Our Story – Umbrella Security Systems
Trust, Persistence, Patience, Kindness and Follow-Through
Comprehensive Security Solutions
#1 Security Integration in Chicago
For more than 20 years, the founders of Umbrella Security Systems have driven innovation in the security industry, developing advanced solutions that include HD security cameras, video surveillance management platforms, and business intelligence analytics for organizations throughout the Chicago and Chicagoland area. Now,, are we the #1 Security Systems Integrator in Chicago- Yes, Privately held Security Integrator not owned by a bank or big conglomerate who will schedule your service call through and endless series of bureaucracy.
Through years of supporting Illinois’ commercial and institutional clients, Umbrella has gained first-hand insight into the real challenges faced by security system end users. These experiences revealed a growing need for authentic, fully integrated security solutions—where video surveillance, access control, network infrastructure, and analytics work together seamlessly. Too often, organizations have encountered unrealistic expectations, inflated pricing, limited responsiveness, and incomplete project execution.
Umbrella Security Systems was built to address these challenges directly. We bring deep technical expertise, practical field experience, and cutting-edge security technology to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end system integration for Chicagoland businesses. Our approach prioritizes transparency, reliability, and long-term performance across every phase of a project.
Our commitment is simple: deliver high-quality security systems at fair, competitive pricing—without compromising service or results. We remain actively engaged until every solution meets your operational needs and expectations, providing hands-on support designed to exceed industry standards and build lasting partnerships.
Active Member since 2023
Federal Governement Approved Vendor
UEI: ER57FHAVC634
CAGE: 16U24
IDFPR Licensed Private Alarm Contractor Agency
License No. 127-001871
BBB Acredited Business since 2017
Press & Media Coverage
Umbrella’s security experts are regularly featured by national and regional media outlets for commentary on public safety technology, surveillance systems, and critical infrastructure security.
Featured Media Appearances:
One of the Largest Surveillance Camera Deployments in the state of Illinois
NBC Channel 5 Chicago
Coverage of a 12,000+ camera, 360-degree video surveillance deployment for the Chicago Transit Authority, highlighting transit security, public safety monitoring, and real-time situational awareness.
Security Consultant Thomas Carnevale gives expert opinion to new Cannabis Industry coming to Chicago
ABC Channel 7 Chicago
Expert analysis on cannabis security and compliance, including access control systems, video surveillance, and regulatory risk mitigation.
Security Consultant Thoma Carnevale gives thorough analysis of the capital attacks & facial recognition systems
ABC Washington, D.C.
National coverage on the use of security technology, video analytics, and facial recognition tools in post-incident investigations related to the 2021 U.S. Capitol attack.
These appearances reflect Umbrella’s role as a trusted authority in surveillance technology, access control, and data-driven security operations.
What We Believe In- Our Core Values
Our Company Motto: "We Care About the Reality of Good- Not the Perception of it."
Technical Certifications & Capabilities
We have several individual security system technicians whom are Certified in a variety of Enterprise Video Surveillance Manufacturers:
Video Management Software Platfoms
Milestone Systems, Hanwha, OpenEye, Axis Communications, Avigilon, Alarm.com, (working-on) Genetec. We are capable of servicing but will not be doing certifications in HikVision, Speco, Dahua…
Professional Surveillance Camera Manufacturers
Axis Communications, Avigilon, Hanwha, We are capabile of servicing but will not be doing cerfications nor will we resell HikVision, Speco, Dahua or similar Chienese equipment manufactruers.
We also have deep knowledge base & several security system technicians whom are certified in a variety of Business-Class Access-Control Systems.
Access Control System Software Platform & Hardware Manufacturers
Brivo, Dormakaba, Pro-Data-Key, Avigilon (openpath), Honeywell, Alarm.com, HID, Isonas to name a few…
Electronic Lock Manufacturers
Allegion (schlage), Assa Abloy, Dormakaba, Salto Systems & Onity.
Although we can “Take-Over” any commercial alarm system with our service through our Central Station. Not all Alarm system manufacturers are created equal & we focus on a select few we know work when you need them.
Commercial Alarm System Manufacturers
Honeywell, DSC (Johnson Controls), Bosch & 2GIG. We can service any alarm manufacturer and provide robust monitioring to other systems like ADT & Napco Security..
Proven Expertise in Network Infrastructure, Access Control, and Video Surveillance
Umbrella brings extensive, hands-on experience across the core disciplines of network infrastructure, electronic access control, and video surveillance system integration. Our team is composed of highly trained technicians and engineers holding industry-recognized certifications, including Milestone VMS, Axis IP Video, Hanwha, Avigilon, and CompTIA Network+, Server+, and A+. We are also certified across leading access control platforms such as Openpath, Keyscan, dormakaba, Allegion/Isonas, ProdataKey, and Brivo, enabling us to design, deploy, and support secure, scalable systems tailored to complex operational environments.
In addition, Umbrella maintains CommScope SYSTIMAX® Design, Engineering, and Installation certifications, ensuring full compliance with enterprise and municipal cabling standards. This depth of qualification allows us to deliver end-to-end security and network solutions that meet stringent requirements for uptime, reliability, lifecycle management, and future expansion.
Our certified fiber technicians specialize in the installation, termination, splicing, and testing of municipal-grade single-mode and multimode fiber optic infrastructure. We perform fusion splicing, OTDR testing, loss-budget analysis, and comprehensive end-to-end certification to ensure optimal performance and long-term reliability of every network segment.
Umbrella integrates new and existing fiber into dedicated security and operational networks using best practices for labeling, rack-mounted fiber management, patch panel organization, and protected routing. Detailed test results and as-built documentation are provided as part of our quality assurance process, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ease of future maintenance.
With extensive experience supporting multi-facility environments—including public safety, utilities, transportation, and critical infrastructure
—Umbrella delivers solutions that minimize disruption to ongoing operations while enhancing system resilience. Our approach enables secure, standalone networks capable of supporting high-availability video surveillance, access control systems, and evolving technology needs for years to come.
Industry Accolades
New Product of the Year – Best Product
Recognized for groundbreaking innovations in security technology, this award highlights our commitment to excellence in product design and functionality. ISC West Security Industry Association.
New Product of the Year – Best Panoramic Surveillance Camera
Acknowledged for superior panoramic surveillance solutions, this accolade underscores our leadership in advanced in the early adoption of Fisheye Dewaping camera technology.
New Product of the Year – Best Mobile Security Camera
Celebrated for our cutting-edge mobile Body-Worn security camera, this award reflects our dedication to enhancing mobile surveillance capabilities.
Education
We were students before experts.
Every single day, we hear phrases such as “I’ve been in the industry for 20 years, so I must know what I’m doing!” every single day.
Well, 20 years ago everything was completely different. To be honest, everything was completely different even three years ago!
We do not carry the attitude of knowing it all, but success is the reward to individuals who are continuously prepared – and we always come prepared!
Winning
There is a difference between being competitive and being overly confident with nothing to show for it.
When engaging with customers, we are fully invested in their continued success and will stop at nothing to make sure they succeed.
Our sole focus is to make sure you and your Chicago area business win. And with Umbrella Security Systems, you will always win – and you will win BIG with the security systems we engineer!
Honesty
We live it!
Transparency is a driving force for Umbrella Security Systems. In the security industry, there is no room for uncertainty. Trust must be established and maintained from the very start.
Even if it’s something a customer doesn’t want to hear, or something they are greatly concerned might go wrong, we will keep them informed as we tackle the issue together.
Creativity
We are only limited by our imagination.
Understanding the problem before implementation is our code. Our team handles each project with great care and patience.
Every project is a puzzle that needs to be solved. The answers to these puzzles belong to those who are willing to work hard to figure them out.
The team at Umbrella Security Systems is always devising innovative and creative solutions, for both new and returning customers in Chicagoland.
Exploring Innovations in Security Technology
Proactive Threat Detection: Essential for Business Security
Proactive threat detection security helps you spot risks early and protect your business. Learn key strategies and tools for a stronger, safer operation.
Integrated Security Dashboards: A Guide for Businesses
Learn how an integrated security dashboard streamlines access control, video surveillance, and alerts to help your business protect people and property.
Retail Store Security Systems: A Comprehensive Guide
Get practical tips on retail store security systems, from must-have features to smart management, to help you protect your business and prevent losses.
Best Emergency Notification System Vendors: In-Depth Comparison
Find the right emergency notification system vendor for your organization with this detailed comparison of top features, pricing, and support options.
Secure Communications for Emergencies: A Business Guide
Get practical tips on secure communications for emergencies. Learn how to protect your business, keep your team connected, and ensure reliable crisis response.
NDAA Compliant Security Systems: A Practical Guide
Get clear, actionable steps for choosing NDAA compliant security systems and learn how to keep your organization protected and eligible for federal funding.