Every intrusion alarm monitoring system needs a code for arming and disarming. This code, typically four to six digits, must be entered through a keypad. Any person who utilizes one of these systems knows that using and managing these codes is an important part of getting the most out of the system.
What is a System Code?
A system code is a four to six-digit numbered password used to arm, disarm, and perform various functions within your security system. These codes exist to ensure authorized access. Only authorized individuals should have system codes to interact with the system.
In some cases, a System Administrator can restrict a codes’ access to specific functions and/or areas of the building.
How To Choose a System Code
As a basic rule of thumb, choose a code that users can easily remember but is still difficult to guess. Remember, the goal is to prevent unauthorized access into your building.
It’s also advisable that a System Administrator retain a record of all of the user codes and the names of those that utilize them; this can be helpful in cross referencing against events or incidents.
Four Types of System Codes
Many different types of codes can be used with intrusion alarm monitoring systems. Here are the four most common:
- Master Code – This is the primary code a System Administrator will commonly use. It has the ability to perform security functions and manage administration of the system. This code should only reside with the System Administrator.
- User Code – These codes can arm and disarm the system along with any other specific areas or functions assigned to it. A User Code should only be provided to an individual who needs regular access to the building. Do not grant them permissions to adjust crucial settings in the system. Provide a unique user code to each system user.
- Guest Code –This is a restricted access code meant for temporary use. Only a user requiring brief access, like a contractor or maintenance person, should use this code.
- Duress Code – This unique code discreetly sends a signal to a Signals Receiving Centre, indicating an immediate need for help. It is rarely used, intended only for threatening situations.
Why It’s Important to Manage User Codes
How you manage these codes is important for a couple of reasons:
- If a security incident occurs at your building, review signals sent from the panel and identify unique users involved during those dates and times. If you need to remove an employee from the system, identify the assigned user code.
Methods to Manage User Codes On Your Intrusion Alarm Monitoring System
- If you are a System Administrator and are adding and removing codes yourself, keep a record of which user occupies which user slot. This will assist you if you need to quickly add or remove a user from the system.
- Place all of your user codes in a secure location. Losing these codes could allow them to fall into the wrong hands, leaving your building vulnerable.
- If you utilize contractors who require a User Code, ensure that you change the codes any time they have changes in staff. This ensures that their former employees do not have access to your building.
- Stay in communication with your security alarm monitoring company when it comes to adding and removing users from your security alarm monitoring system.
- Let the pros handle it; have your security alarm monitoring company manage your user codes. Ensure they add and remove codes correctly and maintain accurate records.
Learn More
If you have questions about your security alarm system and now to properly manage user codes, please contact us at 1 888 789 FIRE (3473), email fminfo@fire-monitoring.com, or fill out the contact form below.
FAQs
Enter a unique code for your user. This code enables them to disarm your security system and open your door's smart lock. Because the code is unique (you can't duplicate your user codes), it also enables Alarm.com to identify who accesses your home, and send you an alert when they enter or leave.
How do I share my alarm com user code? ›
To share user codes using the Alarm.com app:
Log into the Alarm.com app. Tap Users. Tap the desired user that will have its access code shared. Tap Share User Code.
What is the most common alarm code? ›
Remember, if information such as birth year or anniversary is readily available online or on your ID, a crook could easily use them to try and disable your alarm. Sequential Numbers. 1234 is the most frequently used four-digit code, but other sequential number codes are popular choices as well.
What is your user code? ›
User Code means a password, digital certificate, identifier (including biometric identifier), security device, algorithm, encryption, or other similar procedure used by a customer or an authorized person to access [organization]'s systems, applications, or products or to issue instructions to [organization].
What is the difference between user code and master code? ›
Master code: The Master code is the highest level of access in a digital lock. It is typically used to program the lock, add or delete user codes, and change the lock's settings. The Master code is usually only known by the safe's owner or an authorized security manager.
What is the default code for alarm system? ›
Whenever a security alarm system is installed, it is set to a default code. The default codes are easy like 0000 or 1234 and many people forget to change it.
What are alarm codes? ›
A system code is a four to six-digit numbered password used to arm, disarm, and perform various functions within your security system. These codes exist to ensure authorized access. Only authorized individuals should have system codes to interact with the system.
What is the master user code for IDS alarm? ›
All user codes will also be defaulted and the master user code will become 1234.
How do I choose an alarm code? ›
Do Not Use Easy-to-Guess Numbers – Never use a phone number, special date or birth date for your code. While they are easier to remember, they are also easy for someone to guess. Avoid Repetitive or Patterned Numbers – Do not pick a security code with multiple numbers in a row, such as “2222” or “1234” or “2468”.
How often should alarm codes be changed? ›
Codes should be changed during the course of the year, but not so much that you forget the code. For instance, changing the code every week or month is a bit excessive. Instead, chance the code during daylight savings or on the first day of every quarter.
Code Blue: This is the most well-known code that signals a medical emergency, such as cardiac arrest. Code Gray: This code is used to alert staff members of combative or violent patient that requires immediate intervention.
What is user mode code? ›
In contrast to kernel mode, where the code has unrestricted access to all hardware and software resources, user mode restricts application access to essential resources and requires explicit permissions to interact with hardware or memory outside its allocated range.
What is a user ID code? ›
A user identification or user ID is an entity used to identify a user on a website, software, system or within a generic IT environment. It is the most common authentication mechanism used within computing systems.
What is user access code? ›
a series of numbers and/or letters that allow the user to get into a place or to use a computer system or website: When you subscribe, you will be emailed an access code which will allow you to gain entry to the subscription site.
What is a default user code? ›
The role of a default user account in an operating system is to provide a template for new user accounts and facilitate initial access to the system. For system administrators, it's a point of reference for setting up and configuring the system before deploying it to users.
If you have questions about your security alarm system and now to properly manage user codes, please contact us at 1 888 789 FIRE (3473), email fminfo@fire-monitoring.com, or fill out the contact form below.