Home Security Resources, Guides & Tips
Expert advice on home security, smart-home automation, cameras, and getting the most from your Vivint system.
What to Look For in a Home Security Company in 2026
Not all home security companies are created equal. Here's how to compare monitoring, equipment, contracts, and support so you choose a system that actually protects your home.
What Laundry Detergent Habits Have to Do With a Smarter, Safer Home
A recent CNET report on overusing laundry detergent is a reminder that small, everyday habits affect your home's efficiency and upkeep. Here's what that has to do with smart home protection.
When "Smart Home News" Isn't About Security: Why We Stay Focused on What Protects Your Family
A recent roundup of frozen dessert makers reminded us how crowded the "smart home" news cycle has become. Here's why Vivint stays laser-focused on security and automation that actually protects your home.
Home Security 101: Why It Matters and How to Protect Your Home in 2026
Break-ins happen more often than most people think, but the right layers of protection can make your home a much harder target. Here's what every homeowner should know about home security in 2026.
Home Automation 101: Why a Smart Home Is Safer and Smarter
Home automation has moved well past novelty gadgets. Here is a plain-English look at what it actually is, why it matters for your safety and budget, and how to start building a smart home that works for your family.
Home security industry news, auto-updated
23 recent briefs — the latest from across the industry.
Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks: Which Is Safer in 2026?
Smart locks and traditional deadbolts both keep doors closed, but they protect your home in very different ways. Here is how they compare on security, convenience, and cost so you can decide what belongs on your front door.
How to Prevent Home Break-Ins: 12 Proven Tips for 2026
Break-ins often follow predictable patterns. Learn 12 practical, research-backed steps to make your home a harder target in 2026, from door hardware upgrades to smart cameras and lighting.
Night Vision Security Cameras Explained: How They Work and What to Look For in 2026
Not all night vision is created equal. Here is what infrared, color night vision, and low-light sensors actually do, plus how to choose a camera that keeps your property visible after dark.
Garage Door Security: How to Protect a Common Entry Point
Your garage door may be the weakest link in your home's defenses. Here's how burglars exploit it and the smart home upgrades that shut those gaps down.
How Home Security Motion Sensors Work (2026 Homeowner Guide)
Motion sensors are the quiet workhorses of any home security system. Here's a plain-English breakdown of how they detect movement, the different technologies behind them, and how to place them for the best protection in 2026.
Home Security Tips for When You're on Vacation in 2026
Heading out of town? Here are the smartest, most practical ways to protect your home while you're away, from smart lighting to camera monitoring and a few habits burglars really do notice.
Vivint vs Ring: Which Home Security System Wins in 2026?
Vivint and Ring take very different approaches to home security. Here's how professional monitoring, installation, cameras, and pricing compare so you can pick the right fit for your home.
How to Secure a Sliding Glass Door in 2026
Sliding glass doors are a favorite entry point for burglars because factory locks are easy to defeat. Here's how to lock down every weak spot, from track bars to smart sensors.
The Best Smart Home Devices for Home Security in 2026
From smart locks to video doorbells, here are the smart home devices that actually make your house safer in 2026, and how to connect them into one system that works together.
How Smart Thermostats Save You Money in 2026
Heating and cooling account for the biggest chunk of most utility bills. Here's how a smart thermostat can trim that cost automatically, without you having to think about it.
Home Security Checklist for New Homeowners in 2026
Just closed on a new house? Here is the complete home security checklist new homeowners need in 2026, from rekeying locks to setting up cameras and smart alarms.
DIY vs Professional Home Security: Which Is Right for You in 2026?
Trying to decide between a DIY security kit and a professionally installed, monitored system? Here is an honest breakdown of the costs, effort, and protection differences so you can choose with confidence.
What Is 24/7 Professional Monitoring, and Is It Worth It?
A closer look at how 24/7 professional monitoring works, what happens when an alarm trips at 3 a.m., and whether paying for round-the-clock monitoring makes sense for your household.
Doorbell Camera Buying Guide for 2026
Shopping for a video doorbell in 2026? Here's what actually matters, from video resolution and field of view to power options and monitoring plans, so you can choose a doorbell camera that fits your home.
Are Wireless Security Cameras Safe From Hackers? What Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
Wireless security cameras can be hacked, but the risk is largely preventable. Here's what actually makes cameras vulnerable, how to lock yours down, and what to look for in a more secure system.
Best Outdoor Security Cameras of 2026
Shopping for an outdoor security camera in 2026? Here's what actually matters, from resolution and weatherproofing to smart alerts and professional monitoring, plus how to choose the right setup for your home.
How to Install a Security Camera: Step by Step (2026 Guide)
Thinking about adding a camera to your home? Here's a clear, step-by-step walkthrough of how to install a security camera, from choosing the right spot to wiring, mounting, and connecting it to your smart-home app.