What Are the Dangers of Using Security Systems That Automatically Respond to Attacks?

Outdoor Lighting

• A motion sensor security light placed on a porch or above a garage door will be activated by any motion that occurs in front of the sensor's "field of vision." This includes garbage, for example, a sheet of newspaper that might be blown across the sensor's view or falling leaves from a tree caught in the wind. The repeated activation of the security light can lead to the floodlight burning out prematurely or neighbors complaining about the on/off pattern of the light during the night.

Pet Detection

• A motion detector inside the house can be "tripped" by a pet padding through the room where the alarm has been set up to protect a door or window. The pet's mass registering on the motion detector's sensor will cause the alarm system to activate, resulting in a false alarm. The control panel will have to be reset, and those woken up reassured that there is no danger present.

Off-site Monitoring

• Security systems that automatically contact an off-site monitoring station can be fooled into thinking that the power to a home has been deliberately cut when there is a power outage. The system will switch to internal battery backup and contact the off-site monitoring station. If you are not at home at the time, a cost will be incurred for the monitoring station's time as well as your having to deal with any complaints that result from police or fire department personnel having been summoned to your home.

Wrong Password

• Entering the wrong password into the security system's control panel multiple times will be regarded as an attack upon the security system, causing the panel to shut down access to the system and sending a silent alarm if one has been programmed into the system. You will have to contact any company -- an off-site monitoring station, or service, for example -- or a local police precinct to tell them that a false alarm has been issued. Not knowing who to contact or the security password that identifies you as the alarm system's legitimate owner will only compound the problems occurring.