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Showing posts with label Breaking News. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Breaking News. Show all posts

May 18, 2018

Deadly Inconvenience - Modern Day Vehicle Key Fobs Are Being Found Complicit In Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Deaths

Pictured here is a typical example of a modern day key fob for a vehicle. This particular fob is for a Ford brand of vehicle.

An article in the New York Times (see the source below) talks about the commonplace issue of modern day vehicles, that use key fobs as opposed to the old ignition keys, we all previously had to use, where the ignition systems on vehicles are inadvertently left running, even after a homeowner has parked their vehicle inside their garage.

Today there are about 17 million vehicles on the road in America, about half of which use some version of a key fob to operate the vehicle ignition system. This system was designed (in part) to increase the security of vehicles and provide convenient and simple to use access control.

But perhaps the inventors of this technology did not account for the issues that have surfaced. Specifically, that many ignition systems are being left on by accident. Because many of these key fobs, only require to be within a certain proximity of the vehicle to operate, a number of people are failing to adequately switch off their ignitions, resulting in carbon-monoxide poisonings. Vehicles are often left inside a closed garage and with the great number of quiet engines today, people may not be hearing their engines running.

According to the New York Times article titled, "Deadly Convenience: Keyless Cars And Their Carbon Monoxide Toll", 'more than two dozen people have been killed by carbon monoxide since 2006 and dozens of others have been injured, some with brain damage, after keyless ignition vehiles were inadvertently left running inside garages'.

According to the article, Toyota vehicles including Lexus have featured in about half of the carbon monoxide fatalities and injuries. Many modern day Toyota vehicles run a lot quieter today than in previous years and this is proving to be a concern for many elder people who may drive those brands of vehicles.

The article goes on to discuss lawmakers approaches to countering the problem and discussions by safety boards, but no legislation has been enacted to force vehicle manufacturers to comply, at this time.

Some manufacturers have added safety features like timed cutoff's and warning buzzers in later model vehicles, but many of the older vehicles are subject to this flaw that could be a matter of life and death.

The article (in the source below) makes some interesting reading.

(source...)

May 17, 2018

Flaw In Ring Doorbell Camera - Prevents Deleting Previous Users

(video removed)
Check the source below for the video

We continue to monitor the cyberworld of all things security related and just came across this interesting piece of news concerning Ring,

You remember Ring, dont you?

Amazon recently completed their buyout of Ring, to meld it into their Amazon Key program network.

We first talked about Ring in an article in June 2015.

The system is very smart and not bad looking however it is a flawed piece of technology that could be more of a security problem than a benefit.

Then there is the lawsuit against Ring (before the Amazon buyout) by Skybell, the original patent holder of many of the technologies that Ring is built upon. We also wrote about this in an article in January 2018.

I'm sure Amazon were not prepared for the headaches they have acquired. But the Ring management are no doubt smiling all the way to the bank.

I see a great number of the Ring door bell in my travels, so it is obviously a popular product (even though it was rejected during it's Shark Tank debut)

Perhaps the many customers who purchased the product were just not aware of it's shortcomings as discussed in the video above.

Not just that, but burglars are actually being pictured stealing Ring doorbells from houses.
And people still want to allow Amazon to be able to access your home with their Amazon Key program?

(source...)


April 11, 2018

Man Arrested In 8 Home Break Ins In Maryland Height, Creve Coeur Area; Residents Were Home At The Time

Pictured above is a Google Maps cropped image of the Maryland Heights and Creve Coeur, Missouri area.

According to a recent article in the St Louis Post Dispatch, a man was arrested in connection with 8+ alleged break ins in the Creve Coeur and Maryland Heights areas, where the opportunist broke into residents homes while the residents were at home.

Apparently this opportunist simply walked in through unlocked doors.

The article goes on to name the alleged offender and more details on bail etc. (see the source below)

Crimes of opportunity occur when confident yet brazen opportunists will take advantage of unsuspecting residents who may be home asleep at the times of their crimes.

As a professional locksmith and security products installer, I have been installing and repairing doors and security products across 4 continents for about 35 years now and have seen many and varied aftermaths of crimes involving break in. Many homeowners and residents incorrectly assume they are still protected even when they are home, often by their alarm systems. Unfortunately, in many cases the alarm systems are not turned on if you're home. Vigilant and concerned residents will lock their doors at night and sometimes set alarms to protect their families and their properties.

There are many and varying products available today to enhance and increase the security of our homes and businesses. Many people already have deadbolt locks installed on their doors, but these are useless if the locks are left unlocked. Thankfully, many modern day electronic and battery operated deadbolt locks include a self locking feature which is usually a motor driven bolt mechanism that automatically throws the deadbolt 10-15 seconds after the door is closed. And while this can be a great feature to have, many residents find that their doors are often not aligned correctly to allow the deadbolt to throw fully or suitably.

Other security features can include handle sets that are set to be locked externally all the time (an option that can be manually switched on and off as desired, depending on the brand of lock set).

In bygone years, before the modern day knob and deadbolt became resurgent, many residents used a surface mounted rim nightlatch as their primary lock on entry doors. The nightlatch simply locked every time the door was shut (unless snibbed open)...

Yale were the original creator of the famed modern day nightlatch.








In later years many manufacturers improved the simple night latch design by creating Rim Deadlatches similar to the Yale No.1 (pictured here)

Other brand like the Lockwood 001 deadlatch (Australia) became synonymous with almost all front doors in Australia and New Zealand.

Today, double cylinder (keyhole both sides of door) locks are frowned upon by AHJ's (authorities having jurisdiction), building inspectors, code compliance officers, fire marshals and insurance companies because of the chance to be physically locked inside and unable to escape easily should an emergency occur.

Whereas some police officers and supposed security appraisers will suggest that double cylinder (keyed inside and out) locks increase your security, the reality is that life safety trumps security in all cases.

The improvement in the deadlatches that made them much stronger and better security was because of the deadlatch activator that effectively prevented the main latch from being able to be slipped back easily (you can see the little activator in the picture above - just below the main latch).
Combined with often concealed mounting screws and extra long strike plate screws, security can be dramatically enhanced using a rim deadlatch.

Many of these newer style of deadlatches are also available in a non-internal keyed version and most locksmiths can explain this to you if you ask.

We have been providing premium quality lock and security products and services in our hometown region for about 12 years now (we reside in Creve Coeur) and are called often by residents in the area and the wider areas and surrounding towns to repair and enhance the security of their homes and businesses. We are happy to provide no obligation, free home security inspections and estimates to help you improve your home or business security. We will determine likely areas where your home or business might be vulnerable and suggest cost effective solutions to better protect you.

Most locksmiths around the country and across the world will also provide similar services. I strongly suggest that you make contact with a local locksmith in your town and have them provide you with a security appraisal and estimate that could better protect your property, your family and your friends.

Above all - REMEMBER to Lock Your Door at night!

(source...)

February 28, 2018

Breaking News: Ring Acquired By Amazon

Ring, the IoT (Internet of Things) company who manufacture a unique doorbell product in the Smart category of home furnishings products space, have announced their acquisition by Amazon.

Amazon continue to diversify their portfolio of companies, in attempt to upgrade their delivery services, with the purchase of Ring. Amazon developed a system recently called Amazon Key to help with the delivery of orders to customers without leaving packages outside homes or offices.

We recently wrote an article about Ring and their relationship with Skybell, the inventor of the technology and holder of integral patents that form the basics of the technology. The article describes a patent infringement lawsuit filed by Skybell, that now increases the interest in this story with this news about Amazon's takeover.

We have written a few articles articles over the last 10 years, informing about various peepholes and camera products aimed at the entry door markets. Some of these products have seen market success, but few on the level that Ring have achieved.

The IoT phenomenon has seen a great many new products enter the marketplace over the last few years and the physical and electronic security industry has become an area that many new producers are flooding the markets with all kinds of products, aimed at simplifying our lives.

A great many manufacturers are producing many varieties of digital electronic deadbolts and door locks, many of them battery powered and wireless. The functions and appearances of the various products vary considerably and likewise the quality.

Products like Yale, Lockitron, August, Kevo, to name a few have made deciding on the appropriate product for your home or office use, tricky indeed.

New wireless and battery powered products appear to be coming to market almost everyday lately. The Smart Lock industry is valued at $30 Billion + and it stands to reason that many providers are aiming for a slice of the pie.

Not to devalue the burgeoning industry, we have found that many of the available battery powered lock products suffer from power issues. Specifically the continuing requirement for end users to regularly replace batteries to keep their products in perfect continuous operation. We find that a great many customers, who installed the latest battery powered products, tend to replace batteries about twice in the early use of the products and then revert back to using the mechanical key portion (override) because they get tired of the constant need to change batteries, adding significantly to the cost to maintain their products, effectively diminishing the value of their expensive battery powered lock product. Mechanical and key operated products are largely maintenance free.

Other issues not considered before purchasing can include, door and frame weathering, where doors and frames move with the changes of season preventing their motor driven products from aligning correctly into the strike hole (frame), adverse weather conditions - hot or cold temperatures affect battery life of externally mounted products.

Many users enjoy the ability to continually operate their locks, manually (mechanically) by using the mechanical operating key.

Many locksmiths across the world continue to supply and install great quality hardware that stand the tests of time and continue to provide almost maintenance free operation.

I realize that many homeowners like the idea of keyless lock systems, but in reality a keyed lock system provides increased security over combination entry systems especially when you cannot control the number of people who may have shared or continue to share your door entry codes.

What type of product have you on your doors?

(source...)


January 30, 2018

United States Secret Service Warns Of ATM "Jackpotting" Scam

Breaking News: Secret Service Warns Of ATM "Jackpotting" Scam...

The United States secret service warned yesterday that American banks need to be on high alert to ATM "jackpotting", a scam that has proliferated throughout Europe and Mexico, the last few years.



Essentially, "jackpotting" is known as a method that thieves use to contravene an ATM's security by opening the cabinet, putting in a laptop with a certain "skimming" program connected to the port and closing the machine. Then a "dove" comes by to operate the ATM, calls the first thief who activates the code remotely to allow the machine to empty it's cash dispenser, sometimes up to 23 notes per second.

The thieves often work in pairs, often dressed up like electronic repairmen, with sign written uniforms and vehicles, easily conning staff at ATM locations to let them in.

A large issue stems from the manufacturers of the ATM cabinets that are apparently using a uniform standard key lock on all cabinets. All locks are keyed alike, allowing for many different people to have access to the key and the locks.

About 25 years ago, I worked for a large metropolitan security patrol company that were contracted by banks to refill empty ATM's. The security control center monitoring station would send three (3) patrol cars to every ATM refill request. Each ATM was housed in a solid cabinet and controlled with two (2) separate mechanical dial combination locks, that also had lockable dials. One patrol officer would have the dial lock keys, one patrol officer would be given the combination to lock A and the other patrol officer would be given the combination to lock B.

The security was taken very seriously and using multiple people provided multiple required credentials and physical presence to complete the ATM refilling task.

These days, I see it often where a lone technician is often called to perform an ATM service at a bank or a convenience store or a bar etc. I think that it is especially important to have multiple people in attendance for security reasons, especially where hard currency is involved.

Often, locksmiths and safe technicians would maintain contracts with financial institutions to regularly attend the ATM site and change the dial combinations regularly, to prevent unauthorised knowledge of combinations to be reused over and over.

Perhaps a new opportunity for would be locksmiths and safe technicians exists to set up maintenance contracts with financial institutions to regularly alter the combination locks on ATM machines.

(Source...) 

January 25, 2018

Lock Industry Mergers - HES And Securitron Combine To Form Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware


Breaking News: Two companies already owned by Lock Industry monolith Assa-Abloy, have decided to merge and form the start of Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware.

HES are a well known manufacturer of electric strikes and electronic access control products that have dominated the access control industry for over 40 years. Their continued wide ranging use in residential, commercial, institutional and industrial markets, cemented their market dominance.

Securitron, began operations in 1977 with the release of their patented "E Profile Magnetic Lock", a game changing product that dramatically increased physical security protection for entry points.
Throughout their years, Securitron have continued their impressive research and development initiatives and released market changing products including, but not limited to, "Touch-Sense Panic Exit Devices" among other products.

Assa-Abloy recognized the important and unique research and development by these two companies and separately, bought them out at different times in the last few years.

Assa-Abloy has maintained a policy of limited interference in a company it has purchased, allowing many of those companies to continue their business models, but with the strength of the Assa-Abloy Conglomerate, propping up and supporting them, keeping them financially viable and producing.

This decision, by the two companies to merge their operations under their parent company Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware, comes as no surprise to market players.

Assa-Abloy recently completed the acquisition of August, the startup company who produced a market leading residential security add-on, that converts an existing residential deadbolt lock into a bluetooth/WiFi controlled access control point, but (as it's unique selling point) without requiring a user to replace their existing deadbolt lock.

Market observers are keenly keeping eyes on Assa-Abloy to see which other companies (already under their umbrella) will be added to this new Assa-Abloy Electronic Security Hardware division.

(source...)

January 9, 2018

Skybell - Inventor Of Smart Home Doorbell Technology Claims Rival Ring Stole Its Technology

Many consumers will be familiar with Ring.

The connected smart home doorbell product that attempted to win a sizeable investment when it debuted on Shark Tank a few years ago, since exploded on the scene with backing from multiple other investors.

Few perhaps fail to understand that the technology is based on patents belonging to another company.

Skybell claim to own 71 patents related to the very technology that Ring have allegedly copied and use in their range of products, severely curbing and hurting the ability of Skybell to be competitive in the market. The suit relates specifically to 3 patents that Ring are alleged to have copied, as a result of collaboration between managers of both companies during the initial research and development.

The start-up industry is indeed a murky environment, inhabited by many jealous players and sinister types who will do almost anything to beat out a competitor, but outright theft of intellectual property is a really dastardly thing to do.

We will be watching this story with interest as it unfolds.

(source...)

Vivint Smart Home Settles With ADT in Deceptive Sales Practises Lawsuit To The Tune Of $10 Million

Breaking News:

January 5, 2018

ADT - One of America's largest alarm and security companies announced last Thursday that they have settled with Vivint Smart Home an ongoing lawsuit over Vivint's use of deceptive sales practises.

Vivint Smart Home, which began life in 1999 as APX Alarm Systems in Utah has settled multiple lawsuits over the years in relation to deceptive sales tactics with Texas, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.

Vivint rebranded from APX and entered the residential home security market to offer customers "connected" lock and alarm systems in the burgeoning "Smart Home" market.

They make use of modern technology products including wireless door locks, alarm panels, camera's, door bells, thermostats etc to offer prospective clients a modern "connected" smart home.

January 3, 2018

Otto - Digital Door Lock Manufacturer Introduced In August 2017 - Closes Up Shop 5 Months Later

Breaking News: OTTO Closes Down.

Otto displayed their new entrant to the digital deadbolt market back in August 2017 with a great deal of hype.

The system purported to be a high quality top end system aimed at the residential home security market.

Promising features and high quality manufacturing priced the new product at the upper end of similar offerings.

The IoT (Internet of Things) industry has brought a great many new players into the market and industry in recent years and home security products purports to be a $20 Billion - $30 Billion dollar industry and constantly growing.

There are no end of new products coming to market to whet the appetites of consumers, each with varying product features and uses. WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, Deadbolts, Door Handles etc all vying for a piece of the pie.

But to corner a part of the market requires some capital and longevity in an industry that is truly dominated by few worldwide corporations that essentially own the market. Assa-Abloy is well known as the worldwide leader in manufacturing of access control, locking systems, hardware for commercial and residential entry systems. They have many competing companies under their umbrella and are well known as a builder of high quality products. They have the resources to continue to offer many of the leading and most desired products in the industry, across the planet..

Otto have become the latest startup to fall victim to a crowded market. They were just in the process of finalizing a corporate takeover of their company, when the buyer pulled out.
The ensuing damage damned the fate of this Silicon Valley startup, before they could get their product out to the market. They now have a warehouse full of product unable to be sold and are facing complete shut down.

December 24, 2017

Blink - Wireless Peep Hole Camera Systems Agrees To Be Acquired By Amazon

Breaking News: Blink, the wireless, battery powered peephole camera system manufacturer announced on Friday that they have agreed to be acquired by Amazon.

There are many players today in the peephole market, some of whom you may be familiar with like Ring or Brinno and Blink have just been acquired by Amazon in an attempt to further their recent product and service offering called Amazon Key.

Wireless peepholes are quite the rage today because many dwellers desire to know whom is actually at their door, whether they are home or not.

With the Internet Of Things (IOT) constantly evolving to make our lives more technological and easier, smart home technology is still in it's infancy. Many competing products, vying for our dollars, are coming to market. Many smart home products, including wireless battery powered deadbolts, entrance sets, door bells etc are a common method for people to get their feet wet with the latest smart home technology.

Amazon announced their Amazon Key program 2 months ago, to enable Amazon product deliveries to your residence or office, even when your abode is unattended. This service by Amazon is an ambitious attempt to thwart the increasing crime known as "porch theft" or "porch piracy". See this New York Times article from December 19th.


Personally, while I understand the desire of some to constantly be visually aware of "goings on" at home, especially at your entry, I am bewildered that many customers of this technology would allow their properties to be viewed over the web, through cloud services. Combine that with the recent announcement about the KRACK wifi virus that we wrote about here about 2 months ago and perhaps this is another recipe for disaster in the making.

I believe consumers should protect their privacy more and perhaps think about storing their security camera pictures on their home server or hard drives, rather than a web based system.

I'm sure opinions vary and would like to know your feelings on this matter.
Feel free to comment in the space below (and include a link to your website if you desire - REMEMBER all comments are subject to moderation)

(source...)



December 19, 2017

Foley-Belsaw Closed. 90 Year Old Training Company And Correspondence Course Leader Shuts It's Doors

Breaking News: December 19, 2017.

Unsubstantiated reports are coming in that Foley-Belsaw, the almost 100 year old company repsonsible for providing correspondence courses that enabled many entrepeneurs to build businesses, has closed down yesterday December 18, 2017.

FB has been providing unique training courses in locksmithing and other vocations for almost 100 years. A great many businesses across many cities, states, country towns, counties and across the world were formed using FB as their mentor and training regime.

FB gave a start to many small business people in the locksmith arena, where others failed.
Their unique correspondence course provided would-be students with an affordable and straightforward course to learn many of the basic aspects of the trade.

Based in no small part on the mail order industry, I suggest that they may have fallen prey to the ever expanding World Wide Web.

There are a number of respected organizations today that offer training course in locksmithing and other vocations. Some of whom we are happy to recommend, especially the Society Of Professional Locksmiths SOPL, North Bennet Street School, Lockmasters and others abroad.

Keep It Yours - Lock Your Doors

November 6, 2017

Locksmith Industry Mergers - LSC Buys ADI Lockwise

LSC Merges With ADI Lockwise









Breaking News: Our sources reveal that the locksmith industry in Australia recently has seen Locksmith Supply Company  purchase the well known ADI Security Products.

ADI Security Products is the brainchild of Brian and Peter Preddey, two of the most well known names in the Australian Locksmith Industry. The purpose of ADI was as a tool manufacturer and specialty products creator for locksmiths around Australia. When there was a product missing in the industry, Brian and Peter, also locksmiths and owners of Preddey's Locksmiths in the southern districts of Sydney, Australia, consulted with their industry colleagues to create a product that filled that demand.

Chief among these products was the Preddey Bolt, now called the ADI Security Bolt. This product is one of, if not the most secure and well built locking product of it's kind. We reviously wrote about some ADI products in 2009. See ADI Cap Lock


We have touted ADI products for many years because we believe their quality is actually unsurpassed in our industry. Having met both Brian and Peter many times, at MLAA conventions, these two stalwarts of the industry are the most approachable gentlemen you could meet.

Locksmith Supply Company, was started by Aubrey Johnson in 1926 and has become the most complete provider of locksmith and security industry products in Australia. Check out their corporate video.

I have known Mark Johnson, professionally and personally for all my 35 years in this trade and enjoyed a cuppa with him when he won the raffle at ALOA's 50th anniversary Convention and Trade show, a few years ago in Las Vegas. His prize was a sweet old Cadillac convertible with white walled tires. He actually shipped it home to Oz a few months later.

LSC is a great company and a huge supporter and mentor to the industry in Australia.





October 25, 2017

Amazon Key - Giving Amazon Access To Your Private Residence

Breaking News: Amazon Key - Granting Access To Your Private Home.


Today Amazon announced the release of their latest system aimed at improving your shopping and delivery experience.

Amazon Key is their system that allows Amazon to enjoy access to your door, so that they can deliver your Amazon packages without requiring you to be home.

The package includes a smart camera that you hook up inside your house, that communicates through the cloud, to enable you to operate your smart lock when you are not home and thereby allowing your delivered packages to not be left outside where potential thieves can make off with your booty.

The article (in the source below) includes a video that explains what they are trying to do.
Now, there are privacy concerns undoubtedly and as a professional locksmith and security products installer, I would highly NOT recommend this type of service. We provide premium quality security products aimed at keeping you secure from unauthorised entry. This system will decrease the security of your property.

Given the news in the last couple of weeks that WiFi routers are being hacked with the KRACK hack and the recent knowledge about the Blueborne Bluetooth Hack, combined with installation and operational issues, namely smart locks that refuse to lock correctly because your door may be misaligned, the batteries may be flat, the cheap electronics prone to humidity and other weather phenomena, would you really consider giving access to your home to an unknown courier? Even if you could see them?

Many people choose to have an alarm system on their properties. Are you going to switch the alarm off too?

I personally lock my door physically by hand with my mechanical key and am happy in the knowledge that my doors are secure and that no one without my authority can enter. Of course I choose to use the fabulous Bilock-Extreme Security restricted key system on my doors. Bilock is the first 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof pin tumbler system on the market. The color coded keys make identification of keys really easy too.

There are a few other types of systems available from many other locksmiths around the country and the world. Simply talking to your local locksmith professional can save you plenty of money while offering great protection at very reasonable cost.

If you want Amazon to enjoy access to your private home....go ahead and join the revolution against proper and adequate security.

(source...) 

October 24, 2017

New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet



In a follow up to our post earlier this month about the KRACK hack, an article yesterday in The Sacramento Bee titled "New Digital 'Hurricane' Churns, Gathering Strength To Land Blow On The Internet" describes a paper by Check Point Software, an Israeli Cyber-Security company, that suggests, " The next cyber-hurricane is about to come".

According to the article (in the source below), Several cyber-security researchers Monday confirmed Check Point’s findings, saying the botnet could replicate, and perhaps dwarf, the Mirai botnet that almost exactly a year ago took down major websites on the Atlantic Coast, crippling a part of the internet’s backbone and slowing traffic to a crawl.

The botnet, which has been named either “Reaper” or “IoTroop,” was first detected in mid-September. A Chinese cybersecurity firm, Qihoo 360, says the botnet is swelling by 10,000 devices a day, forcibly recruiting foot soldiers in an ever-larger invisible rogue army.
Cybercrime gangs form botnets by infecting internet-enabled devices, often wireless cameras or routers with weak security features. Once corralled, controllers can send commands for the botnet to overwhelm a target, knocking its website off line or crippling the internet.
The new botnet has spread across the United States, Australia and other parts of the globe, researchers say, although Check Point notes that “it is too early to assess the intentions” of those propagating the infection.
“It could be something that’s meant to create global chaos,” Maya Horowitz, threat intelligence group manager at Check Point, said in a telephone interview from Israel. “But it could be something that’s more targeted,” perhaps aimed at a country or industry.
She said it is unlikely that cybersecurity experts will be able to halt an eventual attack.
“The chances are pretty low for that,” Horowitz said, adding that like an epidemic of infectious disease, “each infected device is looking for other devices to compromise.”

The article goes on to discuss recent events that took down the internet this year.
We continue to advise our clients to be vigilant about their security products and especially the many internet controlled door locks currently on the market. 
More specifically we are advising consumers to prefer to use mechanically keyed products that do not connect to the internet, to adequately protect their properties.

While we see and agree, that "connected" products can help to offer some access control parameters, we feel that, at this time, the security protocols incorporated in many of the "cheaper" consumer products, are not up to speed and security and could potentially be an easily bypassed issue that will affect the security of your home or office.
Being in the lock and security product industry for the last 35 years and having plied the trade on 4 continents, we continue to advise our clients that mechanical "keyed" operated security products offer substantially better security than many of the current breed of IoT products coming to market.
Even with the many brands of digital code locks currently available, many consumers fail to understand that sharing of access codes presents a greater security issue than having and using a mechanical key. A code once shared, means that you really do not know how many different people have access to your property. Unlike the mechanical key, which requires to be duplicated, a code does not. Sure, you can just change the code, but how is that different from rekeying a lock cylinder?
The difference is that locksmiths have been providing high-security restricted key systems for many years that almost completely prevent unauthorised duplication while providing better quality - higher security components to thwart picking or bumping or other non destructive methods of entry.
Bearing in mind that the cost for a mechanical key operated security product is substantially competitively priced, compared to 'digital' code locks, you can be virtually assured that your property is significantly more secure, while still being affordable.
The video above describes what a bot is and why they are becoming increasingly troublesome to our society today.
Contact your local professional locksmith for competitive options that can increase your properties security at minimal cost.






October 20, 2017

Settlement In Ignition Lock Class Action Lawsuit - $120 Million In Damages Awarded

We have talked about the Ignition Lock Debacle, a few times over the last few years and the subject has sparked much discussion across industry and wider forums online, offline and through the media.

An article (in the source below) we were recently alerted to, explains that last Friday a settlement was reached between GM and 49 states attorneys-general (Arizona was the only state to not join the action).

The class-action suit brought by nearly all states was filed in reaction to GM's 2014 recall of nearly 9 million vehicles that had trouble with their ignition switches.

The lawsuit alleged that GM and high-level employees knew about the problem as early as 2004, but waited many years to recall it's vehicles, all the while marketing their vehicles as safe and reliable.

The $120 Miliion dollar settlement, apparently ends this case.

(source...)

According to the article, GM agreed to several terms:

  • Not represent that a motor vehicle is “safe” unless they have complied with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety standards applicable to the motor vehicle at issue.
  • Not represent that certified pre-owned vehicles that GM advertises are safe, have been repaired for safety issues, or have been subject to rigorous inspection, unless such vehicles are not subject to any open recalls relating to safety or have been repaired pursuant to such a recall.
  • Instruct its dealers that all applicable recall repairs must be completed before any GM motor vehicle sold in the U.S. and included in a recall is eligible for certification and, if there is a recall on any certified pre-owned vehicle sold in the U.S., the required repair must be completed before the vehicle is delivered to a customer.






October 19, 2017

Breaking News - August Lock Acquired By Assa-Abloy

Breaking News:

August Lock Co. acquired by Assa-Abloy.

In a shake up of the lock manufacturing industry, reports are surfacing about the August Lock Company being sold to the worlds largest lock product manufacturer Assa-Abloy.

The sum of purchase is as yet undisclosed and the expectation is that regulatory approval will happen before the end of the year.

The August company launched in August 2013 after a crowdfunded campaign by it's inventor Yves Behar. The company led by CEO Jason Johnson will continue to operate independently until fully absorbed by the Assa-Abloy behemoth.

Yale, one of Assa-Abloy's oldest purchases and the company who first patented the modern pin tumbler lock system back in 1865, have also manufactured some high quality, yet competitive priced "smart" lock products in recent years. Many of their offerings are fairly reasonable quality and we like to recommend their products for their longevity, ease of use and aesthetically pleasing properties.

August modified their product offerings in the last couple of years, adding complimentary products to their initial door lock line up.

August were one on the first in a large group of crowdfunded inventors, to go to market with their door lock. Initial bumps appeared, as is common with many electronic products today, but they seem to have dealt with the issues along the way, professionally and quickly. That is a sign of an engaged operation, passionate about their offerings and concerned with the customer experience.

Many of the other large lock product manufacturers have released wireless electronic lock products to compete in this continually expanding market and we expect to see a number of additional startups get swallowed by the major industry players, before long.

(source...)

October 17, 2017

KRACK - Dangerous WiFi Security Flaw Discovered. And It Affects ALL WiFi Devices



Breaking News - The above video made by a CNN reporter, explains a recently surfaced issue with WiFi.

WiFi is almost synonymous with anything Internet related today, in the the modern age of the Internet Of Things.

Almost every household in much of the civilized world has access to or uses some version of wireless computer connections, in everything from cellphones to laptop computers to desktop computers to wireless security systems including but not limited to door locks, alarm systems, lighting controls, thermostats or even your door bell.

We are also not immune to surfacing issues with wireless products and within this blog, we have also touted certain products that may use WiFi to assist in access control or security.

While we have reduced our penchant for recommending wireless security products in the last couple of years, we still will recommend some products and mostly those that are not WiFi connected.
We recently became aware of a security flaw in Bluetooth products too, which we wrote about last month.

We continue to sing the praises of mechanical security products, like physical door lock systems, often recommended and installed by professional locksmith technicians.

Products like our Bilock - Extreme Security Restricted Key Systems, that are 100% Bump Proof and virtually pick proof. They use unique color coded heads to easily identify different keys. Lock systems can be master-keyed easily and still offer premium quality security, when many competing brands actually reduce perceived security of your locks through master-keying. It is quite well known throughout the wider industry, as well as hobby groups, training institutions etc. that master-keyed lock cylinders actually reduce an access points security by using multiple pin stacks in cylinder chambers.

Bilock, does not. There is only one pin per chamber and no top pins. This makes bumping, physically impossible and picking virtually impossible.

There are other brands of mechanical lock and key systems that do offer comparative security, like Abloy Classic, Protec, Protec II and a few other non pin tumbler type systems too.

With the current day desire by many consumers to incorporate access control products into their lives, intending to reduce the need to hand out a key to their children, partners, residents and visitors, the increase in sales of wireless, battery powered lock products, alarm panels, remote controls continues to increase annually.

In another video, over at Fortune magazine, it explains that some software manufacturers have developed patches for current products already in the wider market......






But, even though we should feel somewhat thankful that the providers of our Internet products are proactive with their responses to these new found security issues,

What about the thousands of other products already out there that are vulnerable to this KRACK WiFi security flaw?

Sometimes, I think many of these security flaws are deliberately released, after consumers have already invested in the latest and greatest, you beaut gadget. In a rather crude attempt to get consumers to spend more money again to protect themselves.

As a locksmith, concerned with offering my customers premium quality products that actually provide long term protection, I continue to write articles explaining the reasoning behind mechanical physical security products, that STOP any chance of wireless security loopholes.
Many products that I and my fellow locksmiths continue to offer and rely on, are designed to protect you for the longer term, are significantly more competitively priced, designed to last considerably longer, while minimizing maintenance for the homeowner, resident or tenant of a dwelling.

(source...)


October 9, 2017

Breaking News - Rumors Abound that The National Locksmith Magazine Have Closed Down

Rumors abound that The National Locksmith are or have closing/closed down.

Their site continues to indicate about their October 2017 issue.

The report is at this time unsubstantiated.


EDIT: 10/17/17 We have received confirmation from sources within the ILA (Institutional Locksmiths Association) and ALOA (Associated Locksmiths Of America) that this rumor is no longer just a rumor, but indeed a fact.

Since 1929, The National Locksmith Magazine has been a stalwart rage for the wider locksmith industry across the world.

Succumbing to the Internet Age is not surprising anymore.


Many of the brand names and product manufacturers are sourcing their advertising elsewhere today and TNL is but one of a long list of current companies who have been unable to transit from print to electronic media.

While it is sad to see another industry stalwart disappear, we must thank them for the many years of service to the locksmith community and wish them the best in future endeavors.

September 22, 2017

New Award - Rank #2 In "Top Locksmith Blogs - Worldwide" - By Independent Organization

We are pleased to announce our recent recognition by an independent reviewer about our inclusion in their list of "Top 100 Locksmith Blogs In The World".

This independent site has no ties to any particular organization and judges its criteria on a number of factors, including longevity, number of comments, layout, regularity of posts, diction, readability, interest and variation of posts.

Click on the picture above to see this site and our #2 listing.

September 19, 2017

BlueBorne - A New Attack That Exposes Almost Every Bluetooth Connected Device

***BREAKING NEWS***

















The Attack Vector “BlueBorne” Exposes Almost Every Connected Device





If there were not enough cyber attacking to worry about...


Check out this current threat to anyone who uses Bluetooth on their devices.
Recently exposed and alerted to Apple, Google and Microsoft in August, a recent threat to virtually all devices has been issued.

If there were any more reason to stick with mechanical high security lock systems, what are they?
Many locks today are Bluetooth controlled too. Mechanical key locks, like Bilock Extreme Security restricted key systems are maintenance free and virtually pick proof, are 100% bump proof and virtually improbable to duplicate the color coded keys

If you currently use a connected device, you may want to disconnect the Bluetooth functionality until the new patches have been sent over the air.

Here are some excerpts from our discovery....

(source...)


Home Advisor (formerly Service Magic) Testimonials And Sites That Recommend Us

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Testimonials

Danny was very professional and friendly at the same time. He not only gave me the quote and fixed the exterior door and explained his work. He was prompt and upfront about the work and did the work. He came in time took care of it on the same day. (Sasheethn K St Louis MO) June 2018d out problems but assured not urgent. Please feel free to have Danny pass out my number for my total experience review 314-351-5553

Charlie M. (St Louis, MO) November 2015


Danny was pleasure to meet and was very knowledgable. He explained several lock replacement options but I decided none of them were a good fit for a storm door, however, I did replace a lock on my entry door with a type of lock I had never seen before. I would highly recommend this company.
Patricia J (Bridgeton, MO) March 2014
They were prompt and showed up when he said he would show up. He knew his stuff. I had ordered new handles and he was honest enough to say that we don't need them that he can fix the doors and he did. Made me lock and unlock my doors to his satisfaction so that I knew what to do. Am very, very pleased with the service and cost.
Joyce K (Glencoe, MO) May 2015

Showed up on time for appointment. Was very knowledgeable about the project and offered a solution beyond what I asked to be done.
Stephen G (Chesterfield, MO) May 2015


Daniel was right on time, assessed the problems I had with two doors, made the repairs, and explained what caused the problems to begin with .... He is a "door expert" and a true professional. I highly recommend him.

Vince V (St. Louis MO) May, 2015




Danny was fabulous! He went over my concerns and he provided me with more than a fair quote. He was there when he said he was going to be there. I would highly recommend Danny. Cheers!
Denise S (Imperial, MO) May 8, 2014

Hired Danny to re-key locks on "new" house purchase. He advised to replace with new deadbolts & door knobs on 3 entry doors instead which I agreed with. All doors have 1 matching key & the safety of excellent quality product & workmanship. He also added new strike plate to door frame to complete project.. I recommend as your 1st & only call to a Locksmith.

Denise F (St. Louis, MO) April 3, 2014


Danny was very helpful in solving a pretty complex problem involving many lock.
Scott C (Eureka, MO) March 27, 2014




Needed patio door track to run smoothly. Arrived early, fixed door and explained what he was doing during repair. Quick and easy. Door works great, my wife will now speak to me, and I've become a better dancer.

Mike W. (Arnold/Oakville MO) July 2013


The owner spent a longtime with me on the phone helping diagnosis the problem. He was on-time, friendly and helped resolve my issue. I will definitely use him again!

Chris C (Lake St Louis, MO) July 2013


I had a very pleasant experience with Master Key Systems. They came out, did the job (which took longer than expected) and they did not change the price they quoted me. Now, I am not certain that it was a great value for the money because I don't have a comparison, but they did what they said, when they said, for the price they said. Enough said!!!

Antonio B (Saint Louis, Missouri) March 2013


Professional.. Upfront about charges. Fixed the sticky door within 20 minutes. I will recommend Master Key for exterior door issues.
Muthu R (Ballwin, MO) July 2012


Danny was a master craftsman, knowledgable and professional. I will be calling on him again in the future as well as passing on his services to friends and family.

Marsha L (Saint Louis, MO) July 2012


Danny was excellent! I called him on a Monday to fix a sliding glass door. He happened to have the exact part we needed (and it was not an easy find - we had looked everywhere) and he came over Tuesday evening. He stayed until 8:00 until the job was done, and cleaned up afterwards. He was courteous, professional, and efficient! I could not be happier!

Rachel P Maryland Heights, MO (July 2012)


He did an excellent job. Got there on time and quickly solved the issue. Was very pleasant and explained the situation and how to keep the door from sticking in the future. Would definitely use Master Key LLC again!

Neil F. (Saint Louis, MO) April 2012


Danny was very friendly and knowledgeable, although his apprentice seemed to do most of the work, Danny kept an eye on him to make sure it was done right. He had very reasonable pricing for re-keying.
Greg D (St Louis, MO) October 2011


He was extrememly fabulous and helpful and did a wonderful job. He was very professional.
Shannon M. (Arnold, MO) October 2011


Growing up spending so much of my time in Italy, the uniqueness of the Nova Classico left quite an impression on me. To be able to have and enjoy them in my own home here in the states is a nostalgic indulgence I'm enjoying beyond words. Thank you Danny for coordinating this transaction.

Joseph M (Chicago, IL) September 2011





great job. hired on the spot and he did job right then at great price

Ron B (Arnold, MO) July 2011







I searched the internet and found your services. I received three phone calls within several days. A service call was scheduled. Two gentlemen arrived promptly, analyzed the problem and fixed it.
James & Florenc M Saint Louis, MO July 2011

The repairman was on time and did an excellent job of fixing a very stubborn door lock. He was persistent and cleaned up the work area afterwards. I would use this service again.

Brenda F (Saint Peters, MO) June 2011


Danny at Master Key Systems has succeeded in making the purchasing of our Meroni door locks, from Italy, an absolute breeze. Even though I live in Australia with a 16hr time difference and was ordering door knobs from Italy that weren't in stock, the whole process was faultless. Danny was prompt and efficient with all his emails and made sure we had covered every possible variable so that the product I received was exactly as required. I would have no hesitation in recommending Danny for your next purchase.
Patrick Carr (Canberra, Australia)


Your product really helped because I needed to secure a nurse's station adjacent to a waiting room and needed a pocket door. Unfortunately, no real options were available to lock a pocket door effectively that would keep me compliant with HIPAA and secure an area that stores medical supplies. This was vitally important as this particular waiting room was for "waiting detox patients". Thank you very much.
Randall R The Fritz Clinic (Birmingham, Al) March 2011


Danny was very polite and knew what the problem was and how to fix it. He also gave me some information about other issues that could arise with my door and locks. Will hire again if I ever need that type of work done.
Jason M Imperial, MO March 2011




I had an exterior basement door that dragged when opening and closing. The hinges were not fitting properly and the door frame had shifted, probably due to the age of the house.The screwswould not go far enough into the wall without hitting stone...even using a special drill bit. Dan worked a long time drilling and sanding to shore up the door as best as possible. I know it will never be perfect. He could have easily sold me a new door and the same issue would happen. He was honest, thorough, and did an excellent job without charging me a fortune. I'm satisfied with the door now. If you want an honest, experienced man, Then Dan is the man

Roger M Saint Louis, MO March 2011


I purchased the Cowdroy P697 Pocket door lock with key over the internet. I emailed questions before my purchase and was provided with the answers quickly by return email. The purchase was quick and easy and the lock was shipped immediatly. Installation is quick and easy. But you do need to convert millimeters to inches (use the internet) in the installation instructions. And the lock looks great and works great. I will do business with them again. THANK YOU

Ed D (February, 2011)





Who Are We?





Welcome to Locks210.com.
This site is to inform about historical and modern approaches to Keys and Physical Security products and services.
Locks210.com, established in 2006, offers residents and businesses of St Louis Locksmith premium quality products and services. As the Premier Bilock Extreme Security Dealer in The Mid-West,
Our conveniently located workshop and service vehicles are uniquely designed to offer trade qualified, bonded, insured tradespeople with knowledge and experience spanning multiple countries and product lines.

Shipping and Returns

All products are sent in manufacturers condition.
All products are subject to sales tax where applicable.
All products are dispatched within 10 business days of remittance.
All products are subject to manufacturers warranties.
All products returned within 30 days, will be 95% refunded less shipping.
Prices are subject to change without notice.
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