NEW YORK, June 15, 2026
With summer travel season underway, home security experts are urging consumers to review who can access their alarms, cameras and smart locks before they leave home. The advice comes as more households rely on connected security systems that can be convenient, but also create new risks when old app permissions, shared logins or weak passwords are left in place.
Industry analysts say one of the most common mistakes is overlooking device sharing settings. Many homeowners grant temporary access to family members, house sitters, pet sitters or neighbors and then forget to remove it. Others continue using the default app password or the same login across multiple services, which can make it easier for unauthorized users to gain access if credentials are exposed elsewhere.
Security providers are also warning consumers to confirm that alerts, recording preferences and emergency contacts are set correctly before heading out of town. In some cases, users may have multiple apps tied to cameras, doorbells and alarm panels, making it important to know which notifications are active and who will receive them if a motion event or alarm triggers.
“The biggest home security issues this time of year are often not hardware failures, but account-management mistakes,” said Industry Analyst. “Before a trip, consumers should update passwords, remove outdated shared access, and make sure they know how to arm, disarm and monitor their systems remotely. A few minutes of preparation can help reduce the chance of a preventable security problem.”
Experts recommend homeowners take a simple pre-travel checklist approach:
- Change any password that may have been reused or shared outside the household.
- Review user access in security, camera and smart-lock apps.
- Confirm two-factor authentication is enabled where available.
- Test remote access from a mobile device before leaving.
- Verify battery backup and cellular backup settings for alarm systems.
- Make sure package-delivery instructions are current and visible only to trusted contacts.
The reminder also arrives as more consumers combine traditional monitored systems with DIY devices, creating a larger mix of passwords, notifications and account settings to manage. That blend can be useful, experts say, but only if users regularly check software updates and remove access they no longer need.
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