7 Quick Tips For Picking
A Strong Security Code

It may seem like common sense to choose a code for your home security monitoring system that is easily remembered, but that can be a dangerous and costly mistake.  Choosing an easily guessed key code can be an invitation to thieves who will be able to disarm your home security monitoring system and take what they want without worrying about an alarm going off.  Following a few simple rules, you can create a strong security code for yourself that will ensure that you will be the only one who turns off your home security monitoring system.

1. Don’t use birth dates.  Using a birthday is the most common idea for a security code, which is usually four to six numbers in a sequence.  It’s easy to remember, and useful for remembering when that person’s birthday is.  But this is an easy way for a burglar to find his or her way past your home security monitoring system.  All the thief has to know is what your birthday is, and try different combinations of it to get the alarm disarmed.

2. Try not to use special dates.  Using a special date, such as your anniversary, is just as compromising as using a birthday.  It’s harder to find out when you and your spouse had your first kiss, or what day was your first day of work at your current job, but it is possible for people to find out.  In all, the general rule is simply don’t use anything with a personal connection to you.

3. Avoid using your phone number.  Another number that thieves are quick to try is your home phone number.  At a basic seven numbers, there are a limited number of combinations you can create with your home or cell phone number.  These are also numbers that a thief can easily get, and can use quickly to find the combination that works with your home security monitoring system. 

4. Keep from using repetitive numbers/clichés.  A repetitive number is an easy way for burglars to disarm your home security monitoring system.  Choosing one number, and using that a certain number of times, like “11111” or choosing two numbers and using a simple pattern like “12121” is easy for a thief to figure out.  You also want to avoid using clichés and numbers in a row such as “12345” or “24680,” as these are some combinations most burglars try out quickly as well.

5. Choose as random a number as you can.  Choosing as random a number as you can is guaranteed to make it hard for thieves trying to turn off your home security monitoring system for a quiet job.  A random set of numbers is hard to guess, and even harder to punch in for a thief doing his or her best to turn off the alarm before it begins to go off.  This is the best way to choose a security code for a system keypad.

6. Be discrete.  Once you’ve chosen a random number, commit it to memory as quickly as you can.  Make sure any members of the household memorize it as well.  Put it to a tune in your head, or some other way to remember it, as long as you do not write it down.  One of the easiest ways for a burglar to turn your home security monitoring system off is if you provide him or her with the code by posting it near the keypad.

7. Change the code when needed.  If for any reason you think your code may have been compromised, either through someone overhearing it, or having given it out to someone who has become untrustworthy, then change your code as soon as possible.  By changing the code, you can avoid catastrophe before it happens, and can continue to stay safe.

Keeping your home safe is easy if you have a home security monitoring system.  But when you’re choosing a key code for that system, make sure you follow a few simple ideas.  By following these suggestions, you can be sure that your home will stay secure, and that you will be able to rest easy knowing you and your home is safe.