Disclosure: AD, this is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own.

Improving your home's security is crucial for protecting your property, belongings, and most importantly, the safety of you and your family. It can be overwhelming wondering how to start securing your home, but you can significantly reduce the risk of any issues plus protect your humble abode and loved ones, by taking a few easy steps. 

Install a home alarm system

The first thing to consider are burglar alarms. Homes with an alarm system are less likely to be broken into than those without one. Even just the window sticker advertising your home security system is enough to scare off many would-be home intruders. It's easy to be deterred by the perceived high costs or technical upkeep of an alarm system. In reality, however, there are many affordable options and smartphone technology has made it easier than ever to conveniently manage your alarm system from anywhere. Ours is connected to our wireless network and has an anti-jamming feature to stop any cyber attackers from disabling it. If you would like to go a step further, maybe if you have a work computer in the house, you can install some security cameras in key areas. 

Add shutters to your Home

Another simple step to avoid being an easy target is to think about your windows. Window coverings are often not thought of as a way to improve home security, however they play an important role. Unlike blinds and curtains, window shutters are great at improving home security. They're built using durable and long lasting wooden materials and they're fitted within the window pane so they can't move around. With the louvre slats, they also stop people outside from being able to fully look into the rooms, heightening your home's privacy and security. 

Shutter blinds deter burglars as they prevent people from viewing the interior of your home. This in turn stops them from being able to familiarise themselves with the layout, and from seeing what valuables they might be able to have if they break in successfully.

Shutters that can be adjusted to control light and privacy are the best for this as they offer a greater degree of control and can be used to hide the interior of your home without leaving the impression that there is nobody there. These are great if you normally have a work life from home but occassionally like to pop out to a coffee shop, run errands, or if you keep confidential information in your home office and don't want anyone to view it from outside. 

Secure Your Home Office

Physical security shouldn't go out the window when you're working from home. Just as you would lock the up the office when you leave for the day, we should all do the same when operating as remote workers. Personal computers and such as laptops or mobile devices can be stolen from your patio, living room or home office. Make sure family members take their laptops inside when they go and play or have lunch. 

Keep your home workspace as secure as you keep your normal office. So apart from physical devices, your online security is a critical part of protecting your personal information and ensuring your online activities and sensitive data remain secure. On your home network use decent login credentials which means strong passwords or a password manager and keep your work devices in good condition by allowing software updates. Be aware of phishing emails and use a unique password for each online account to prevent multiple accounts from being compromised if one password is breached. Enable two-factor authentication which is an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your mobile device. 

Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, antivirus software (on laptops and mobile phones), and other applications to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Be mindful of social media privacy settings. It's particularly important for remote employees to use reputable security software and stay informed about the latest online security threats and best practices. By remaining vigilant, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to online scams, identity theft, and other cyber security breaches.

Make it look like someone is home

There are some easy ways you can make it appear that someone is home in your house, even when that isn’t the case. One obvious tactic is to leave a light on inside, although that’s done so commonly that most burglars won’t think twice about the living room light being switched on. 

Some other effective ways to make it seem like your home is occupied, especially when you’re away for an extended period, are to leave a car in the driveway, used timed lighting (indoor and outdoor) that goes on at different times, have a friend or neighbor collect your mail, and leave a radio or TV playing inside. You can even buy special lights now which emit the colours and flickering of a TV so intruders will think someone is inside. 

Add a deadbolt protector

Most burglars will know how to pick your locks, even seemingly pick-proof deadbolts. One way to give your doors main doors some extra security is to add a deadbolt protector, which slides a lock over your deadbolt to prevent it from turning. You can find them at most hardware stores.

Reinforce sliding doors

Sliding doors on patios and decks are more vulnerable than your main front door. The locks are easier to pick, and even just an extra hard pull can get through many locks. It’s best to add some extra security to your sliding doors. This can be as simple as laying a bar, broomstick, or piece of plywood in the door track, but many homeowners prefer a more sophisticated method. In that case, you can buy locks that fit onto the bottom or top of the door to add extra protection.

We hope you found these tips for security measures in the home useful. Although it's a tough topic protecting your home and private information is never something you will regret doing. Taking just some of these steps will mean your home becomes less of a target giving you peace of mind.