Secure the connected home and everyday routine
The household's security devices also contain sensitive information. Cameras can expose routines; smart locks can expose access; shared accounts can connect former staff to the home.
Make ownership and access explicit
List the owner and administrator for the alarm, cameras, doorbell, router, locks, garage controls and intercom. Check whether installers retain access. Use separate named accounts where available, strong authentication, supported firmware and a documented way to remove users.
Ask an appropriate technician to separate guest and smart device access from sensitive working devices. Confirm that essential safety functions still work during an internet failure. Do not alter fire, building or life safety systems without qualified support.
Limit camera views and recording to legitimate security needs and local privacy rules. Do not place cameras where they capture recovery words, passcodes, private family spaces or signing screens. Decide who can view, export and delete footage and how long it is retained.
Use brief routines
When leaving: confirm doors and windows, arm the intended security settings, check essential appliances and give the household contact any necessary changes. Do not announce that the property is empty.
At bedtime: check entrances, charge reachable phones, confirm that children and carers know the overnight plan, and keep escape routes clear. Security measures should not trap someone inside.
When someone changes role: review access that day, including digital accounts, physical keys, shared folders, camera apps and building credentials. Do not assume returning a key removes all access.
When maintenance is needed: confirm the provider and appointment, escort work in sensitive areas and avoid revealing security or custody arrangements during casual conversation.
Watch for patterns without becoming an investigator
Repeated unexplained visits, persistent attempts to obtain schedules, unusual access requests and tampering deserve attention. Record observations factually when safe: date, time, place and what happened. Do not confront, follow or photograph someone if doing so increases danger. A single unfamiliar person is not proof of targeting.
Make the response practical: name who calls the monitoring provider, who can contact the building manager and who can help an elderly relative or person with limited mobility. Test the chain using an arranged exercise, not a false emergency report.
Review standard: conduct a short access review after changes and a scheduled household check at least quarterly as a proposed starting point. Increase the frequency when your professional assessment calls for it.