Page 6 - FWG Issue 1 February 2025

Security

ARE YOU TICKING

YOUR SECURITY

BOXES IN 2025?

Creating the habit of

regularly testing your Cell phone safety alert
safety and security It is hard to imagine life without cell • Do not text while sitting in traffic – you are
a soft target for criminals moving between
phones. Being connected 24 hours a day
systems: has become the norm, and many people vehicles.
n Test your alarm system and electric cannot leave home or participate in an • Be alert when making calls in public
fence once a month. activity without their phone in hand. places, while walking on pavements or
n Test fixed and mobile panic buttons Unfortunately, cell phones have become crossing the street.
once a month. sought after by criminals. The devices are • When using your phone to book transport,
n If you have a sensor-operated small, easily transported, and there is an do not stand on a public pavement. Make
alarm, go from room to room once a insatiable market for stolen phones. Even the booking while indoors, and then also
month and ensure that movement more concerning is the level of violence be aware of your surroundings.
registers throughout your house. associated with some phone thefts.
Walk around each room to check Cyber security tips
that the red light is visible on the People using public transport and • Set the ‘Lock Code’ on your phone with a
sensor. pedestrians visiting the local shopping mall timer to lock the screen. While unlocking
n Regularly check the batteries in must be vigilant and keep their cell phones your phone after a short period of no use
your alarm system, wireless beams out of sight at all times. Criminals target may seem painful initially, it does become
and CCTV. Batteries have a limited these individuals. second nature and is a great first line of
life span and need to be replaced defence.
every few years. 24/7 Security Services urges everybody • Manually log out of your internet banking
n Check that your cameras are to be cautious when using their phones and social media sites, and do not allow
positioned correctly and clean in public spaces: these sites to auto-store your passwords.
the lenses to ensure good, clear • Do not leave your phone on the restaurant
footage. table while dining out – put it in your
pocket or bag. Ensure that your bag is safe
and not hanging on the back of the chair.
Remember to check • When queueing at a shop or ATM, keep
your security system: your phone out of sight. It has become a
n After any scheduled maintenance habit to text or update social media while
workers visit your home. No matter waiting, but this puts you at risk.
what they’re working on, it’s best • While refuelling at a filling station, do not
practice to ensure they haven’t sit in your car engaged on your phone
interfered with your security with the window open.
accidentally.
n After you’ve had a house sitter,
babysitter or pet sitter in your home.
They may have made changes
to your system, such as disabling
alarms for their own easy access.
n After any significant changes are
made to your internet connectivity
or provider. If your security system
uses the Internet, those changes
could affect the responsiveness of
your system.
n When renovations are completed,
whether it’s inside or outside –
you may have accidentally altered
something, like camera angles.

Fourways Gardens • 4 • February 2025