This is a pretty philosophically loaded question, but I’m not going to go into Maslow’s hierarchy of needs right now. Security means a lot of things: physical safety, a feeling of assurance that your needs are being met, and safety for your property. Suffice it to say, security is more of a state of mind than a physical fact. Asking what security costs depends totally on the kind of security you are hoping for. In today’s post-coronavirus world, “security” is truly a mental concept, not a physical one. So the cost of security isn’t always just money, and the benefits of security aren’t just physical.
In this post, I’d like to discuss a few different kinds of security. Some are physical, some are emotional, and some are virtual. All of these kinds of security are key to helping you achieve full-life security. I’ll also provide recommendations for ways you can achieve the different kinds of security I’m discussing.
Since this is a home security company, I’ll lead off with home security. Home security comes in many packages and can incorporate everything from locks on your doors to state of the art cameras and sensors. Here are a few different levels of home security:
Level 1: Making sure your doors and windows are locked at night and when you leave your home during the day. Keeping your personal documents locked in a safe.
Level 2: Installing a professionally-monitored DIY home security system, like Cove’s. This incorporates as many sensors and cameras as you feel are necessary for your home. Cove’s system has a few things going for it: its sensors all talk to one central control panel, the security cameras are easy-to-use and backed up using a 4G cellular connection, which means your system will never just stop working. It also incorporates a medical button for health emergencies.
Level 3: Hiring an unarmed guard (or an armed guard) in addition to a more intense security system, these will generally be in the 10’s of thousands of dollars range.
Level 2 security is about what you’ll be looking for in a single-family or even an apartment. Most of us can’t afford security guards, but a security system is always within reach, especially one like Cove’s, with DIY installation and low monthly fees.
Cove is a DIY-only home security company with home automation, incredibly competitive pricing, and great customer service. We will ship all security system orders within 1 business day, and the security system usually arrives at your home between 3-5 days later. We also offer a 60-day money-back guarantee. If you find that you are dissatisfied with your security system, you can send it back for a full refund within 60 days of purchase.
Cove's packages are customizable. The set packages range in cost from $229-$389, with a $0 down option also available.
If the provided packages don't seem right for your situation, no problem! You can build your package. Cove’s security systems incorporate the following elements:
Each sensor and camera is individually priced if you build your own package, which has the potential to save you a lot of money in the long run. Cove also frequently has sales on equipment, which can allow you to build your ideal system for an even lower price.
Cove's monthly monitoring costs range from $14.99-$34.99. This is much cheaper than the industry average, making Cove a great option for anyone hoping to get home security on a budget.
Cyber security is becoming more and more important in today’s world, where not just our banking information, but our likes and dislikes, can be found online. Here are a couple of ways you can take your virtual security to the next level.
Level 1: Setting different passwords for all of your accounts. Too many people use the same password for every website. This is dangerous because it means that if someone hacks into one of your accounts, it is incredibly easy for them to hack all of your accounts. It’s a good idea to use random numbers and symbols within your password to throw people off, and to help you remember your password.
Level 2: Two-step authentication systems. These systems are those in which you have to confirm your identity through a text message or an authentication app in addition to using a password. This means that it will be much harder for someone to simply guess your password and hack into your information.
Level 3: Full data encryption. This is when all data related to your life is scrambled and can essentially only be unscrambled by a specific key code.
Emotional security is an extremely important part of life, and in many ways, it ties into all of the other categories discussed here. Physical, home, and virtual security is all tied to your feelings. For this section, though, I’d like to focus on emotional security in regards to different needs.
Level 1: Having safe places and safe people to talk to. This is important for everyone’s emotional security. If you don’t have places and people that help you to feel safer, this can interfere with your ability to function and fulfill your responsibilities. Try and find at least 3 places and 3 people that make you feel safe, and turn to these resources when you find yourself stressed out.
Level 2: Visiting with a professional therapist. I honestly believe this is important for everyone’s emotional security as well, but more specifically during those times in life when your usual safe places and people aren’t available. Trained therapists provide the emotional security many of us require to get through the hardest parts of life.
Level 3: Hospitalization surrounded by medical professionals and loved ones. This is important when your other options for emotional security are not working. If you find yourself struggling with the urge to commit suicide or other acts of self-harm, it’s okay to go to the hospital.
Home security is important, but there are other kinds of physical security that it is important to be aware of as well. Physical security while walking alone at night is especially important if you are diminutive in stature or could be perceived as a weak target. Here are some ideas to increase your physical security
Level 1: Try to never be alone at night. Take a friend with you if you are going out. Make sure that your phone is always charged when you do go out alone, and that your location is on. Tell a friend or family member where you are going so they can come find you if you are gone for too long. Have a safe word established with the bartender if you are going to a bar or club alone on a date.
Level 2: In addition to the precautions of level 1, carry some kind of minor self-defense tool. Good examples include pepper spray and tasers. These kinds of weapons can incapacitate an attacker quickly without causing too much damage, enabling you to get away. You can also take a self defense class and learn the best moves to get away from an attacker.
Level 3: Carry a larger and more lethal weapon, such as a handgun. This kind of weapon can definitely decrease your likelihood of being attacked, but you must be fully trained on how to use such a weapon, and your weapon must be registered. Purchasing a gun can take several days, as you will need to pass a criminal background check to receive the weapon.
I’ve tried to demonstrate in this post the different kinds of security, as well as the costs and benefits associated with different levels. I hope you’ll take the initiative to improve your physical safety by investigating home security, as well as ramping up your virtual and emotional security. Please take a look around while you’re here. We want you to feel safe.