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Tag Archive: Security

Improving Your Home Security

Written on May 4, 2010 by Liz in Home

Many new home owners worry about their home security. They often have this worry because they have moved into a new neighborhood and do not know the people or really how safe it is there. Therefore, they worry about the possibility of a burglary and how they would handle such a situation. Additionally, long time home owners often develop a fear of home security after they are faced with an intruder.

Whether you are a new home owner or have owned a home for years, it is important to think seriously about your home security and what you can do to make sure your family is safe. There are different ways to improve your home security, such as developing a plan for what to do if a burglary does occur or by getting a guard dog. However, one of the best ways to improve your security is to install a home security system.

There are many different home security systems on the market, so it’s important to do your research on the different brands before purchasing and installing a system. Take some time to think about what features you would like to be included in a system. Some systems even have an automated number that will be notified if your home alarm goes off so that the authorities can be contacted.

When thinking about the level of home security system that you want to install, you should assess how safe you currently feel in your home and what features it would take to improve the level of safety you feel. If you are constantly worrying about your family and the possibility of an intruder, it might be time to install a higher level home security system to calm your fears. Once the system is installed, your fear should subside so that you can get back to enjoying your home and your time with loved ones.

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The (Surprisingly Long) History of ADT Security

Written on May 4, 2010 by Liz in Internet

There are many home security systems on the market today, and it’s no wonder, with crime rates being as high as they are. Most people think of companies like ADT when they think about using the highest forms of technology to protect their home or business. So, it may be surprising that ADT started in 1874.

ADT didn’t start out as a security company. In fact, ADT stands for American District Telegraph, and was a grouping of 57 different telegraph delivery groups. Unfortunately for the telegraph companies, the telephone became quite popular and really reduced how many telegraph deliveries there were. ADT tried to branch out into other businesses to supplement its waning telegraph business.

After a couple of decades of struggling financially, ADT sold its telegraph business to Western Union and the remaining portion of its business to AT&T. ADT then used its resources to create fire alarms and eventually, burglar alarms. Starting around 1910, burglar alarms became a major portion of ADT’s business. ADT continued along this vein until the 1960s, when it became a publicly traded company.

ADT faced a pretty major hurdle in 1964, when it was legally found to be a monopoly since it provided four out of five home security systems in existence at that time. The company had forced many competitors out of business by undercutting prices, and as a result, was forced to adopt a national price list.

After this major issue, and a series of investments from outside companies and groups (including a purchase from the United Kingdom’s Lord Ashcroft), ADT continued to grow. By 1995, ADT had more than one million customers, and was gaining the attention of other major companies. In 1997, Tyco purchased ADT from Lord Ashcroft, but did so using a “reverse takeover,” meaning that the company was allowed to keep Lord Ashcroft’s tax status in Bermuda.

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The Benefits of Newly Enhanced BreachShield(SM)

Written on April 30, 2010 by Liz in Internet, Uncategorized

I am an advocate of internet security and I despise hackers and data breachers. I feel relieved to have a reputable software installed on my computer but I am also at ease to know that there are leading companies who are dedicated in providing identity theft protection services such as Affinion Security Center.

The information below are taken from “Affinion Security Center Launches Medical Identity Theft Benefits and Other Enhancements to Industry-Leading BreachShield Product” press release. You can find the entire release here.

To combat the problem, the newly enhanced BreachShield(SM) includes a wide array of new benefits for companies to offer their consumers in the event of a breach of their personal data, including medical information. The new benefits include the following:

* Internet Surveillance – Real-time, web-crawling technology monitors underground chat rooms, websites and blogs where thieves trade and sell stolen Social Security numbers and credit/debit card data. Should any of the monitored information be found on these web portals, members are automatically sent an email alert, enabling them to act quickly and re-secure their compromised information.
* DataSweep – Comprehensively monitors up to three of each of physical addresses, email addresses and telephone numbers on Internet directories – prime sources of data for spammers and thieves. Every two weeks, DataSweep checks online directories and search engines and lets members know if their monitored personal information is available for public viewing. They will know exactly which sites are displaying their information, and are provided with advice on how to request removal of their information from a particular website when applicable.
* Fraud Assist Toolbox – A convenient, online tool that helps streamline the identity theft recovery process. Members simply select the type of problem they are facing, and the guide will provide step-by-step instructions for resolving the issue. Members can choose to set fraud alerts, stop pre-approved credit offers, and stop unwanted telemarketing calls.
* Credit Card Registration – Members can store information from credit, bank, and department store and other retail cards in a single, secure location. Should these items become lost or stolen, members can cancel these cards and request replacement with one toll-free call.
* Up to $1,000,000 in Identity Theft Insurance Protection – Insurance includes coverage for unauthorized fund transfers, legal expenses, and the costs of re-filing applications for credit and notarizing affidavits in each case, resulting from the theft of a member’s identity.

Nathaniel Lipman is the current President, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of the Affinion Group. Through Nathaniel Lipman’s leadership, the Affinion Group has grown to be the world’s leader in membership services, insurance providers, loyalty programs, value-added checking programs, and security services.

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