10 ways to protect your home, business and cyber assets

From high-tech cyber protection and the latest in smart home security, to safes and the ultimate in cellar safety, these are the best ways to protect the important things in life

1. Secure your outdoor spaces

Enclosed glass verandas and winter gardens are great for making the most of your outdoor space but that doesn’t mean your security has to be compromised. Crocodile specialises in creating bespoke glass-and-aluminium systems for the home. Its verandas and wintergardens are designed specifically to suit your property, and its automatic garage doors, retractable awnings, security shutters, blinds and screens are ideal for insulation and security.

For more information, visit crocodile.co.uk

2. Upgrade to a monitored alarm system for your home

Kit your home out in the latest high-tech security with Verisure Smart Alarms’ 24/7 monitored alarm systems. This includes the impressive ZeroVision Smoke Barrier, a remotely activated smoke shield that can help to prevent a burglary. The system comes with a guard response, high-power siren alarm and an easily accessible SOS button. There’s no need to memorise complicated codes – you can simply control the system from your smartphone with the dedicated mobile app. Verisure is ready to assist round the clock, with 24/7 alarm monitoring from its NSI Gold-accredited Alarm Receiving Centre, and you can access your alarm system anytime through the app. The system is fully wireless, with a secure, encrypted GSM connection.

Visit verisure.co.uk for more details

3. Make sure your data doesn’t fall into the wrong hands

Cyber security and data protection can sometimes feel fraught with jargon and technical language. Cut through the guesswork with Hayes Connor Solicitors, which specialises in data breaches, data protection and cyber crime. The team helps clients to receive fair redress following data protection violations, GDPR breaches, push payment frauds and other cyber offences. They can help to determine whether it’s inadequate data security or simple human error that has caused the breach and then seek appropriate redress. If you believe you’ve had your private information exposed by a financial institution, employers or a public sector body, then Hayes Connor can help. They have a wealth of experience in securing financial compensation for distress and recovery of any losses, as well as obtaining an apology and an assurance that data will be stored more securely in future.

Learn more at hayesconnor.co.uk

4. Keep your home safe the smart way

Your home should feel like a haven of safety and security, no matter what’s happening in the rest of the world. With Netatmo’s smart security solutions, you can receive an alert on your smartphone when a visitor rings your doorbell, if there’s a break-in attempt or if smoke is detected. The notifications are instant, enabling you to assess the situation as quickly as possible, avoiding false alarms and providing peace of mind. You can install the products yourself and create an environment adapted to your needs. Access all features from the Netatmo app, with no subscription fees or extra costs. Netatmo is available from Amazon, Apple Store and Netatmo e-shop.

Visit netatmo.com/en-gb/security to learn more

5. All-in-one high-tech security

Bring your home security into the 21st century with abode, which offers a reliable, affordable system that’s easy to install in minutes. With its clean, modern design, it looks great, too. The simple, app-based configuration connects to a wide range of sensors and devices, paving the way for full smart home capabilities – and can sync up with your Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT and Apple HomeKit. You can arm and disarm the system with your voice, key fob or keypad, or with set schedules and geofencing. The full Smart Security Kit Plus includes Gen 2 Gateway, two mini door/window sensors, motion sensor, abode camera and key fob.

Visit goabode.co.uk/shop-now and use code MONEY05 for a 5% discount until 31 January 2021.

6. Invest in a smarter, safer home

One of the simplest ways of fooling would-be burglars into believing your home is occupied is by turning the lights on at night. LUXORliving is the simple but comprehensive smart home solution from German home tech expert Theben that enables you to remotely dim and turn lights on and off, regulate heating and control shutters in multiple rooms by switch, tablet, phone or voice control. This system works online and off via secure cloud, with remote access available to switch on lights to make it look as though you're home for extra security, or turn up the heating so it's nice and cosy for your return. This network of proven technology and devices eliminates the need for multiple gadgets and apps.

Explore the system in detail at luxorliving.co.uk

7. Make cyber security a priority 

With home working firmly adopted by many businesses, it's perhaps not surprising that there has been an increase in cyber attacks and phishing – making online security more important than ever. ECSC offers a comprehensive range of services, designed to cover the complete spectrum of information and cyber security needs. ECSC helps clients to understand their cyber risks, identify gaps in their protection and implement critical improvements. Operating from their UK and Australia Security Operations Centres (SOCs), ECSC employs highly skilled cyber security analysts, supported by its advanced AI technologies, to deliver effective 24/7/365 cyber security protection, detection, alerting and incident response. ECSC provides guidance on compliance to industry standards to clients, while also conducting cyber security reviews to give boards and executive management effective measurement of current risks and protection levels.

Find out more at ecsc.co.uk

8. Find the right safe for your needs

Safes provide you with peace of mind when it comes to your valuables, while also offering insurance protection. Secure Safe’s extensive offering includes the British-manufactured Dudley Safes range, among others. The Dudley Grade 2 range provides insurance cover for up to £17,500 in cash or £175,000 in valuables. The range is tested and certified by the LPCB and is also fire-rated for 45 minutes. The company provides an all-inclusive site survey to ensure your property is properly protected with the correct CCTV and alarm solution. Use the code SECURE20 for a 5% discount on the Grade 2 range. Valid until 31 December 2020.

Call 01223 654 757, email sales@securesafe.co.uk or visit securesafe.co.uk for more details

9. Keep your prized wines safe and secure

You’ve made the investment and taken the time to create a wine collection of rare vintages and heritage bottles worth hundreds – or even thousands – of pounds, but how do you store this safely at home? The Wine Cellar Company delivers intelligent below-ground wine-cellaring solutions, making it easy to build, manage and safeguard your collection. The company offers high-end style and peak technical performance, with capacity for up to 1,700 bottles, as well as bespoke interior styling and SMART entry pad access. You’ll also be able to monitor and protect your wines with the Wine Cellar Company’s bespoke track-and-trace technology.

Book your free wine cellar consultation at thewinecellarcompany.co.uk

10. Create the perfect home security solution for your home

It can be quite daunting planning the optimum safety and security measures for your home, so why not bring in the experts? Work with Secure Safe’s experienced team to complete a detailed site survey to help identify vulnerable areas in your property. They will prepare a bespoke proposal to strengthen your security and provide you with 24/7 control, as well as ongoing maintenance and support. This leading security manufacturer can provide the right solution for your property to ensure it is properly protected with the appropriate CCTV and alarm solution. Rather than simply recording an intrusion and having to watch it the next day, Secure Safe aims to alert you, and ward off unwanted intruders using smart technology before the act has even begun.

Call 01223 654 757, email sales@securesafe.co.uk or visit securesafe.co.uk for more information. Quote MoneyWeek in your email enquiry for your exclusive offer included in our quote. Valid until the 31 December 2020