US homeowners are increasingly turning to smart technology when securing their properties, research shows.

Almost half of US consumers (48 percent) intend to buy at least one smart home device this year, according to a recent study, while 80 million devices were delivered worldwide in 2016 — a 64 percent increase on the previous year.

The growing cyber security market, which is set to reach $1 trillion by 2021, is expected to converge with the rise of internet-connected smart homes.

Further research found that the most people intend to use smart home technology for security: either to deter burglars (47 percent), monitor activity outside and inside the home while away (43%) or detect unexpected motion on their home’s windows and doors (42 percent).

The available smart technology devices for home security range from wireless security cameras and motion sensors to smart locking systems and even security drones.

Designed primarily to give homes greater protection against potential intruders, such devices can also offer online shopping benefits for people who find it difficult to arrange convenient delivery times. The Amazon Key, for example — a smart lock and camera system launched by the online retailer last year — aims to solve the problem of home deliveries to customers who don’t want their packages left outside.

Some homeowners have expressed concern that using smart technology might leave them vulnerable to personal data theft, either by hackers or even by the device’s manufacturer.

However, findings from the University of North Carolina’s department of criminal justice and criminology suggest 60 percent of burglars avoid homes with smart home security installed.

Adding smart technology to your doors and windows is a simple way to enhance security and protect your home from potential intruders.

A 2016 study revealed the products US consumers were most excited about adding to their homes included connected cameras (40 percent), video doorbells (26 percent) and smart locks (13 percent).

Joe Halsall, digital marketing manager at door and windows specialists Origin, said, “Although modern doors are manufactured to be extremely robust with built-in security features, many homeowners are looking for that extra peace of mind, and the addition of devices such as video doorbells can provide just that.

“The growth in popularity that we’re seeing around smart technology reflects how seriously US consumers take home security, which is important given the prevalence of burglaries. And, as long as homeowners take the recommended steps to minimize any risks from smart devices — in addition to ensuring they have a strong and secure door — they will certainly achieve the peace of mind they deserve in terms of their home’s safety,” Joe added.

Advice to help consumers safeguard their smart software includes:

• changing the default password immediately to something unique that is not connected to any identifiable information such as birthdays or pet names
• enabling the firewall on your router
• setting your device to receive software updates automatically
• considering a different network for your smart devices so that your main computer and any sensitive information/activity remains separate

About Origin Global

Established in 2014, Origin Global is the US extension of the Origin brand which has operated successfully in the UK since 2002. The company is committed to perfecting the design and functionality of bi-fold doors, which have completed extensive air permeability, water tightness, wind resistance and hurricane testing.

Designed in the UK and manufactured at Origin’s Florida-based facility, each product is completely customized to the customer’s specifications. Find out more at www.originbifolds.com