MCYSEKA-Maritime Cyber Security Knowledge Archive

Hi home security crew:

I’ve recently bought a 2-story, 4-unit multifamily home that’s been converted into four, one bedroom units. Two on the main level and two upstairs. There is also a half exposed basement that runs the full footprint of the house.

My partner and I are living in one unit and there is currently no security at all, old school key locks. We are moving from a single family home where I had a Lorex Fusion NVR Ethernet system and a Ring, self monitored alarm.

I’m thinking about three separate “initiatives” to beef up security and improve the day to day experience for us and our tenants.

I’m ok with running Ethernet through the basement but want to avoid running any wiring in the plaster walls of individual units. I’m pretty good at self installation/programming and handy, so looking to avoid dealers where possible. (Though that would be the easiest route, I know)

First: locking and intercom.

I’m thinking about installing a door intercom for the main door which currently has a “always locked” locking door knob all tenants have a key for.

It would be great to get something that can call the tenants on their cellphone so there are no modules in each unit. Something like an aiphone where they can press 9 to unlock/buzz the door latch. Also, it would be nice to have a code or fob that tenants can use for entry.

For individual unit doors I’m planning on a “dumb” thumb turn Schlage deadbolt so tenants would choose a code on move in and I would keep the key. Selecting the version where you physically turn the bolt instead of a motor. Ideally moving to a fully keyless system for all doors.

Second: cameras

I’m thinking of something like a Ubiquiti system with about 4 exterior cameras I’ll drill through the basement to run cable as needed in conduit surface mounted on exterior walls. All back end hardware will be in the basement.

I’d like local storage and something that looks nice. Also thinking maybe hikvision or dahua or Lorex.

Third: safety/security Our unit is on the second floor but we have a balcony that has a fire escape so I’ll need a local/non monitored alarm preferably with a self monitoring system. We had a Ring system at our last home and it worked fine. Thinking that or a Honeywell home touch screen system but I’m not 100% on how easy it is to self monitor that, if at all possible.

We’re not at the size where the local authority requires a commerical fire alarm but we had the zwave first alert smoke/CO alarms at our house and it was nice that the basement detector would trip the ring keypad in our bedroom so I’d like to do something like that also in all common hallways, basement and our unit.

A lot here, just curious if anyone has experience with any of these products or can think of something I’m missing with this specific use case. Or to the renters out there anything security-wise you’d like to see that your landlord won’t do or allow.

Thanks!