Tools For The Security Professional include software, weapons, and also alarm systems to protect individuals from harm. Not too many years ago, when discussing security and security tools, the conversation was limited to burglar alarms, armed police officers, wall safes, and smoke alarms.
Technology, the Internet, and general changes in our lifestyles and the way we do business, travel and tragic events like 9-11 have made security issues much more important for all people.
Today security covers online tools, security equipment, firearms, private security, and more. Sometimes these issues overlap, but there are unique security tools for each category that merits examination depending on what your demands and expectations may be.
There are 50 security tools with an explanation of what they can do and how to use them. Some of the items are things we take for granted and use every day. Others are more sophisticated and require that everyone use extra vigilance when using these devices.
Online Tools
The Internet is a part of our lives. People do a tremendous amount of business on the Internet, exchange private information, and sometimes reveal their daily agenda on social media. Security begins with the individual, but there are several tools that can be of use in proving the needed security.
1. Norton Internet Security
This program covers issues such as security, antivirus, firewall, anti-spam, parental control, and phishing protection. It is a good all-purpose tool.
2. Norton 360
These programs are similar to Norton’s Internet security. It can provide some of the functions of the Norton Internet Security Program, but it also provides the inclusion of an online backup procedure, allowing you a way to protect your data, and providing tune-up capabilities to help your computer run better.
3. Webroot Secure Anywhere
This is inexpensive and has an unusual anti-virus component that does not use virus signatures, but instead, detects threats by their behavior and other characteristics. Webroot does not offer spam filtering or parental control. However, it does have a flexible online backup and sync utility along with password management powered by Last Pass.
4. Conodo Internet Security Complete
Malware is a major problem because sometimes even the best online protection tools won’t work if malware has control of your computer. The Conodo Internet Security Complete 2013 makes their top-tier level support the default. You can call on the Comodo’s GeekBuddy service for help with absolutely any PC problem. This even includes help to install the product on an infected system, so it can do its job and remove the malware.
5. Specialized security software
If you connect to an office server or some other remote device, then you may need some additional software to protect your computer and the server to which you are connected.
6. Secure WiFi Connection
If your home has internet access, you may be using a WiFi connection to extend wireless service to all parts of the house. However, WiFi can be encrypted or not encrypted. Only devices with the correct passcode can use encrypted WiFi service. Unprotected WiFi without encryption is not secure. Anyone within range of your signal can use your service and possibly hack into your home computer.
7. External Hard Drive
Even if you have another backup system, an external hard drive to back up your data is vital. You can disconnect the external drive and put it in a secure place. So, this solution is ideal if you leave home for an extended period. If your house is broken into and the computer is stolen, you will still have all your important data.
8. Mobile telephones that offer password protection
While it may be more inconvenient, most telephones today allow a password to be included that will activate if the phone is not used for a certain amount of time. Other phones will let you set the phone location. In the event the phone is lost, or you turn up missing, the phone location is know.
Security Equipment
Security equipment can cover a lot of territories. For the purpose of this listing, the equipment is for home and individual use.
9. Home Security Systems
there are systems that can cover break-ins, potential fires, excess carbon monoxide levels and other matters. Most have sensors at key locations in the house and one or more keypads that the home owner can use to set and disarm the system. The key issue with this equipment is to know how it is monitored and how quickly it connects to the proper authorities.
10. Burglar Alarm
If the full home security system is not in the budget, there are some low-cost burglar alarms that are available that will alert you to a possible intruder and perhaps scare the intruder away.
11. Personal security
This market is aimed at elderly or disabled people who might need assistance. By pressing a button on a pendant or a wristband, the person is contacted by an individual who can make the necessary phone calls. The key factor here is to check the device’s range regarding the distance to the receiving point. Usually, these devices will work in average-size houses, but in some cases, additional equipment made be needed.
12. Smoke Alarms
These are battery-powered devices that will warn the occupants of a problem. They are not monitored by any outside party, and the batteries must be changed at least twice each year.
13. Carbon Monoxide Alarms
Carbon monoxide is a colorless gas that can often result from a faulty heating system. These alarms are battered powered and are not monitored, but emit a loud noise.
14. Security Lights
These can be installed at strategic places on your property and be set to come on when someone approaches.
15. Cameras
Security cameras can be used in a number of places, in the home, to monitor the house from your personal computer, outdoors to record who comes and goes and at doors, so you can see who is knocking on your door.
16. Double Cylinder deadbolt lock
These locks are more difficult to pick up and usually more trouble for the home burglar. The lock, when added to a sign that says the house is monitored by a security service will keep most intruders away.
17. Door viewers
these are devices that are installed in doors and act as a peep-hole, allowing you to see who is standing in front of your door.
18. Secure window locks
Good locks on the windows, combined with an alarm monitoring system, will prevent most intruders.
19. Intercom system
This can be used to make people identify themselves if they knock on the door and you are not expecting anyone.
20. Non-skid bathtubs
Newer tubs have a rougher surface that will help prevent slipping. If a new tub is not practical, use a non-skid mat and check it frequently.
21. Grip bars in bathrooms
While most think this is something for the elderly, a young person can slip when getting out of the bathtub. Grip bars should be installed within the tub area and immediately outside the tub or shower area.
22. Medical Bracelets
Identification bracelets or medallions that you wear all the time if you have a severe illness or have allergies to items like peanuts or other common items.
23. Emergency Escape Ladders
If you live in a two-story house, this is an absolute necessity in the event of a fire.
24. Safe
You have more valuables than you think. A safe, especially a fireproof safe can let you keep valuables such as jewelry, important papers, and a list of the passwords you used on your computer.
25. Battery-powered emergency radio
This can be vital if there is a power outage or a severe storm such as a hurricane is approaching. This radio will allow you to keep track of any actions you need to take such as evacuation or sheltering-in-place.
26. Emergency backup electrical generator
These come in all sizes, ranging from those that can power an entire house, to smaller units that can run your refrigerator or freezer for several hours a day and even let you use the microwave.
27. A fully-charged laptop computer with a car adapter
This would allow you to recharge the battery. If the event of a massive power failure, the laptop computer may be your best means of communication with family members and friends in other locations.
Firearms
Firearms can offer tremendous security, but can be very dangerous and if not handled in the right way can be used against you. So it is necessary to be careful.
The U.S. Constitution allows all citizens to bear arms, and Congress cannot pass any laws to limit that right. However, individual states can pass laws. Since guns can be lethal weapons, be certain to follow the laws of your state regarding training, registration, whether it can be a concealed weapon, etc.
28. Guns
Guns come in all shapes and sizes from the small revolver, to massive hunting rifles. If you own a gun. there are certain accessories you need to go with it.
29. Gun lock
this is a lock that goes inside the trigger guard which will prevent the gun from being accidentally fired.
30. Gun safe
As the name would imply, this is a small safe that can be kept in a drawer and opened in a matter of seconds, if you know the combination. A gun inside a gun safe can be kept loaded and ready for use.
31. Cleaning kit
Even if never used, a gun requires maintenance. Therefore, the appropriate cleaning kit should be purchased and used in accordance with manufacturer instructions.
32. Ear protection
If you are going to own a gun, you should know how to use it. That would require practice at a target range or some other location. Guns are noisy. Therefore, ear protection for practice purposes is essential.
33. Taser Gun
Unlike the traditional gun, Taser guns do not fire bullets. They emit an electric shock to the would-be assailant.
Personal Security
Just as the term implies, these are devices to ensure your private and personal security. Guns can fall into this category. There are many other more defensive devices that might be easier for some people to use.
34. Mace
This and other chemical sprays can be useful if assaulted by an assailant.
35. Pepper Spray
The concept for Mace and Pepper Spray are similar in that they are intended to disable the would-be attacker or intruder long enough for you to escape.
36. Remote Control Car Lights
Many newer cars allow lights to be turned on as you approach a car and will also let you sound the car alarm.
37. The mobile telephone
As previously mentioned the mobile telephone can also be used for calling 911 in an emergency.
Thus far, we have looked at items that fall into particular categories. However, there are many other security devices that can be useful. Some can be high-tech and, some do not have to be. Furthermore, there are some security devices that you just have to be aware of in the event you need them.
Miscellaneous Security Equipment:
38. Knife
While you cannot carry even a small pocket knife on an airplane, it can prove to be useful in other situations, mainly for escaping and not for attacking. Women should carry one in their purses or attached to a key ring while men should carry one in their pockets.
39. Flashlights
Every home should have flashlights in every room with fresh batteries. If the lights go out suddenly, you do not want to be in the dark, especially if an intruder was the one responsible for the power outage.
40. First Aid Kits
Every home should have this and it should include various sizes of bandages, anesthetic wipes, gauze pads and a list of any allegories any member of the family may have.
41. Medical Folder
Every person should have a medical folder showing what medications they are taking, what medications they are allergenic to, any conditions for which they are being treated and any allergies, especially to medications, that they may have. If you are taken by ambulance from your home to a hospital, this folder can save valuable time.
Security Devices For Cars
Today’s cars have a number of security devices built into them, but you have to know what they are and how to use them, and you may want to supplement them. Devices to look for when purchasing a new car should include:
42. Speed Activated Door Locks
Door locks activate as soon as the car reaches a certain speed.
43. Rear mounted cameras
Rear-mounted cameras are a good investment not only for when you are backing out of the driveway, but to know if anyone is approaching your car when you are in a parking lot.
44. Remote stop
Services that can remotely stop your car if the event it is stolen from you. A simple phone call can keep the thief from going very far.
45. Instrument panel
An instrument panel that shows if you have low air pressure in your tires, running low on oil, is overheating and of course, shows if you are running out of gasoline.
46. Hammar or glass breaker
A special hammer should be in your car that can break open a window in case your car is in a flooding situation. The pressure of the water can prevent you from breaking a window with a shoe or a book, and the water will probably short out the electrical system. Thus, the hammer designed for this purpose can be a lifesaver.
47. Spare Tire
In your trunk, you should have an inflated spare, basic tools, flairs, and an orange safety placard that you can set up if your car stops running, or you have to change a tire.
48. Interior trunk release
All newer model cars have an interior trunk release to keep people from being locked in trunks. If ever forced to use this device, care has to be utilized so that your kidnapper does not see you getting away.
49. Alarm system
These alarms should activate if someone pulls on the handle of the car, bumps into it, or come into another contact. If it was incidental contact, then the person will likely walk away. If it was a serious attempt to steal the car, it will probably be thwarted.
Security can cover many areas, ranging from protecting yourself and your family to protecting your home and valuables. All of the items mentioned here may not fall into the traditional definition of security, but each, when applied to the appropriate situation is indeed a security tool that can prevent the loss of life or property.
However, the most effective security tool is for each individual to be aware of his situation and surroundings and take the measures that will protect his family, home, and himself.
Also, a key to security is making sure each individual knows how to use the security devices available to him when to use them, and to understand when the situation calls for security measures. All of the items mentioned in this article can be used for helping people. Many, if used incorrectly can lead to injuries and death.
Thus, security is not something purchased in a box or at the store. Security is a practice that everyone should employ, using the appropriate tools for the appropriate purposes.
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