6 Christmas Gifts for Your Security-Conscious Family and Friends

Maybe you know someone you’d like to encourage to be more security-conscious. Or perhaps a friend or family member is already concerned about their own privacy. They’ve already got tin foil (albeit for the turkey, not to use as a hat), so what else should you get for them? We have a few suggestions.

1. RFID Wallet

Due to concerns over security, you can turn down the offer of contactless payment on debit and credit cards. Nonetheless, fewer people are using their PINs anymore.

Criminals can take payment from contactless cards. Indeed, warnings are occasionally issued on social media about thieves preying on users of packed trains and the subway. You can do something about it, however. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) wallets block the wireless signals interacting between a card terminal and the card.

2. Nest Indoor Security Cam

Internet Protocol (IP) Cameras are all about peace of mind. They can be used for security reasons or as baby monitors. These are digital video recording devices that generally connect to your smartphone or device to offer 24/7 surveillance. Some allow you extra remote control and will further track smart home accessories

The Nest Cam Indoor security camera is designed to help you look after your home and family – even when you’re away. With 24/7 live streaming, a versatile magnetic stand, person alerts with Nest Aware and one app for all your Nest products, Nest Cam Indoor helps you keep an eye on what matters. From anywhere.

3. WALI Dummy CCTV

Not too sure whether your family member of friend will like a camera keeping score of proceedings all the time? Opt for a fake CCTV system instead!

Dummy cameras are a deterrent to your average criminal. They won’t be keen to have their mugshots taken. Even if some suspect they’re fake, they’ll have to risk getting up close to check it out for sure.

You can typically rely on WALI’s products, and this four-pack of dummy cameras is a substantial present that’s a surprisingly good price. They’ll certainly come in handy around most homes, and because they’ve got a flashing LED, they look real.

4. Litom Solar Lights

Solar lights are fantastic: not only are you utilizing the sun’s power but you’re also improving safety and security. They come in a vast array of variations, and are available everywhere, but for Christmas, we recommend a motion detector solar light.

These simply light up an area whenever something moves within its radius. Intruders are instantly spotlighted, and homeowners are alerted that there’s someone on their property. If whoever you’re buying for has a pond or swimming pool, lights are vital to make sure no one has an accident at night.

Litom’s a solid make. These are deceptively small considering the amount of light they give off. They’re cheap too, but if the recipient places them strategically at a doorway or garage, effective enough to deter would-be criminals.

5. Shredder

Everybody needs a shredder. No, more than that — everybody needs a cross-cut shredder. Cross-cut shredders cut pieces diagonally, rendering anything you put in virtually unreadable. In this age of hacking and ransomware, you shouldn’t underestimate the importance of a good old shredder. Because plenty of important things need cutting up.

Credit card slots are ideal, but some further chop up CDs — more infrequently used, of course, but this is a present to last! Typically, the finer a shredder will cut, the better. Also consider measurements: will this be used in a workplace environment or be kept at home, and how does this affect the size you’re considering?

6. VPN Router

This could be the priciest item on the list, so you’ll want to save it for someone especially dear to you, or as a family gift. But as ever, it depends on which model you go for.

It’ll also require a lot of research. Virtual private networks (VPN) afford a solid level of security by encrypting data sent between a computer and a website. Anyone who can intercept details sent on that connection cannot read it anyway. There are many VPN services available, including for free via the Opera browser

VPN routers give a whole household a high level of security. No need for individual installation on each device. Anything connecting to this router will use encryption. The receiver just needs to set it up and then everyone can browse the internet, hassle-free… in theory.

Shop around. Roqos is a dependable brand, and yet cheaper makes might also catch your eye. Shopping for routers should be a rare occurrence, so ask yourself whether it’s worth spending a bit more to achieve some longevity. And of course, are the recipients worth it?