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Ask Slashdot: Linux-Based Home Security
Grady Martin writes: I got a new job. Everything about it is perfect, except for one thing: The overwhelming majority of affordable housing within driving distance lies in an area known for its high crime rate. A home security system would afford some peace of mind, and a system whose code I could tinker with would afford even more. What Linux-based options are available? What experience do you have with such systems?
> "lies in an area known for its high crime rate. A home security system would afford some peace of mind"
Don't know if any runs Linux (and I sincerly doubt it), but perhaps getting a Doggie would help. For sure, you'll get a few false positives, but overall it's the best security you can get. :)
And yes, they bark really loud.
Alvie
http://www.zoneminder.com/ - but best put the PC in a panic room, roofspace or other inaccessible area. And ship footage off site continuously.
Home security systems is a "problem" that has been completely solved in hardware. No DIY system, Linux or otherwise will compare in regards to available sensors, reliability, speed, battery backup, cellular backup, and more of a hardware panel. Many/most people want remote monitoring and thus pay for it. People ignore alarm sirens. What's the point of annoying your neighbors with noise while the crook takes his time packing your stuff into his van? You being on Slashdot means you'll want free, so I'll skip the subscription monitoring services.
DSC makes rock solid and inexpensive hardware systems. If you want to roll you own monitoring/alerting DSC systems can be integrated with other stuff including your own crappy and broken Linux implementable. You can also integrate a DCS panel with a home automation system like Vera or openHAB.
Home made security systems are not cost effective, reliable, effective, or worth the effort.
Moved to a high crime area a decade ago and to this day have only had one issue (car break-in after leaving stuff visible). No home security system, no guns. In general, pull your head our of your arse and pay attention to your surroundings. Don't walk around flashing you iPad that's connected to your home sec system. Don't have ear-buds in listening to the hipster mix of the day. Everyone of my neighbors that's had issues was either 1. dealing drugs or 2. walking around flashing electronics and ignoring the world around them. Meet your neighbors, be friendly, be engaged.
I think OP sabotaged himself by giving Slashdot a context - one they could pull apart instead of answering his questions.
"Hi Slashdot. I'm looking to install a home security system and wanted to know if any of you are familiar with Linux-based implementations. Thanks."
Instead, now all you have is people telling you alternatives to security systems (commuting further, changing jobs, blah blah blah).
Good luck with your new home/job.
If you're constantly checking your cameras and your feeds, and waiting for notifications of motion, that ain't peace of mind. Peace of mind is specifically the opposite -- i.e. not checking, not being notified, not being worried that every time you're underground or in an area of poor reception that someone is breaking into your home.
Peace of mind is knowing that it's someone else's problem. That means that the alarm doesn't go to you, it goes to someone else, like an alarm monitoring company, and that they'll deal with the problem -- including calling you as much as it takes to reach you. That means you can leave, go on vacation, go to the movies, and not care.
Especially considering that high crime rate is less of a problem when you aren't home -- because you aren't in any danger.
Just put up entry contacts -- doors, windows, glass-breaks. Motion sensors are generally irrelevant if you have any ambulatory pets. Then let it be someone else's problems. Cameras fight insurance fraud, but do nothing in terms of security, unless you've got someone watching the feeds.
And damn it, befriend your neighbours, ensure that they know your routines and your vacation schedules.
Beyond that, you aren't going to stop Ethan Hunt, no matter what you do.
Because otherwise what the system runs is irrelevant and makes very little sense to tinker with it. If you *really* enjoy the tinkering, install a primary security system and get a secondary as an add-on to play with.
The entire point of a security system is deterrence. The thing you have to understand is that, even if you have 4k video, DNA evidence, and a signed confession, the police will not do a damned thing to help you. If you're in a tough enough area, they wont even send a cop; just take a statement over the phone. At the end of the day, once the crooks have your stuff, you've already lost, so your only hope is to scare them off before hand.
I wish I had a good sig, but all the good ones are copyrighted
Except there is also attractant. The more security you have, and the more out of place your security is, the more valuable it is perceived. I am reminded of an anecdote shared by a man trying to get rid of an old tire. He tossed it in the bed of his pickup, and left it there for several weeks. He would go about his day, park in town, etc.
Then for a lark, he puts a combination lock around it. Not attached to anything, just the tire itself. It was stolen from his pickup the next day.
"I opened my eyes, and everything went dark again"
"All computers in this residence run Linux.
They are worth nothing at the local pawn shop".
Have gnu, will travel.
Few things here.
First, i'd be more worried about the neighborhood locals. What is the neighborhood ethnic makeup? If it's mostly black and you aren't black, then I'd be weary. If it's white trash and you're not white, I'd also be weary. Same for everyone else.
*Blend in. Don't wear fancy clothes, iPod accessories or anything that is valuable. Don't flaunt wealth. If some destitute drug addict sees you, you're a big juicy target.
*Ditto for gang members looking at an outsider. They most likely will rob you to exert power over you. They want you to be a cowering victim. You most likely wont get your ass kicked if you just act scared and give then what they want.
I'v been robbed at knife and gunpoint when I went to high school in Jamaica, Queens. It was a primarily black neighborhood and during freshman year I was a frequent target being a white kid. It was more a joke for them, robbing the lone white kid of two or three dollars and laughing at me. I learned to make friends with kids who took my bus so when we got off or walked to it, we rolled deep. After that no one ever went near me again. Also, don't be a hero. Even if you think some fighting classes are worth it or your a big guy, just don't be dumb. A gun doesn't care and neither does a drug addict.
I'm assuming you will be renting an apartment? Cameras are your best friend. Setup a few hidden inside cameras inside which will catch someone wandering around tearing up the place looking for valuables. Keep them low and head level if you can. A raspberry pi and web cams will satisfy your Linux craving if you go that route. Use a big USB key, 128GB+ to record on a loop. That or get fancy and make a cloud setup for remote access and recording.
Make it look like someone is home. A light coming on if a loud noise is made or window/door is touched will help. Arduino project perhaps? Maybe send a text if an event comes through. Then use your phone to connect to your web cams to have a look around. The sound of a dog barking is also pretty damn good. Get a big ass dog if you can. No crack head wants to mess with a dog. Dogs, and good outdoor lighting are the best security if you ask me. Plus, you can walk the dog to stores and no one will mess with you.
Oh, and leave some money laying around in your house. Most break-ins are by drug addicts. If you have 60 bucks on the kitchen table, hopefully that is all they want and they will get the hell out. Keep smaller electronics out of sight like gaming systems laptops and tablets. They go for the low hanging fruit. My friend had his car broken into in a real bad area populated by homeless drug addicts. The back of his car was all computer boxes will Dell and HP printed on them as he was a travelling service tech. They broke his window and stole his ashtray which had a few bucks in cash and a bunch of change. Didn't take one box or the fancy radio. They don't want to fence or pawn shit if they can get cash. Drug dealers take cash only.
"it's not like the locks are going to stop a well-placed boot." Mine will.
steel door jamb and steel door with security grade door latch and deadbolt, even cops with their battering ram can't get through it. It's certified to LPS1175 Issue 7 SR4 so no wannabe door kicker is going to do anything but hurt himself.
I love finding stuff at surplus sales.
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
So you move to a shitty neighborhood. You drop $5k on miscellaneous security stuff -- locks, alarms, door upgrades, etc. You still get nicked to the tune of $1k per year in out of pocket costs plus extras like door or window repair. And the continual aggravation and paranoia. Plus you drive out of your neighborhood for everything, since shitty neighborhoods have shitty stores and restaurants.
So you commute instead. The extra driving is a continual hassle and costs extra money for fuel and wear and tear. But this is balanced by no paranoia or break in hassles. You spend the security money on a better car or a more efficient car. You drive less overall since the stuff you want is close by.
Building a fortress in enemy territory is kind of appealing in a post-apocalyptic way but only if you're there all the time.
Don't sell it - post your work on Instructables.com and let others benefit from your wisdom and ingenuity.