Although smoke detectors are mandatory in most public and commercial buildings around the world, private households are increasingly installing similar systems to increase a sense of security. Connected smoke detection systems can not only automatically alert fire authorities or a security company, they call also provide vital information such as the exact room where the fire is located. Remote monitoring can also help determine causes and allow responders to activate only the fire suppression systems necessary, lowering the costs related to damage and fighting the fire itself.

M2M solutions can simplify alarm management and quickly report entry or damage as well as provide first responders with the exact location of trouble, whether it's a window, door or air vent. Connected sensors can provide a detailed, real-time road map of an intruder's path, increasing security for security personnel and aiding investigators.

Video surveillance can be used to monitor open spaces, valuable property or even people for protection or to identify intruders. M2M applications can automate remote property surveillance, eliminating the need to monitor a bank of screens and show only those cameras filming suspicious activity. Surveillance systems can be linked with alarm management applications to create a record of criminal activity and alert authorities. Sophisticated image recognition software can round out an advanced surveillance system to further reduce stress and free up security personnel for other activities.