions. The alarming part of these scams is that these security companies don’t usually try to persuade you to switch to their company or even ask outright. Instead, they lie, pretending…
Dynamark Security is excited to announce a promotion we will be doing during through the end of March to help Fisher House, an organization that builds comfort homes near VA hospitals and medical centers around the world so that families of veterans can have a free place to stay while their loved ones receive medical treatment. When a customer installs and activates a new security system or switches to Dynamark and mentions this promotion, we will make a $100 donation…
Your security system is keeping your family safe every day, so it just makes sense to conduct regular tests to ensure that it’s functioning properly. Should the worst case scenario occur, you want to know that your security system will do what it’s meant to do. The best way to keep your LYNX Touch Security System performing at peak condition is to test it once a week. Here’s a rundown of the instructions for conducting a weekly systems test: First,…
If you are scrambling to get some last-minute holiday shopping completed but are having trouble coming up with affordable gift ideas, then we've got you covered. Here are five creative and useful gift ideas for the security-conscious homeowner on your holiday shopping list. RFID Wallet RFID wallets are a type of wallet designed to help protect you against a form of identity theft where criminals can steal personal information including credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, and passport information simply…
Do you need some extra cash for the holidays? Want to save money on your alarm monitoring service this month? If so, we have the perfect offer for you! If you refer a new customer to Dynamark Security of Richmond during the month of December 2016, we'll give you a $100 gift card. There's three easy ways to make a referral: Download our mobile app and send it to a friend via text message. Fill out the form on this…
We’ve warned you before on this blog about the dangers of using “do-it-yourself” alarm systems, and specifically the popular SimpliSafe DIY alarm system. However, new information has come to light that makes the problem even worse than we thought. SimpliSafe markets itself as an alternative to “traditional” alarm companies such as Dynamark Security of Richmond, which use professional installers, robust customer support, and tried and proven alarm technology. SimpliSafe claims that all that fancy equipment and support provided by these…
Recently, a “distributed denial of service” or DDOST attack on domain name service provider Dyn grabbed headlines after major websites like Twitter, Wix, and others were taken offline. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the “botnet”—or, in other words, a network of internet-connected devices that have been compromised by hackers—that was used in the attack was made up largely of devices that are part of the “Internet of Things”. Since many consumers either knowingly or unknowingly own devices that are…
Dynamark Security of Richmond is looking for a hard-working, motivated employee to join the best home security team in the area. We have an immediate job opening for an experienced alarm security system sales person. Compensation for the position is based on the applicant's experience and is competitive for the industry, and includes a benefits package. We are seeking a candidate that is interested in a long-term career in the alarm industry, not someone who is just looking for short-term…
Lately, we’ve seen a large spike in demand for home security cameras. We get many phone calls from people interested in getting a camera installed, or who have questions about the various types of cameras and how much they cost. While we’re very excited to see that people are taking home security seriously, there is one problem about the current camera craze: many of the people asking about home security cameras don’t have a monitored alarm system. They don’t understand…
With Labor Day now behind us, schools in the Richmond area are back in session, which means many families are once again adjusting to new schedules and routines. Some young children are going to school for the first time, and others are starting at a new school. Regardless, the changes in your family’s routine also mean new security challenges. Here’s a few back to school security tips you might want to review with your kids to make sure that they…
Garage doors present one of the largest access points in a home--and one of the most vulnerable. They are an easy target for burglars. In fact almost 10% of all break-ins start in the garage, according to an article on This Old House. Here is an overview of problems you need to look out for and ways to increase the security of the doors connected to your garage. Access Door Between the Home and the Garage Treat the access door…
As a homeowner, it’s natural to think of expensive jewelry and flat screens as some of the most commonly stolen items in a home burglary. It is also natural to think that this kind of theft occurs when you are away from your home or when you are asleep. These assumptions are not entirely wrong, but with burglaries taking place every 13.0 seconds in the United States, some of these criminal activities are more likely to be purely optimistic and…
It’s the last week of the annual National Safety Month sponsored by the National Safety Council, and each week of the month has a different theme related to helping you stay safe at home, work, and on the road. We’ve been posting articles related to the theme for each week, including topics such as how to create a home emergency kit and the benefits of a neighborhood watch. The theme for the last week of the month is Sharing the…
The National Safety Council has named June National Safety Month, and each week during the month has a different theme related to helping people stay safe and avoid injury. The theme for this week is “watch out for danger”, and in honor of that occasion we’d like to highlight some of the ways a neighborhood watch program can help you watch out for dangers in your community and improve your home security. In its modern form in the U.S., the…
June is National Safety Month, and in part two of a four-part series of articles promoting that occasion, today we’re taking a look at the top seven causes of accidental death and injury and how to prevent them. While fires and carbon monoxide poisoning are both things that our home security systems can help prevent, most of the things that caused accidental injury and death in the U.S. in 2014 are related to other factors. The things on the list…
While having a monitored home security system is an important part of making your home a safe place to live, it doesn’t protect you against everything. In order to help raise awareness about dangers you can encounter in and around your home and workplace, the National Safety Council promotes June as National Safety Month. Each week of the month has a theme related to a different subject, and throughout the month we’ll be posting articles to our blog related to…
Knowing your neighbors has always been the best way to keep your home, your street and your community safe. Before computers, it was over the fence, in the park and at local get-togethers. People posted signs on telephone polls and at the neighborhood grocery store. But over the last three decades, people have bemoaned how impersonal neighborhoods have become, largely due to the inroads of technology. Children and adults commune with their computers, smartphones and Xboxes, not in real time…
As a homeowner you may be diligent about burglar proofing your doors, yet did you know that your windows are also vulnerable? It's important to realize that this is a viable point of entry, yet in many homes they go unprotected. Here are five ways to burglar proof your windows to provide more safety to your home. Replace Window Panes with Reinforced Glass There are several types of reinforced glass with which you can replace your existing window panes, however…
When it comes to maintaining your home, one way to save money is to “do it yourself”. While this is a great approach to tasks like painting, yard work, or simple remodeling projects, when it comes to home security the “DIY” approach might leave your home vulnerable to burglary. There are three main risks to using DIY alarm systems, which we have outlined below. Risk #1: No professional installation The first problem with DIY alarm systems is that, by definition,…
