Gear-R. High Security Hidden Access Control For Just About Any Application

We are proud to continue our long association with the fabulous Meroni family of quality Access Control products including the wide range of door locks, furniture and cabinet locks and hardware, automobile security products and other unique hardware that have established Serrature Meroni as one of the leading manufacturers in Europe and throughout the world.

Here we include a video that explains the new technology that offers virtually hidden access control for almost any application, including door locks, cabinets and cabinet furniture, vehicles, among the many offerings in the Meroni ranges.

Many of the products Meroni make, you can see throughout this website.

Products like Nova, Combina, Forma and Pigio door handles and door locking products. Unique cabinet and furniture hardware and lock products, even the unique water spigot lock system to protect water valves for parks and gardens.

Meroni can tailor the wide range of products to individual needs and custom modify products to suit your unique parameters.

To learn a little more about the technology patented by Meroni Technology, visit the link in the source below.

(source...)

Contact-Less User Interfaces Are Becoming A Part Of Our New Future - Part 1

As we progress toward a more contact-less future, given the current precarious situation we find ourselves facing, with the pandemic today causing upheaval to our daily lives....

We decided to share a new post to discuss some contact-less options that already exist in today's world and articles that we have written over the last 10 years or so.


Voice control is one area that we have embraced in recent years with the advent of Google Voice, Home, Amazon Alexa, Echo etc among other offerings.

Below find a number of articles that we have written, that provide some interesting reading about some of the options already available to us. Some of the products listed below do not exist anymore but talented researchers are constantly creating new and improved products that might help us progress through this new world...

Verroo - Unique Security Products For The Worlds New Normal Amid Coronavirus Pandemic

A couple of years ago (almost), a talented 18 year old gave a lecture at Defcon, a well-known hacker conference held annually in Las Vegas NV.

At this lecture he gave a rather interesting expose into the security and perception of security of Knox Boxes, which are used and required predominantly by fire departments across the USA to allow authorized first responders to gain access to private and public dwellings without the need to employ destructive entry methods.





The video is about 20 minutes long and may be of interest to locksmiths. security industry technicians, sales people, maintenance technicians, first responders, home owners, apartment complex managers, basically anyone who might see or have these type of key boxes on or near their properties.

It is especially interesting when you consider the security offerings by various vendors concerned more with selling you their products as opposed to offering you a system that actually offers to protect and secure your property for real. (For some unscrupulous vendors, it's not about your security protection - it's only about profits)

We have written about some of the subjects he talks about in the video....

Credit Cards Used to Duplicate Keys


Medeco - Hmmmmm...


3D Printers Used To Defeat High Security Key Systems


3D Printed Bump Keys


Further to this conversation is my recently acquired knowledge about an Australian company that is the merge between KJ Ross Security Locks, Marget Engineering and Direct Connections in 2015. That new company is called RMD Innovations (you can see their site in the source below).


KJ Ross, I have personally known for about 35 years now, having worked with their safe lock products, their Rosslinear Battery Operated Electric Strike and other lines in their specialty ranges.


RMD have now created significantly improved products for the high security market that update the older Rosslinear Strike (as seen above) and also have begun offering some additional products including a battery-operated strike for rim locks, panic exit devices. standard mortise and cylindrical entry lock-sets. among other products














I am especially interested in these updated product offerings, given the current predicament the world is experiencing with the Coronavirus Pandemic, that has dramatically altered our states of life.

Omnifob - Universal Remote By Keyport

Do you remember Keyport?

Keyport came out a number of years ago hoping to impact the keyring market. It made a splash and was an early developer in the smart product industry.

A new product by the same developers Omnifob is a concept key-fob being developed that makes sense. It provides the opportunity to enjoy smart access to many of the products you might use regularly like your car, door, garage, a flashlight and other products.

The difference is, you will be able to use the one interface to operate all your separate devices, rather than requiring to have and use a different "key" for every system.

The smart product market has expanded tremendously in recent years, thanks in no small part to nanotechnology, that has been instrumental in miniaturizing all manor of products we use regularly.

This Omnifob product offers some intriguing possibilities. You will be able to operate all manner of devices using one "key-fob" including multiple different vehicles, alarm systems, door locks, light switches, garage doors, etc.

A great many product manufacturers are jumping aboard to include their products in this new eco-system, to enable users to enjoy a crossover "key" that will operate across multiple different brands of products.

Check out the source below for more details.

(source...)

Statement on Fingerprint Recognition Issue

A little over 6 years ago we wrote an article about issues with the fingerprint sensor affecting Apple iPhones.

The article here explains some of the pitfalls of biometric fingerprint technology and the ease in which some biometric fingerprint scanners can be hacked.

Just yesterday, Samsung made us aware at MWC 2019 (Mobile World Conference) of a simple hack through their new flagship S10 Galaxy phone that defeats the security protocols embedded within.

Similarly to other older known issues with competing brands of fingerprint sensors, used in door locks, safes, vehicles, time clocks etc, the hack involves simply covering the phone screen with a cheap and widely sold screen protector.

The hack can occur when already enrolled fingerprints are stored in the system but by using a screen protector, the sensor becomes "smudged" leaving the product susceptible to virtually any fingerprint.

It has been well know throughout security industry circles (for a great many years) that many fingerprint scanners can be defeated by simply covering the sensor/scanner in clear sticky tape. This effectively stores the last used correct fingerprint and mimics it too easily, by just using any finger on a taped sensor.

Samsung released a statement about 15 hours ago that you can read in the source below.

Will you trust your home or office security or even the security of your cellphone to a vulnerable fingerprint sensor?

Apple decided to remove the fingerprint sensor from their products in subsequent models for the proven, significantly more secure facial recognition technology that is much harder to compromise.

(source...)

Rental Car - Fail (Locked Out)

A rather interesting article hit my desk this week that made my eyes and ears prick up.

In recent years, I have been posting here about my feelings regarding many of these modern day IoT (Internet of Things) products and services that i feel are rather insecure and problematic.

It is no secret that the IoT industry has made significant impacts on consumers, industry and life in general, but the industry is still in it's infancy and much to the dilemma of consumers, far too many issues and problems are arising with all this "connectivity".

The article from The Atlantic current affairs publication, describes the authors issue with their recent Zipcar rental car, where they drove into a region NOT covered by cellphone or wifi connectivity,

You see, for the Zipcar system to work, the vehicle requires to be in a "connected" locality.

The Zipcar system, provides a proximity card to access the vehicle or an app on your mobile phone, that allows you to open, enter and start the vehicle you are renting.

But what happens when you are no longer in a connectable location?

By being unable to communicate with the Zipcar technology hub, the renter was locked out of their vehicle. And even if they were able to unlock the vehicle, they would not be able to start it and drive away.

While some may perceive this to be a security blanket to protect the company from vehicle theft, the inconvenience to the renter is maximised. If you are in an inconvenient location, where cellphone access is non-existent or wifi connectivity doesnt exist, what do you do? If cellphone service is unavailable, how do you call for help?

Then, to make matter worse, the renter managed to find a landline to call Zipcar who nicely agreed to waive their fee, but suggested waiting for a tow truck or cab to pick them up. They were in a location where no cab would attend. The tow truck arrived after a while and towed them to an area where there was cellphone connectivity. They were able to unlock the vehicle but it would not start.

An episode that appears to be becoming commonplace in todays IoT connected world.


Another example also mentioned in the article describes, coincidentally a similar issue that happened to (curiously) an IoT expert. He rented a Zipcar to go to the J Paul Getty museum, parked in the underground garage and when he returned, his cellphone had no connectivity and consequently he couldnt operate his zipcar either.

The pitfalls of modern technology are becoming all too common today. Many consumers understand and appreciate the benefits that IoT technology can bring and this has made an impact in the consumer marketplace. But at what cost? When conventional non-connected technology that has worked flawlessly for generations is replaced by nouveau modern technology that has been rushed to market too soon before being tested adequately, perhaps we are better served by maintaining some of yesterdays proven technology that is usually cheaper and longer lasting and significantly easier to maintain.

In my business, technology is also seeing ineffiencies and pitfalls. I continue to sing the praises of mechanical security technology because it is so much cheaper and better quality than many electronic offerings.

With the impending economic doldrums the world may be facing shortly, are you going to rely on IoT technology and battery powered products that are (arguably) designed to fail in two years, or will you continue to benefit from mechanical technology that stands the test of time with low maintenance?

(source...)

Gate - All-In-One Wifi Deadbolt

The world of Smart Locks, sees a new entrant to the market with an all-in-one product that allows for WiFi control, smart phone control, temporary user codes, video door bell and intercom, mechanical key operable all in one small and unique footprint that looks classy while maintaining a high level of security.

Gate is available from a range of suppliers, the product is priced at the upper end of the range of similar offerings.

The product is available in 3 distinct service plan options.

2-Year Premium Plus Service plan sells for $349. It includes 1 lock and 2 years unlimited Premium Plus Service which includes:

• Receipt Of All Notifications
• Real Time Video Streaming
• Real Time 2-Way Audio
• Remote Lock And Unlock
• Unlimited Admin/Permanent Access Control
• Unlimited Scheduled Access
• 30 Day Video History
• 30 Day Video Sharing

There is also a 1 year Premium Plan which is effectively identical to the Plus plan but only allows for 10 users on scheduled access and 5 days worth of video history storage and sharing.

The basic plan offers no scheduled access control and up to 4 permanent users, FREE.

It is an interesting idea I think. One that might meet certain users needs.

Personally, I am not enamored with many battery powered smart locks, because batteries fail at the most inopportune times and weathering (shifting door frames, house settling etc) is an all too common occurrence with todays changing climate,

(source...)

Ross BLE Safe Lock - A Mechanical Key Operated Safe Lock with Bluetooth Access Control Included

I first met Keith Ross about 32 years ago when I was an apprentice locksmith working for one of Australia's leading locksmith companies.

He is an affable chap who is an old school engineer and specialty security product manufacturer that has built a highly respected reputation around Australia, many parts of the southern hemisphere and gradual penetration into the markets of the northern hemisphere.

KJ Ross Security Locks began it's life in 1951 and grew to become one of, if not the most highly respected names in the Australian Security Lock industry.

Their wide range of products are all designed and manufactured in Australia and continue to be produced there today, despite the potential for cheaper manufacturing alternatives elsewhere.

The Ross BLE Safe Lock option, is one of their newer products recently released to market and is seeing significant traction in the safe manufacturing industry.

This great product offers increased security alternatives to commonly found digital lock products, you may see in other safe product offerings.

The body of the safe lock is comparable size to other manufacturers technical specifications, meaning it can be retrofitted in place of many other brands of safe locks.

The unique difference with the Ross BLE Safe Lock is that you can control the lock using your Bluetooth enabled Apple iPhone (Android compatibility is in development).

The product is totally off the grid and does not use the internet or cloud to store any data. This is important, given the increasing data breaches we hear about constantly in the news. All authorised users and ekey data is completely stored within the PCB controller itself.

The product is stand alone and operates using two (2) 1.5 volt batteries that can be replaced easily. the legendary Ross Six (6) Lever mechanical key lock system is incorporated within the product too (a necessary feature when batteries go flat) It uses a unique wave key design that is almost impossible to duplicate. The product also comes with an escutcheon plate and a wave key insert that installs into the dial combination spindle hole of the safe door.

Operating Features

• This model provides a proprietary multi-layer security encryption with rolling code to eliminate unauthorised access.
• Comprises an advanced self-defence protocol.
• Contains intelligent anti-hacking controls and counter-measures.

The Administrator App

• Profiles the way the lock is to be opened by its endorsed users. Operating modes include –
• (Manual) that requires an ‘Unlock’ button to be pressed on the smartphone, or
• (Pin-Secured) that requires a PIN to be entered on the smartphone. The ‘eKey’ profiling feature includes –
• Distribution of ‘eKey’ profiles to all users granted access to the lock.
• Profiles an ‘eKey’ prior to its distribution by granting a date and/or time profile that defines the time-frame in which the lock can be opened.
• An ‘eKey’ is distributed as a steganographically encrypted SMS attachment that is unique to that user’s smartphone.
• An Audit Trail display facility is provided.
• Instigates the purchase of additional ‘eKeys’.
• Has the provision to store (96) ‘eKeys’.

The User App

• Engages with the ‘eKey’ access profile when it comes to opening the lock. Features include –
• The ‘Open’ activation period can be set from (1) second to a (4) minute time-frame.
• An automatic re-lock occurs at the end of this activation period.
• A low-battery warning feature is included.

MSDS

Keith is an awesome fellow and produces his products in Knoxfield Victoria Australia (I grew up in Victoria).

KJ Ross Pty Ltd also produce a number of other well deigned and manufactured security products, some of which we have sold here in North America in the past.

Products like:

The 600 Series weld on safe lock

The 700 Series that is designed to easily replace most standard 3 wheel dial combination locks using the existing spindle hole without need to modify the safe door.

The 102 series  (which incidentally, I use on the safe I built from scratch during the third year of my apprenticeship in 1987)

And many other unique products.

see the site in the source below.

(source...)

Walmart To Offer Free In House Delivery Including Stocking Your Fridge

A new service by Walmart, introduced this week is set to compete with Amazon for home deliveries of products ordered. Except that Walmart will have their couriers unlock your door, enter your kitchen, open your fridge and stock your purchased groceries on your behalf.

All you have to do is install a wifi operated lock to your entry door, give permission to Walmart employees to enter your home and to stock your fridge.


That all sounds wonderful, doesnt it?

Amazon introduced a similar service last year after successfully merging their acquisition of Ring and Bleep into their company, We wrote a few articles about Amazon Key and related services here.

Are you owner or resident,willing to allow people you dont know, permission to enter your home when youre not there, have access to your kitchen and pretty much the run of your house?

Are you prepared to pay the increased insurance premiums that will no doubt be incurred?

Even if these companies compel their employees to wear body cameras, so you can view them as they enter your private home, are you really going to open yourself to the privacy concerns?

Modern technologies are great in idea and sometimes in practise. But some ideas are just plain silly.
As a locksmith security specialist, experienced technician and appraiser, I continue to explain to my customers the pitfalls of some modern electronic battery operated security products. Many will agree with me once they understand the potential security and privacy concerns.

I often discuss with clients about their current push button battery operated deadbolt they may have fitted. In many of these discussions, the client points out that, after the third or fourth time replacing the batteries, they will go back to using the mechanical key. The most common reason, is they did not expect the regular and repeated need to replace batteries, adding significantly to their cost of their chosen product. Combine this with they being locked out of their residence when they least expect it and still requiring to call a locksmith to pick their lock open due to not carrying their key.

Electronics do indeed improve our quality of life. But at the exhorbitant cost of a ~$250+ electronic lock, that is more prone to power failure, weathering, house and door movement etc, requiring increased maintenance over the mechanical products that have been around for hundreds of years, the cost differences alone, one might think to keep using and relying on maintenance free security.

(source...)

2 Factor Authentication - Google, Amazon, Facebook Offer Improved Security To Protect Your Data

What Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Is - And How to Enable It


The large internet companies like Google, Amazon and Facebook, have been busy the last couple of years designing new security protocols in the wake of a number of much publicised data-breaches that have affected millions of people across the world.

2 factor authentication is not a new concept, however an increasing number of security system providers have been including new high-security initiatives, aimed at securing our individual and collective data from the prying eyes of cyber crooks.

You may or may not have been affected by a cyber-security breach, in recent times. Credit card companies, banks, even department stores have fallen prey to cyber-criminals, who have stolen private credit data, social security numbers, telephone numbers, addresses, email addresses etc among other personal details.

Some people have discovered that their credit ratings have been severely affected by these crooks, even to the point that they cannot even access their own private details. Criminals have found simple ways to be able to lock you out of your own accounts.

A great many users operate an email account using the popular Gmail system, but apparently less than 10% of Gmail users, adequately protect their addresses with multi-factor authentication

 This is proving to be a large factor affecting far too many people. Many new security products, alarm systems, door locks etc are introducing multi-factor authentication protocols to better protect users of their modern products.

Tom's Guide provide an article on how to set up 2 factor authentication with various large online companies. Check out their link to learn more.

The main reason we decided to include this article here, is due to us learning that behemoths like Google are introducing physical security keys to assist with multi-factor authentication procedures. This especially interests us because companies like Google have been instrumental, the last 10-15 years in designing and building electronic "keyless" products aimed at simplifying our lives, That they realize (what we) physical security product providers have been saying for so long, is almost a testament to the benefits that physical security products provide, over and beyond many electronic products.

The source below, provides another link to a Tom's Guide article that peaked our interest and propelled us to write this article.

You dont have to purchase your security key from Google. There are other providers.

If you like to be able to protect your data from the chance of being "hacked", perhaps altering your procedures for "logging in" to your portals should be a worthwile consideration.

(source...)