Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) Issues Warning About Apple Device False Alarms

  • Apr 10, 2023

The Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) is a national leader in helping reduce unnecessary calls for service from alarm systems. Recently, SIAC issued a warning concerning false alarms created by the Apple iPhone 14 and Apple Watch.

“Technology that is meant to detect car crashes, heart attacks or other life-threatening situations, has generated some real media success stories on how a life was saved, however, there have been numerous reports on these devices contacting 911 call centers where no emergency condition existed,” said Stan Martin, SIAC executive director. “In many instances, the false alarms have been triggered by routine events such as skiing or exercising.

“For more than 20 years SIAC has worked directly with leaders in law enforcement to dramatically reduce unnecessary calls for service from electronic alarms,” said Martin. “Significant progress through the model alarm ordinance has led to dramatic improvements.

“Though we can all see the potential benefits, we are concerned that the new Apple technology could be a real setback to the goal of making sure that 911 resources and first responders are not unnecessarily diverted from their lifesaving mission.”

SIAC recommends the owners of the iPhone 14 or Apple Watch take the following steps to avoid generating unnecessary calls to 911 centers:

  • Learn how the alert system functions.
  • Respond immediately to notifications from your device that the alarm has been triggered to avoid having the phone or watch contact a 911 center.
  • Upgrade the device to the latest software version.
B
  • e aware of what types of events can trigger the device when there is no emergency.

    • If you’re in a situation that is likely to trigger a false alarm and are not able to respond to a notification, we suggest you consider disabling this feature or function.

    If your device contacts 911 automatically, law enforcement may try to contact you to confirm an actual emergency exists, if possible, please answer the call, do not ignore/disregard. As with typical 911 emergency calls, it leaves law enforcement with no choice but to dispatch an officer or deputy.

    “This is an issue that both Apple and its customers need to address,” said Martin. “Failure to address false alarm issues can eventually lead to a lower level of response, fines or other measures to try to address the issue.” No doubt other manufacturers will replicate or develop similar emergency contact features, please consider the consequence/impact on law enforcement before activating these types of features.

    Featured

    • Evolving Cybersecurity Strategies: Uniting Human Risk Management and Security Awareness Training

      Organizations are increasingly turning their attention to human-focused security approaches, as two out of three (68%) cybersecurity incidents involve people. Threat actors are shifting from targeting networks and systems to hacking humans via social engineering methods, living off human errors as their most prevalent attack vector. Whether manipulated or not, human cyber behavior is leveraged to gain backdoor access into systems. This mainly results from a lack of employee training and awareness about evolving attack techniques employed by malign actors. Read Now

    • Report: 1 in 3 Easily Exploitable Vulnerabilities Found on Cloud Assets

      CyCognito recently released new research highlighting critical security vulnerabilities across cloud-hosted assets, revealing that one in three easily exploitable vulnerabilities or misconfigurations are found on cloud assets. As organizations increasingly shift to multi-cloud strategies, the findings underscore significant security gaps that could provide attackers with potential footholds into networks. Read Now

    • Built for Today, Ready for Tomorrow

      Selecting the right VMS is critical for any organization that depends on video surveillance to ensure safety, security and operational efficiency. While many organizations focus on immediate needs such as budget and deployment size, let us review some of the long-term considerations that can significantly impact a VMS's utility and flexibility. Read Now

    • Paving the Way to Smart Buildings

      In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, the convergence of on-prem, edge and cloud technologies are critical. The physical security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the rapid digitalization of buildings and the evolving needs of modern organizations. As the buildings sector pivots towards smart, AI and data-driven operations, the integration of both edge and cloud technology has become crucial. Read Now

    • The Cybersecurity Time Bomb

      If you work in physical security, you have probably seen it: a camera, access control system, or intrusion detection device installed years ago, humming along without a single update. It is a common scenario that security professionals have come to accept as "normal." But here is the reality: this mindset is actively putting organizations at risk. Read Now

    Most   Popular

    New Products

    • Unified VMS

      AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

    • Mobile Safe Shield

      Mobile Safe Shield

      SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

    • AC Nio

      AC Nio

      Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.