Chain Reaction DNA - 21st Century Door Security Chain

StranDNA are a United Kingdom based company that have re-invented the humble door chain, found across the world for the past couple of centuries.

This intelligent device provides two distinct differences from the humble door chain of yesteryear.
A) A 110db piercing alarm at the point of entry.
B) Sprays a UV mist with a unique DNA

The law enforcement agencies across the world have been using modern forensic technologies for the last few decades to identify perpetrators of crimes. But speedy results have been difficult to achieve until recent developments in DNA sequencing.

StranDNA have produced a replaceable canister that is easily installed into the unit. The fluid/mist, when encountering the perpetrator, leaves a unique identifiable DNA trace that remains active for up to 3 months (based on exfoliation)

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is the USA based approved instructor of especially trained and permitted StranDNA products.

Criminal defense attorneys in the USA will have an unsurmountable burden of proof to dissuade a court of their clients involvement in a crime, when the DNA product clearly provides investigators with conclusive proof of their involvement, dramatically reducing lengthy investigations and reducing the costs for local law enforcement agencies to provide incontrovertible evidence of involvement.

Soon to be released in the USA, only approved installers trained by the Society Of Professional Locksmiths will be able to help residents and tenants and also local law enforcement departments effectively reduce crimes.

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GPS Spy Tracker - Real Time Bicycle Security.

Bicycles can cost a fortune. Losing a bicycle to theft can be quite distressing. Distress no longer. Integrated Trackers make and offer this excellent product aimed at the bicycle enthusiast market.

Available in Europe and the USA.

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Bird Flu - Still A Menace In Asia And Beyond

A couple of years ago the H5N1 - Bird Flu virus made news headlines across the globe. There were about 350 reported deaths across the world and many thousands more were infected before an anti-virus was found.

In recent days days (see source below), a discovery has been made in Vietnam of a new strain (mutation) that is allegedly impervious to the anti-virus.

10 people have died in Cambodia, Egypt, Indonesia, China and Vietnam. The new strain has also been found in Bangladesh and Nepal.

The WHO (World Health Organisation) is remaining tight lipped about it, but I think it is vital and important to be aware that Bird Flu is again on peoples minds.

Whereas the transfer of the virus is usually through peoples contact with poultry, these viruses are known to mutate quite quickly and could spread rampantly due to migrating birds.

We post this here to remind our readers of the Serrature Meroni Anti-Bacterial door handle products, that mitigate the transfer of potentially threatening virus' and other diseases by contact.

In many environments in our daily lives, we often will touch a door handle or knob that has been touched by others. In high-trafficked environments, we can have little to no control over the spread of illnesses and having the benefits of Meroni anti-bacterial door knobs on our doors, could help to prevent us from getting sick.

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NFC Enabled Door Locks

Yale Lock Co., a subsidiary of Assa-Abloy, the worlds largest lock manufacturer are testing this concept residential door locking system designed to modernize the way we use our doors.

NFC is an acronym for Near Field Communication. Companies like Google have been at the forefront of introducing this technology to enable our mobile phones to be used as mobile wallets, keys and other access devices for a few years now.

Perhaps the future of mechanical keys is limited although, with respect, I believe that maintaining the mechanical key option will ensure you can still operate your lock in the event of electronic or battery failure.

With the world starting to embrace wireless electronic security, it is still not as green or environmentally minded as pure mechanically operated keyed locks and handles.

Many consumers may enjoy the convenience of not having a key to use or lose, however the ongoing maintenance cost and service costs massively outweigh the little cost option of mechanical keyed systems.

Seat Recognition Technolgy To Replace Facial Recognition Technology In Cars Of The Future

Japanese researchers have developed new technology aimed at preventing the incidence of automobile theft.

Seat recognition technology employs a range of sensors embedded in a car seat designed to measure key attributes of the driver. The technology is still in it's infancy but could lead to other advancements is security product design that passively protect our precious auto property.

"The way the technology works is pretty simple. The seat is retrofitted with 360 different sensors. Those sensors take into account things like your weight, the highest value of pressure on the seat, and where you come in contact with the seat. The idea is that we all sit in car seats relatively the same way each time, so the seat should be able to tell who is sitting in it, ensuring that the person is the owner of the car rather than a car thief."

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Modern Master Key System Design

Traditional master key systems were designed primarily by architects or door personnel without necessarily much experience in locksmithing.

Many existing master key systems found today have been created by the Original Equipment Manufacturer and often do not or cannot be serviced by them, requiring assistance from suitably qualified and trained locksmiths.

The benefits of a locksmithing background are immense when designing, creating and building a master key system.

Traditional systems usually included one central grand master key designed to work every door/lock in a building or group of buildings. These buildings could be in the same location or multiple locations. Then there would be sub-master keys, held by individuals requiring access to only a designated area and not all areas. Next there were servant keys (a.k.a. Change Keys) designed to work the individual lock.

While traditional systems are still requested today, there are better methods available thanks to products like Abloy Protec and our signature product Bilock.

The modern approach to master keying is akin to the purpose of card access or fob access systems, whereby each lock in the system can be programmed to accept individual keys.

Unlike card access or fob access systems, Bilock and Abloy Protec cylinders work with traditional locksets, reducing the cost associated with new especially designed hardware and electrical connections, computer software programming, training of staff to implement and carry out changes etc.

With Bilock, we can tailor any system to as many as 16 million different keys per keyway. That means that virtually any lock in any building, campus or group of buildings, whether in the same location or multiple locations can be mechanically programmed to accept many different keys.

With Bilock, you can enjoy painless rekeying, thanks to the Quick Change Core function. Missing or lost keys can be removed from the system without affecting other key holders. The locks (mostly) never have to be removed from the applications (doors).

With Bilock, you can color code your keys to make them individual and original. Each key is only produced as an original and cannot be duplicated easily.

Cost is significantly cheaper than an electronic access control system, because electronics are not used, there is no wiring to overheat, short out, suffer from power outages. No circuit boards are used requiring foreign made parts to repair.
Your locksmith can usually repair or replace a faulty part instantly. Your maintenance person can often take the lock to your locksmith for instant quick repairs as opposed to waiting for a licensed, qualified electronic technician, especially trained in your electronic product category.

Pneumatic Pocket Door - Star Trek Style

It's no secret that I have a fascination for pocket doors and systems designed to efficiently lock them.

I have been selling a pocket door lock for about 12 months now that is meeting and exceeding demands from discerning buyers.

An enterprising fellow has created his own version of an automatic sliding pocket door that is really well built and fully functional. The above video is his explanation of what it does. It is really simple and requires parts that can be purchased at the hardware store, so cost is relatively inexpensive. Perhaps the Star Trek era is coming even closer to reality.

I suggest visiting the authors site in the source below for more knowledge and installation steps.

What do you think? Is this something you could perceive in your abode?

The era of door knobs and hinges, I suggest is on the decline.

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Locking Product Deficiencies

There are many manufacturers of locks and locking systems. It can be a daunting task, sifting through the mountains of information about product quality and effectiveness, to guide the decision making process.

The Sidebar .org is a site that offers unbiased information and results of independent tests conducted on many security products. The information contained there can help to guide a prospective buyer of security products as to independent, field tested scenarios for some of the modern security products available.

The following products were recently tested by this organisation for quality and effectiveness.

KWIKSET SMARTKEY
BIOLOCK 333 FINGERPRINT LOCK
KABA SAFLOK IN-SYNC RFID LOCK
AMSEC ES1014 ELECTRONIC SAFE

ILOQ C10S ELECTROMECHANICAL LOCK

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State Farm Insurance - Opinion On Best Door Locks

I read with interest an article (in the website listed in the source below), offering an opinion about the quality of various types of door locks and systems that enable better security in residential applications.

From the site...

Door Locks From a Burglar's Perspective

Burglars prefer to break into a home through a door because it is quick and easy.

A good quality lock is a deterrent. When intruders are interviewed about the selection of a target, many say seeing quality deadbolt locks will cause them to move on to another house.

A burglar can enter the home through a door using several methods:

• The door can be left unlocked.
• Doors can be kicked in.
• Door locks can be picked.
• Door locks can be hammered until they fall off.

Facial Recogniton Technology tested by US Dept Of Homeland Security

We began selling an imported Facial Recognition device earlier this year and have been testing it for the last few months. It is surprisingly accurate.

Now, a report surfaces that the US Department of Homeland Security recently conducted it's own test of some technology produced by NEC.

In the benchmark test, the 2D technology produced results like 92% accuracy from a criminal database of 1.6 million persons and a 95% accuracy from a database of visa applicants.

NEC says they largely focus on an individual’s eyes, mouth, or nose, while largely ignoring certain other features, for example the eyebrows. The Nikkei (Japan’s leading business daily) tested the technology just recently if it’s able to recognize the face of an NEC researcher through photos that were taken in 1987 and 2010.

NEC now expects the technology to be used for crime investigations or immigration control, for example. (source...)

Our product sells for about $480 and can be used as an interface for access control. You can use it like a time clock/attendance system, control access to secure facilities or specifically to ensure your employees are arriving at work (not getting a work mate to sign them in).

Rosslare Biometric Solutions - A Cut Above

I came across a particularly reputable company that manufactures some of the best quality hardware in the industry. Rosslare is widely known, worldwide as a leading provider of specialist security products. The explanation below is from their site with the link in the source.

When considering upgrading your security, please consider this company as their approach to the market is borne from integrity, cost effectiveness, value for money and honesty.

The Mifare Fingerprint MOC Family uses a swipe biometric sensor to instantly verify fingerprint data with up to two biometric templates stored in the Mifare card, ideal for highly secured facilities as well as other facilities that wish to heightens their security level. By storing the data only on a Mifare Contactless card and not on a PC or other less secure databases, privacy is preserved. The unit’s superior and compact designs allow installation in the most elegant of places. The readers are compatible with almost any access control system.

The Mifare Fingerprint readers are small, elegant, accurate, swift, and cost effective; they provide a high level of security and preserve users' privacy.

The reader scans biometric data stored in a specific protected sector within a Mifaresmartcard, it then compares the data with a swiped finger and, once if verified, sends the card ID to a connected controller. This reader is compatible with most common Wiegand and Clock & Data formats, and can replace existing readers to save installation and migration costs.

Configuration and user cards are created using Rosslare’s Smart Card programmer (CP-R25) and AS-B01 PC software application.

These products have the capability of being customized for most major projects.

Main Features

• Advanced, secure, multi-application functionality for intelligent installations

• Unlimited number of users

• Unique and reliable Match-On-Card technology

• Designed for indoor use (swipe sensor protection required for outdoor use)

• Easy to deploy in the field with the configuration card (Master card) for secure sector reading of data from the sectors

• Configurable multi output format, supports

Wiegand 26-bit format and many more • Compatible with CP-R25 USB Desktop Card

Programmer and fingerprint enrollment • PC software for Master and User Cards configuration (AS-B01)

ADVANCED FEATURES

• Reads Mifare® ISO14443 Type A, Standard cards

• Optical tamper sensor for case and wall tamper detection

• Fully compatible with Mifare® 1K and 4K credentials:

o AT-T512 (1K ISO card)

o AT-T513 (4K ISO card)

o AT-T515 (1K tag)

• Configuration card allows setting of:

o Format

o Input control

o Lockout parameters

o Secret keys (KeyA)

I am not enamoured with many of the biometric fingerprint solutions available in todays marketplace, yet I think I many have finally found a worthy solution from a reputable provider.

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Iris Recognition Technology - The Future Of Access Control

There is absolutely no doubt that advancing technology is influencing many significant parts of our daily lives and with new products from Aoptix Technologies like the one pictured here, we will soon be seeing this advanced wizardry in everyday use.

The AOptix InSight™ VM iris recognition system takes the qualities that make the original InSight system so extraordinary and wraps them up in a new form factor that is compact and visually appealing.

It is functionally the same as the original InSight system and delivers the same unprecedented capture volume, 2 meter standoff distance, and advanced imaging and image quality metrics for outstanding ease-of-use, throughput, and matching accuracy. The VM also relies on the same deployment-tested communications interfaces, maintaining a focus on ease-of-integration and standards compliance for biometrics and ID management, IT infrastructure, and physical access control.

Form and Function

The InSight VM’s new shape isn’t just about looks. At less than 9 inches wide and deep, the VM is uniquely well suited to applications where footprint space is at a premium. We've created a system for end users, integrators, and architects that is purpose-designed for applications including:

• Immigration control programs, especially sleek installations at immigration counters
• eGates or expedited, automated immigration programs
• Checkpoint booths
• Government and corporate access control including turnstile, revolving door and standard door installations

Now, the power of the InSight iris recognition system is available to open up a new range of applications.

View the source below to visit the company's site and see a video of just how the unit works.

I suggest that the reality of total secure access control, using iris recognition technology is upon us. Perhaps the Star Trek future is becoming a reality?

I can see many positives in this kind of system, especially for companies requiring secure access to controlled locations, like vaults, computer rooms, drug storage facilities, hospital bacteria free zones, even the presidents office.

What do you think?

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Biometric iPhone Security App - Coming Soon

With new software on board, iPhone has turned into iCop that would detect whether a handset has been stolen by comparing heartbeats. Apple is developing a hi-tech gizmo, which would learn the "heart signature of the owner" and compare it to whoever was using the handset. The service would also include 007-style face and voice recognition. Software would listen to voices using the phone and compare them to records of the owner talking.

Pictures taken using the in-built camera could also identify unauthorised users.

If the owner is not recognized, the handset would be shut down and sensitive information such as address books, email, passwords and text messages would be deleted automatically.

It could also go into spy mode, recording and reporting the rogue user's activities to snare the culprit.

However, the technology can be switched off if you want to lend the phone to a pal.

"It may deter thieves from stealing these expensive handsets," News of the World quoted Jim Clark, of Mintel as saying.

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SALTO - Wireless Access Control

Last year we wrote about SALTO access control systems. We update this information with some of their latest introductions.

Imagine being able to control all the doors in a building from one central location with just the click of a mouse. Imagine being able to monitor your access network, delete key cards and download audit trail information all in real-time.

Imagine being able to do all of this without wires. SALTO was the first company to develop electronic access control without the need for expensive hard wiring with their SALTO Virtual Network data on card technology.

Now, in response to market needs, they’re introducing the SALTO real-time battery powered wireless system.




SALTO wireless system is an on-line real-time battery powered access control system that uses radio frequency technology to communicate in real-time with the central computer.

The wireless electronic escutcheons

Huge range of solutions for almost any kind of door compatible with European, Scandinavian, ANSI (American National Standards Institute) or Australian mortise locks. For panic bar doors, glass door
locks and even narrow profile doors.

The SALTO escutcheons are compatible with Mifare, Mifare plus, DESfire, DESfire EV1, Picopass, iClass and Skidata and NFC.So you can use existing RFID cards, reducing start up costs, and minimizing system commissioning issues.

The SALTO escutcheon is intelligent and takes the decision to grant or deny access based on the users rights. The answer is immediate with no communication needed with the server or controllers, avoiding possible network problems and no emergency master key needed.

In case of network failure, access is granted through SALTO Virtual Network technology without compromising security or the user’s access rights.

System Benefits

• The SALTO wireless system combines the efficiency of both on-line and off-line applications in a single system.
• Real-time communication with state-of-the-art SALTO stand alone battery powered escutcheons simplifies security management and provides unrivalled levels of access control flexibility.
• It uses AES128 bits encrypted radio frequency communication based on IEEE 802.15.4 at 2,4Ghz to transfer information from escutcheons to the PC through strategically located gateways or repeaters.
• The wireless system is so efficient that battery power consumption is close to that of our standard battery powered electronic escutcheons.
• Real time audit trail: View door access in real time without having to visit the door.
• Real time door control: view door status in real time.
• Real time battery control: Monitor battery maintenance by viewing the lock battery status in real time.
• Key management: Resolved in real time as the locks receive cancelled key updates as soon as they are generated.
• Any number of doors can be equipped with the SALTO wireless system at much lower cost than a conventional wired access control solution.
• Gateways and repeaters act as antennas, collecting and sending information from the PC to the stand alone wireless locks. One gateway can manage several repeaters and electronic escutcheons, minimizing infrastructure costs and maximizing flexibility.
• The SALTO wireless system is compatible with most common RFID technologies including Mifare/DESfire, Inside Picopass, Legic and HID iClass. This makes integration easy and in most cases you can continue using your existing cards for all your applications.

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Biometric Fingerprint Door Locks (or not)...

I strongly recommend that prospective customers of biometric products, thoroughly investigate and evaluate their decision making prior to purchasing some biometric fingerprint locks.

The fault above is common to a number of different manufacturers. There are other bypasses too, but this is one of the more simple ones to understand.

When you also consider that fingerprint locks seem to have difficulty scanning the prints of elder people, you might want to reconsider seriously your impetus for purchasing this kind of product.

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Breaking News - Bioaxxis Development Corp Close Their Doors

July 3, 2010 - The BBB (Better Business Bureau) report that Bioaxxis Development Corporation, makers of the innovative BD1 Deadbolt and Thumblock, have recently closed their operations.

Bioaxxis were at the forefront of biometric access technology, producing some surprisingly inexpensive yet good quality modern, aesthetically appealing and functional security hardware.

Personally, we found the products to be useful but in low demand.

The Kwikset & Schlage cheap mentality era is still upon the USA.

We will be clearing our excess stocks and anticipate reductions to cost + shipping.

Used properly and in conducive environments, the products hold up well. I did find some age related implications for the product line, however. It seemed that there was a problem with the scanners ability to properly load, store and distinguish fingerprints in the memory, but only of people over 65.

It is a known issue, that as we age, we literally wear out and sometimes fingerprints are one of the first body parts to wear.

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Solar Powered Power Option For Electronic Security Products

Securitron recently released their new line addition, the BPSS.

Combine the solar collection panel with their CCM-1N-S NEMA-39 Module Wall Mount Cabinet and Controller and you have one of the more advanced power supplies available today.

The uses of this product greatly enhance opportunities for property owners to electronically secure remote entrances, especially locations where current mains power is unavailable.

Especially designed and mounted with a south facing panel, you can now have year around power (off the grid), significantly reducing your installation and infrastructure costs.

The product is available with either a 1o watt or 20 watt power rating. The cabinet can allow for up to 4 - 12 VDC 5 amp hour lead acid batteries, to store between 9 and 18 hours power (for nighttime use).

Solar Panel operating temperature -40º F - 185º F (-40ºC-85ºC)

Solar Panel Type: High efficiency photovoltaic using silicon nitride multicrystalline cells.

Controller: Anodized aluminum case with marine rated terminals

100% solid state

Fully encapsulated in epoxy potting

Green charging LED

Approved for use in hazardous locations -

Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, D

Voltage Output: 14.4 VDC maximum

The benefits of this product are immediately noted. The ability to bring affordable electronic security to the mass market has been realized. The barriers to entry due to lack of infrastructure are now eliminated.

This will be especially helpful to builders and contractors looking to protect their project sites with around the clock electronic security that is almost costless to run.

Price on application.

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ISIS - 360º Surveillance Camera

The Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate is currently developing the Imaging System for Immersive Surveillance (ISIS).

This is a video surveillance camera capable of recording 360º footage simultaneously.

The Imaging System for Immersive Surveillance (ISIS) makes use of new video camera and image-stitching technology and can be bolted to a ceiling, mounted on a roof, or fastened to a truck-mounted telescoping mast. The unit makes use of a series of individual cameras to create video that is stitched together into a single, 360-degree, live view like a high-resolution video quilt. This means that, unlike traditional surveillance cameras, the device allows law enforcement to zoom in on a specific point of interest without losing visual contact with the rest of the scene.

"Coverage this sweeping, with detail this fine, requires a very high pixel count," says program manager Dr. John Fortune, of S&T's Infrastructure and Geophysical Division, "ISIS has a resolution capability of 100 megapixels." That's as detailed as 50 full-HDTV movies playing at once, with and means it can zoom in closer and closer without losing clarity.

Many of the ISIS capabilities were adapted from technology previously developed by MIT's Lincoln Laboratory for military applications, which built the current system with the help of technology experts from the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory using commercial off-the-shelf cameras, computers, image processing boards and software.

ISIS creators already have their eyes on a new and improved second generation model, complete with custom sensors and video boards, longer range cameras, higher resolution, a more efficient video format, and a discreet, chandelier-like frame – no bigger than a basketball. Eventually, the Department plans to develop a version of ISIS that will use infrared cameras to detect events that occur at night.

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3D Door Lock

3D is all the rage today. The recent release of new innovative motion pictures utilising 3D imagery has changed the field in the movie making industry and consequently, is finding it's way to the television manufacturing industry.

Multiple leading technology companies are muscling for position in this new and lucrative market.

So, why not the lock and key industry too?

Open Me is a radical new futuristic design that is light years ahead of any present day lock and key system.

The designers of this system have come up with a way to secure the lock using a 3D scanner that looks for the geometric cut of the crystal embedded in a ring. The wearer simply holds the crystal ring in close proximity to the 3D scanner built into the locking cylinder and if the geometric cuts of the crystal are recognised by the scanner the lock unlocks.

Picking or bypassing this technology will take some thought.

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Digi 6600-301 Fingerprint Door Lock With Style

Introducing the new Digi 6600 Fingerprint Door Lock.

This sensational new style of digital fingerprint door lock with key override has been designed to suit the residential and office door market.

Available in 6 different finishes (colors), the technology is state of the art, wireless, standalone, alternative keypad password and can be keyed to many existing keys, simply by replacing the key cylinder with one that can be keyed to your key.

Features

• 150 Fingerprint capacity
• 75 Password capacity
• Suits both left and right hand doors (field swappable)
• Designed to replace other existing deadbolts, without drilling additional holes.
• Sliding cover protects the fingerprint scanner.
• Fingerprints can be removed without affecting other users.
• ANSI Grade 2 Certification

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