One of the less well known aspects of the technological revolution is the affect it has had on automated home security systems.

The use of computer software and hardware provides the possibility of video surveillance cameras with intelligent tracking. These cameras can automatically be turned on as you leave the home and turn off when you come back. These can also be programmed to follow motion and detect sounds.

In home light timers and other similar products have been available for a long time now. These products use to just turn the lights on and off at certain times that were pre-set on a timer. Now, though, these types of security devices can be programmed by a computer. The programming can be set to turn the lights on and off at random times during the day and even set for different days altogether. This adds another layer of security to fool burglars. They are always looking for patterns.

Modern automated home security can also be programmed to disable locks at certain times or under certain conditions. This may mean that if you are not home, but the thief has a key, he will not be able to use it. The burglar might have been given the key by your unscrupulous babysitter, who is a partner to the thief. When the key they have does not work, they now are faced with having to break in. This again stacks the odds in your favor, because chances are they will give up and move on to an easier target.

New automated locks can go far past the traditional key/deadbolt system. Current lock systems can work using a combination, which will use a small token only your family members carry. The combination lock is changed randomly, but synchronized to work with your token. This means that at any moment you and others you select are the only people that know the correct combination.

These types of features can also be incorporated into alarm systems now. Some older-design alarm systems work off a unique combination. It is possible though for this information to be obtained using certain techniques commonly used among criminals. People often write down passwords where there is a chance for them to be seen by someone who is looking for that kind of information. The beauty of a token-based security alarm system is that the combination changes every minute. This makes it impossible to disarm the alarm if you do not have the token.

There is a drawback some home security systems have in that when there is a power outage the system no longer works. Criminals can easily turn the power off to your home at the street or by flipping off unprotected circuit breakers on a panel on an exterior wall. This can disable any electronic systems you might have in your home, including any home security systems.

A simple solution to this problem is a backup battery system. These can range in price from $50 to a few hundred dollars. The backup battery systems can provide from several minutes to several hours of power to keep your computer, a couple of lights and your cameras working properly. There are systems available that can be built for a few thousand dollars that can provide power your whole house for hours.

It is always worth it to do the research into the ways technology can help you increase the protection of your property. The expense is usually minimal when compared to the damage burglars can do and the valuables you might lose. There are some home insurance companies that give discounts on your insurance premiums for home security systems and alarms as well.