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Ken,
    Radio communications are not “generic” and up until now there has been very little discussion concerning the differences in radio technology when comparing vendors.  Some radios are actually much better and more secure.  Videofied’s radio has always been encrypted and uses a constantly changing RF key to secure communications between all the devices.  In addition we use Spread Spectrum, an anti-jamming technology developed by the US military. We developed our radio to prevent the system from being compromised by hackers.
    Wired Magazine just came out with a fascinating article on hackers breaking into ADT, 2Gig, and other wireless alarm systems that use simplistic radio systems that allow “repeaters.”  http://www.wired.com/2014/07/hacking-home-alarms  The article describes that in addition to actually shutting down the alarm system with no trace that it ever happened, the hackers can induce false alarms from a distance, inducing many false alarms in a row, until police stop responding.  The hackers have described how they broke the systems and what tools they used – so anybody can do it.  They are presenting at 2 separate events, the Black Hat Security Conference in Las Vegas and the DefCon Hacker Conference.
    QUESTION:  What is needed in the contract to protect the dealer in the event a hacker compromises the wireless alarm system sold to the consumer?
Keith Jentoft, President
Videofied
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Response
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    When it comes to potential exposure for liability there is almost no starting, ending or middle ground to discuss.  Fact is, you're exposed from solicitation, representation, design, installation, service, inspection, monitoring.  Your risk increases depending upon a myriad of factors beyond your control.  Communication pathways, be they radio or POTS, among them.  
    Your first line of defense is your properly drafted contract.  The Standard All in One forms are designed to provide maximum protection from liability and they have the most up to date provisions addressing today's technology.  Just like the equipment you sell, your training and services have to keep up with new technology, so do your contract forms.  
    The All in One forms deal with your exposure when using radio or cellular and the failure or compromise of those communication pathways.
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TO SUBMIT QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS REPLY TO THIS EMAIL OR EMAIL Ken@Kirschenbaumesq.com.  Most comments and questions get circulated.

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                                            Speaking Engagements
If you would like to schedule a free live video/webinar presentation for your association meeting or event contact Eileen Wagda at 516 747 6700 x 312.

 

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Alarm Association of Greater St. Louis.   September 16, 2014.  at Tech Electronics HQs office at 6437 Manchester  Ave, St. Louis, MO 63139.  Meeting is from 11:45 – 1:30  Video conference presentation starting at 12:15 CST.  For more information or to register contact Tony Drago adrago@tyco.com  www.alarmstl.org
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NYSESA - September 17, 2014 at Honor's Haven Resort, Ellenville, NY.  This is the NYS Electronic Security Assoc annual meeting.  Presentation on updated contracts and current legal issues will be at 10:30 AM.  For more information or reservations contact Dale R. Eller, Executive Director (814) 838-0301  dalereller@itzsolutions.com
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Alabama Alarm Association.  AAA's Fall Meeting and Trade Show - October 21, 2014 from 3 to 5 PM at DoubleTree Hotel 808 South 20th Street Birmingham, AL 35205  for more info contact AAA Executive Director: director@alabamaalarm.org  (205) 933-9000 

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Electronic Security Summit for 2014.  October 22-24, 2014  at the landmark Broadmoor Hotel. Colorado Springs, CO.  For more information contact Alexander J. Quirin, CEO & Managing Partner, Advisory Summit Providers, LLC.,  (786) 999-9738    alex.quirin@aspsummits.com    www.aspsummits.com