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3/27/2017 9:19:59 AM EDT
How do you protect against crash and smash attacks?

I was looking at an all-in-one unit (Lyric) that mounts the actual system in the control panel.

If someone forces entry, they could hypothetically rip the unit off the wall, pull the main power, and rip out the backup battery before the system signals an alarm.

The monitored systems will still alarm after a certain amount of time with no contact, but I want to do a self-monitored system.

So my only options are to set the entry delay to "0" and just use a wireless fob to disable the system, if it is armed, before entry?  That way if the unit senses a breech it automatically begins communicating an alarm without waiting for a password/deactivation code to be entered?

And other ideas or am I missing something?
3/27/2017 9:31:16 AM EDT
[#1]
Really, the protection is to use a unit that isn't designed this way.  The only wireless unit I know of that's designed with separate keypads and control panel is the DSC Alexor, but there may be others on the market by now.

Another thing that might help, if the unit supports a second keypad, is to put the main unit in the master bedroom (where you should really have a keypad anyway) and just a keypad near the entry door.  If you can also wire an external siren to the main keypad, so much the better--it would make it harder to locate the main keypad to tear it down and disable it.
3/27/2017 10:05:44 AM EDT
[#2]
the smash feature works fast on mine as if something interrupts the process the monitor company calls right away.  Not really sure how it works. You would have to have some sort of software on the "monitor" side of the equation?  I would think a surveillance system that you could check remotely could be used along with the security system just to verify any hinky behavior of the security system.  I think anytime you have batteries and wireless you introduce a whole new set of problems into the equation.
3/27/2017 10:24:47 AM EDT
[#3]
I have the lyric also. So far 19 zones and am adding a little bit at a time.

The controller has a built in smash protection. It sends the signal immediately on alarm and the signal is cancelled when the alarm is cleared by the subscriber. At least that's my understanding. The only test I've done so far was trigger an alarm which transmits to my phone. It was instant. One of the reasons I went with the Lyric. Alarmgrid.com FTW.
3/27/2017 1:13:24 PM EDT
[#4]
Not sure why a Vista 20P with 6160RF keypad isn't the answer.
3/27/2017 5:26:47 PM EDT
[#5]
Because a Vista 20P is a wired system, albeit one to which a wireless unit can be attached.
3/27/2017 7:17:33 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote History
Quoted:
Because a Vista 20P is a wired system, albeit one to which a wireless unit can be attached.
View Quote
Yes, I know, I guess I missed the question of why the OP had to have wireless.

The 20P is sort of a hybrid, depending on the Op's layout, only a few wires to hard wire critical parts and the rest wireless.
3/29/2017 5:17:44 PM EDT
[#7]
Sorry it took so long to get back with everyone, I got my account locked, all my fault
3/29/2017 5:34:10 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote History
Quoted:
Really, the protection is to use a unit that isn't designed this way.  The only wireless unit I know of that's designed with separate keypads and control panel is the DSC Alexor, but there may be others on the market by now.

Another thing that might help, if the unit supports a second keypad, is to put the main unit in the master bedroom (where you should really have a keypad anyway) and just a keypad near the entry door.  If you can also wire an external siren to the main keypad, so much the better--it would make it harder to locate the main keypad to tear it down and disable it.
View Quote
I like this idea.  So by changing the entry delay to minimal, and placing the brain controller far from any entrances you gain more time...

I really do not know what Honeywell was thinking on this one.  You need to run a DC power cord to the unit, so what would be another small comm cable to a hidden, protected box (like a vista) for the brain and notification features?  You are drilling a hole anyway for the dc power...
3/29/2017 5:36:21 PM EDT
[#9]
Quote History
Quoted:
the smash feature works fast on mine as if something interrupts the process the monitor company calls right away.  Not really sure how it works. You would have to have some sort of software on the "monitor" side of the equation?  I would think a surveillance system that you could check remotely could be used along with the security system just to verify any hinky behavior of the security system.  I think anytime you have batteries and wireless you introduce a whole new set of problems into the equation.
View Quote
If I read correctly, the entry is signaled to the monitor company/honeywell, and then no more communications from the panel within a certain period of time sets an alarm.  But if you are self-monitored, nothing happens if the panel is destroyed.  
3/29/2017 5:37:57 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote History
Quoted:
I have the lyric also. So far 19 zones and am adding a little bit at a time.

The controller has a built in smash protection. It sends the signal immediately on alarm and the signal is cancelled when the alarm is cleared by the subscriber. At least that's my understanding. The only test I've done so far was trigger an alarm which transmits to my phone. It was instant. One of the reasons I went with the Lyric. Alarmgrid.com FTW.
View Quote
Yes, this is perfect if you are monitored, but I wanted to self-monitor (I have nothing really worth stealing to justify a monthly contract LOL)
3/29/2017 5:43:08 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote History
Quoted:


Yes, I know, I guess I missed the question of why the OP had to have wireless.

The 20P is sort of a hybrid, depending on the Op's layout, only a few wires to hard wire critical parts and the rest wireless.
View Quote
It is not so much HAVE to have wireless, but making sure I am more future proof.  The Vista and the Lyric are literally decades apart in terms of available inputs and functions.  It also looks like the Lyric is a little easier to upgrade- firmware fixes for example.  I have nothing against the 20p, it was going to be what I was going to install.

I just can not believe the way they put everything in a keypad that is vulnerable to attack like that with the wireless system.  And it sounds like the majority are like that
3/30/2017 10:32:23 AM EDT
[#12]
My main unit is hidden and only deactivated with remotes.  This still will not protect from a smash and grab if nobody is there to respond.  Cameras everywhere!!!
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