Alarm Detection Techniques I - The Security Decal
Posted: Sun Dec 27, 2009 5:22 am
Before you notice any type of security, you may encounter stickers displaying company names and logos. These are typically displayed on doors and windows, and may read something like "This home protected by ADT". This will tip you off that an alarm system is present. This can be an advantage as you'll be able to look up product specs on the company website and get a general idea of what types of sensors you can expect. Shown here are images of some known legitimate security decals.
http://www.vanguardsecure.com/images/lawnsign.jpg
http://www.security-logics.com/images/yard_signs.jpg
http://www.beaconsecurity.net/yahoo_sit ... 30_std.jpg
You might also notice some that simply say "Electronic Alarm!" or any other generic message. Often this means that the sticker is only there to scare off would-be trespassers. At best, a cheap local alarm is present with a lot of decoy devices. The general rule of thumb is that real stickers prominently display the name of the company, while fakes often emphasize the alarm aspect. If you are unsure of the sticker, assume an alarm system is present and activated. Below are pictures of a few fake security stickers you might see during your operations.
http://criminaljusticeonlinedegree.org/ ... 281%29.jpg
http://rlv.zcache.com/home_security_sti ... l0_400.jpg
http://rlv.zcache.com/fake_security_sti ... l0_400.jpg
http://www.homesecurityinformation.com/ ... ticker.jpg
A similar bluff put on by homes and businesses is to display a legitimate sticker on their property despite no actual system installed. Alternatively, the system might not work any longer, or they may not be able to pay for the service. Regardless, if you spot a security sticker of a known company, assume there is an alarm system present and activated until learned otherwise.
Stickers are merely an indicator of possibilities. By no means do they tell you everything about the security inside of the structure they are stuck to. Security stickers may be a bluff or they may be real. False stickers may indicate either no security or a local alarm with home improvised sensors and other devices. No sticker at all is perhaps the worst, as you have no idea what you're facing. If there is no sticker available, do not assume there is absolutely no electronic security, and no matter what kind of sticker or lack thereof you find, always do the basics. Compass all doors and windows you plan on moving through when possible and keep on the lookout for sensors.
http://www.vanguardsecure.com/images/lawnsign.jpg
http://www.security-logics.com/images/yard_signs.jpg
http://www.beaconsecurity.net/yahoo_sit ... 30_std.jpg
You might also notice some that simply say "Electronic Alarm!" or any other generic message. Often this means that the sticker is only there to scare off would-be trespassers. At best, a cheap local alarm is present with a lot of decoy devices. The general rule of thumb is that real stickers prominently display the name of the company, while fakes often emphasize the alarm aspect. If you are unsure of the sticker, assume an alarm system is present and activated. Below are pictures of a few fake security stickers you might see during your operations.
http://criminaljusticeonlinedegree.org/ ... 281%29.jpg
http://rlv.zcache.com/home_security_sti ... l0_400.jpg
http://rlv.zcache.com/fake_security_sti ... l0_400.jpg
http://www.homesecurityinformation.com/ ... ticker.jpg
A similar bluff put on by homes and businesses is to display a legitimate sticker on their property despite no actual system installed. Alternatively, the system might not work any longer, or they may not be able to pay for the service. Regardless, if you spot a security sticker of a known company, assume there is an alarm system present and activated until learned otherwise.
Stickers are merely an indicator of possibilities. By no means do they tell you everything about the security inside of the structure they are stuck to. Security stickers may be a bluff or they may be real. False stickers may indicate either no security or a local alarm with home improvised sensors and other devices. No sticker at all is perhaps the worst, as you have no idea what you're facing. If there is no sticker available, do not assume there is absolutely no electronic security, and no matter what kind of sticker or lack thereof you find, always do the basics. Compass all doors and windows you plan on moving through when possible and keep on the lookout for sensors.