All people deserve to feel safe in their homes. However, not enough homeowners do everything they can to better ensure the security of their families and property. This is why there are nearly 2.5 million burglaries reported each year, two-thirds of which involve break-ins. Further, the increasingly connected nature of the world means criminals don’t even need to be at your house to steal from you. By hacking into your devices that use Internet connections, they may be able to steal your identity or take control of vital systems.

The good news is, you can take steps to protect yourself. The majority of burglars and vandals look for the easiest opportunity, meaning they will be far less likely to strike if they think there’s a possibility of being seen or caught. You can make your house a much less-inviting target by adding motion-sensing lights, for example.

Trimming your bushes and trees provides intruders with fewer hiding places. Putting your interior lights on a timer will give the illusion that the house is occupied. Changing your passwords often and choosing strong ones will stop the majority of cybercriminals from breaking into your network. For these and many other home security tips, see the accompanying guide. With the right precautions, you can avoid becoming a victim.

This infographic was created by Alarm Detection Systems, a Chicago home security company