The best home security mistakes to stop making in 2025

You have excellent wireless devices and DIY security systems make your home safer, smarter and better manage threats — so it’s such a headache to see what people do same old security bugetc. We know it’s easy to fall into bad habits or get distracted. But this year is the perfect time to start making things right.

Let’s cover the worst home security mistakes we see people making (both landlords and tenants), how they can cause thefts or insurance nightmares, and the simple changes you can make to nip them in the bud.

For more safety tips, try these safety tips for apartment dwellers and how prevent home security cameras from being hacked.

1. Not being able to close windows or doors

This may sound obvious, but one of the worst things you can do to keep your home safe is to leave windows or doors unlocked. You might assume that a burglar or burglar would be willing to force their way into your home, but they often look for the least effort and least impact when breaking in because they don’t want to draw attention to themselves. . Nothing makes this easier than leaving the door open and letting them waltz in.

One way to avoid this is to place a security camera outside your front door to create the feeling that someone is watching. Another option is to invest in a sensor system that can tell if a door or window has been opened. Internet-connected locks can even let you lock the door from anywhere, and some systems will alert you when the lock is left open so you can access it.

2. Hiding keys in public places

It’s convenient to keep a spare key outside in case you forget your keys or one of your friends or relatives needs to get in. It is also convenient for other people who want to gain unauthorized access to your home. Leaving the key in a common area can allow a burglar to enter your home without interference — even if someone else is home, which can put someone inside at risk.

Instead of leaving the key where anyone looking can find it, consider more secure options. Place your key in the lock box that requires a code for entry. Use a keypad lock that requires a PIN code. Smart locks can also allow remote unlocking, so you can let someone into your home even if you’re not home. You can also create digital links for other people to make management easier.

3. Not maintaining your technique

Smart home technology gives us security cameras, smart locks and alarms. But technology also presents a number of potential points of failure for you security system — and things you don’t consider if you assume the technology “just works.”

Consider how your smart home security devices work. Are they plugged in or battery operated? After any power outage, check your connected devices to make sure they are working, and regularly check battery-powered devices to make sure they are working as expected. Also, make sure you keep your software up to date. Failure to do so can make your technology malfunction or malfunction and leave you open to cyber security attacks.

4. Keeping the yard dark at night

A dark yard can feel private and keep light out of your windows, but it can also be an invitation to skulk around. This makes it easy for trespassers to peek into your windows and see what treats you have in your home. Lighting your yard at night is a better alternative for home security.

That’s why we have a complete list of them best home security cameras with lights. These lights work with motion detection and object recognition, so they’ll only turn on when a person is in sight, saving your eyeballs during the dark hours.

5. Allow your shrubs and trees to grow wild

Shrubs, bushes or trees look great, help curb and provide shade on hot days. But if you let them grow too tall or wild, they can interfere with your smart cameras and even protect trespassers trying to break into your home. Look out for plants that do the following:

• Cover your windows
• Preventing lines of sight for security cameras
• Growing against your walls or roof (which is also a fire hazard)

If you notice these problems, it’s time to plan a pruning project or consider removing those obstructing plants and replacing them with newer landscaping.

6. Be casual with packaging

One common way thieves look for potential theft opportunities is to look at what people throw in the trash. If they see lots of boxes, especially large boxes for electronics, TVs, etc., they know that a home has valuable, new items. Always nip your large boxes in the bud by cutting them out when making these marks. Avoid obvious clues that you’ve recently made a big purchase.

7. Talking about all your home activities on social media

We understand the desire to share fun news with friends, but one of the most common home security mistakes we see right now is people over-sharing on social media. You don’t always know who is viewing your posts, especially if you have a lot of followers who are in poor touch with your personal life. It could be those pictures and posts about your new game console or your current beach trip invitation for thieves or others in bad faith.

Mitigate your risks by keeping your followers away from any strangers and keeping travel plans off social media until you return home. Try not to brag too much about big new purchases, especially if you don’t know who will see it.

If you’re already thinking about home security, read on using an old smartphone as a security camera and Placing security cameras in the most effective places around the house. Towards the July sales, Learn how to prevent porch robbers.