Bentley, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche and other Automobile Brands Security Weakness Discovered - But Covered Up

Megamos Cryptology, the science behind the electronic security of transponders for most vehicle systems available worldwide and preferred by many of the larger automobile manufacturers, has been cracked.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham, had planned to release their new whitepaper at the Usenix Security Symposium in Washington DC in August until a last minute high court injunction by the UK.
Volkswagen, one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers and the principal litigant, claimed the scientific discovery's publication could severely impact the security of vehicles, including four of their luxury car brands, Porsche, Bentley, Audi and Lamborghini.

The scientists involved argued that the technology responsible for leading to their discovery, called "chip slicing", has been available on the internet since 2009. Essentially, chip slicing is like reverse engineering technology, which has been used for many years by countries that do not respect patent laws, to build often cheaper, inferior versions of electronic gadgets and sell to the wider markets.

The argument, the scientists put forward, that insider knowledge (industry and criminal) of the methods to determine a vehicles security weakness should be tabled to potential buyers and current owners of automobiles, was dismissed by the High Court, who sided with Volkswagen. Mr Justice Birss said he recognized the scientists right to publish, but it will mean "that car crime will be facilitated".

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Sargent G1.5 - Serious Stand Alone Access Control Product With Unique RF Remote Lockdown

The Sargent G1.5 Cylindrical lock is a part of their Profile series of products.

The product pictured here is actually the Mortise lock version and is considerably more expensive but the cylindrical version is essentially the same design except the key cylinder overide is in the body of the lever instead of the body of the controller and it uses a standard tubular latch backset.

The product has been designed and built from the ground up, in consultation with many school administrators, maintenance and facilities managers and school security experts.

Many of these discussions have taken place because of the unusual increase in school related invasions and murders in recent years.

The Sargent G1.5 is a hard wired access control product that allows for up to 2000 users. It also has a 2000 event history that can be used for audit trail benefits. There is a data transfer port to enable acquiring audit trail data or installing new access codes.

The fabulous remote RF activator allows a teacher to be 75 feet away and lock the door, disabling all entry codes except an administrator, in case of an emergency lockdown. (see video below)

New Bird Flu Strain Found In China - More Reason To Prevent Transmission

According to ABC News in Australia, four more people have been infected with a new strain of bird flu in China.

This is hot on the heels of information obtained on Sunday that three more infections - two of them fatal - occurred in recent days.

The new strain of bird flu called H7N9 is being played down by the World Health Organization (WHO) but they said it is crucial to find out how the new strain of avian influenza is being spread to humans.

This knowledge should highlight why it is vital and important for all public buildings, schools, hospitals, medical centers etc to increase their onus of responsibility to their patrons. Responsibility in the form of protecting people from the possible transference of harmful bacteria, especially from the touching of door handles.

Just about every person touches a door handle every day, but are virtually completely unaware that shared contact of surfaces is one of the fastest methods for spreading harmful diseases.

Because the % of transmission from surface touching is considered low by statistics standards, it is most likely due to communal surfaces not being considered as potential causes of the spreading of diseases, that people generally dont consider door handles to be of sufficient importance to their health.

Luckily for some, Serrature Meroni have been producing their patented Anti-Bacterial range of door knobs for a few years now. As a dwelling owner or manager, it is your responsibility to maintain the health of all persons that enter or use your property. Using a door handle that prevent the transference of harmful bacteria should be a consideration not to be passed on.

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Pigio And Combina By Meroni Now Able To Be Keyed Alike With Schlage C Keyway

 This is the Pigio 1 by Serrature Meroni. This product is now able to be keyed up to Schlage C keyway. this wll enable some users in the USA to combine their existing key systems with the fabulous range of Serrature Meroni push/pull handles they have become well known for.

The Combina by Serrature Meroni is another of their handle range that can be keyed alike with Schlage C keyways, further encouraging consumers in the broad American market to combine Meroni and their existing Schlage key systems.









Meroni have also produced some of their range that have been approved and certified by the respected Underwriters Laboratory for use with government or institutions installations. This is an important requirement for use by most public buildings subject to approval from local fire marshals and other authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's).

One particular handle in the Pigio range surpasses the UL requirement for fire proofing and  is designed to comply with access and egress laws. (UL R9398)

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Flame Retardent Flush Handle - By Lock Focus

Lock Focus, the manufacturer of our fabulous Rosslinear Battery Powered Electric Strike, recently introduced a new product into their line.

The Flame Retardent Flush Handle is especially designed for use on electrical cabinets. The black pan and grip have a warm-to-touch surface and the plastic is self-extinguishing in case of fire.

This lock system is ideal for metal cabinet enclosures that use a 3 point locking rod mechanism to secure the doors

Application tools for installing the snap-in rods are available on request.

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BlueID - Bluetooth Dongle Allows You To Use Your Cell Phone As Your Car Key

Yesterday we wrote an article discussing a piece we found in the LA Times about AAA believing that mobile cell phones will soon replace the ages old mechanical metal car key.

I think, perhaps that article was written in response to a product displayed at the CeBIT expo held last week in Germany.


BlueID is a company in Germany that produce Bluetooth kits that allow for access controls to various entries, including but not limited to barrier gates, lifts (elevators), residential and commercial dwelling doors and of course cars, as seen in the picture above. (see video after the jump)

'Nightmare' Bacteria Spreading In U.S. Hospitals, Nursing Homes According To The CDC

An article has appeared in MSN News in the last few days alerting readers to a bacteria that is showing signs of resistance to powerful anti-biotics.

"The  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  said 4 percent of U.S. hospitals and 18 percent of nursing homes had treated at least one patient with the bacteria, called Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), within the first six months of 2012."

"CRE are nightmare bacteria. Our strongest antibiotics don't work and patients are left with potentially untreatable infections," CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden said in a news release. "Doctors, hospital leaders and public health [officials] must work together now to implement the CDC's 'detect and protect' strategy and stop these infections from spreading."

Serrature Meroni, the Italian manufacturer of nouveau door locks and cabinet and furniture hardware, developed their patented Anti-Bacterial handlesets a few years ago, just as the world was learning about Bird Flu.

The Gun Debate Rages On and On and On...

The debate that is raging across the country today regarding gun ownership and availability, appears to be causing significant stir and spin across the political divide. Whether or not you agree or disagree with opinions being raised is pointless while the constitution allows for almost any citizen to "bear arms".

While the politicians continue to bicker over principles, mostly in reaction to recent deplorable events in schools, perhaps a better approach might be to require (with suitable legislation) all gun owners to own a suitably manufactured security safe, especially designed to comply with deliberately specified standards.

Back in November 2008 we posted an article here about safes and some regulations according to the state of California.

I came across an excellent video on Youtube that gives a really great explanation about gun safes It runs about a half an hour and is well worth watching, especially if you own firearms. See the video below.

Whether or not you personally choose to enter into the gun debate, realize that changing the USA constitution will be a monumental task that i suggest will be difficult at best.

My opinion (or just about any opinion) is irrelevant while the constitution protects the "right to bear arms".

I personally think that governments across the country should implement rigid legislation requiring gun owners to own a gun safe

Knock N' Lock - A Revolution In Access Control Technology

Knock N' Lock unique access control products have been around a few years now. We first published an article here back in June 2007.

The video above gives a typical scenario where the product can be typically suited. There are, of course many other applications where this product is especially useful.

Essentially, the lock system uses no visible outside keyhole and consequently ensures total access control to authorised remote control users. Yes, you still require to use the especially designed key, but without a conventional keyhole of any kind, surreptitious attack of a conventional keyhole is avoided, significantly enhancing the security of the application.

View the company website in the source below for further details about this superb access control solution.

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Neverwet - Update

We previously mentioned about Neverwet products back in January this year with our article Neverwet Anti-Icing Technology

Further testing and development has realized a spray can delivery system that easily applies this product to almost any surface in almost any environment.

This originally NASA inspired product is seemingly going to be picked up by government agencies first before a public release to market.

The above video shows more uses of this incredible product.

For the locksmith industry, I see this as an excellent product for locksmiths to offer weatherproofing to existing applications, especially exposed doors, windows and various materials constructions.

Still no release date for the public market, but I am lead to believe it is being suggested for probable release in 2013.

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Hygienic Door Handle - By Stream Hygiene Ltd.

Stream Hygiene Ltd. are a UK based manufacturer of hygienic washroom (toilet) products. They manufacture and distribute hygienic washroom products including the brilliant Tornado hands free air dryer, zero flush waterless urinals and revolving toilet seat covers.

Their latest product is the Hygienic toilet cubicle door handle. This unique device is expertly designed to protect toilet users from the hazards of disease transfer through contact. It is a well understood practise that many bathroom users do not wash their hands when using the bathroom, but more so, immediately after using the toilet cubicle, there is rarely a wash basin in the same room, so after finishing your business, in all likelihood, you will touch the same handle that the previous user touched. This could significantly increase the chances of catching a transferable disease. [view video after the jump]

Dry Erase Marker - Modified To Hack Into Onity Hotel Room Door Locks

We recently published an article in this blog that has proven to be quite popular. The article:  Hacker beats The Worlds Most Prolific Hotel Room Door Lock  has been viewed about 5000 times since I wrote it.

It reprints an article from another source about Cody Brocious, who discovered a rather simple hack for defeating the most commonly found hotel room door lock made by Onity.

[See video after the jump]

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths Becomes A Leading Authority For The Locksmith Industry - Thanks To FDNY

The Society Of Professional Locksmiths is an organization of professional locksmith owners and tradespersons whose intentions are to bring respect and admiration with ethical and moral business practises back to an industry that has seen the erosion of confidence in locksmiths, wane over the past few years, thanks to improprieties and shortcoming of other supposed industry organizations. The SOPL is fast becoming the industry's leading respected voice, training facility and source of products and services, that the market and industry have long been seeking. Unlike other locksmith industry organizations and training offerings, the SOPL developed their own superb in-house training guide and mentoring system that is second to none in the North American market. The following article is copied directly (with permission) from their website. If you like the article, please consider clicking the like buttons in the post. FDNY Keys Sold on EBAY - The NY Post - Where there's Smoke, there's Fire 10/07/2012 2 Comments On October 1st, 2012 a news story ran in the NY Post about a retired locksmith named Daniel Ferraris from New Jersey who sold a set of 5 keys on Ebay that were being called Masterkeys for the New York City Fire Department. Source - http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/lock_away_these_nyc_keys_g3PWCp3FzMapURRjyssJ4J This apparently angered NY City officials and public advocate Bill DeBlasio who raised concerns over terrorism. Keywords such as being alarmed, angered, lives at risk, safety, and more surfaced. Calls to Home Land Security were even made! DeBlasio himself went so far to say -  "We cannot let anyone sell the safety of over 8 million people so easily. Having these keys on the open market literally puts lives at risk. The billions we've spent on counter-terrorism have been severely undercut by this breech [sic]." A NYFD lieutenant said, “This guy should be prosecuted for selling something like that."

IQ - Clever Key Control And Management System

Loxtore RFID Systems AB, are a well known Swedish company producing some technologically advanced RFID key management systems that are especially useful to automotive dealerships and hospitals intent on managing and controlling secure access to their properties.

One such product is shown in the video above. It is fairly easy to use and all keys are totally track-able.

Other controlled access facilities include police stations, military storage houses, gun ranges, power plants, schools and universities, casino's, hotels, property management companies and especially security companies - mobile patrol services/guards.

Almost any corporate facility employs many staff that require controlled access to offices and secure areas. There are modern day physical and electronic access control devices like master key systems, HID/magnetic card or swipe systems, biometric entry devices including fingerprint readers, retina scanners, facial recognition cameras even CCTV.

SEOS - Assa Abloy Creates The Future Standard In Keyless Access Control

Assa Abloy announce the imminent release of SEOS, a wide platform system standard that will work especially with NFC (near field communications) technology to further provide the necessary embedded components in locks and access control devices and allow contactless, keyless controlled access to entries and other portals.

Assa-Abloy are well known worldwide, as the largest manufacturer of door locks and associated door hardware. They collectively own more individual companies under their banner than any competing group or company.

Hacker Beats The Worlds Most Prolific Hotel Room Door Lock

We found out about this exploit, about a month ago but were reluctant to post about it here because the company had not been informed of the fault in their product that allowed this simple hack to occur. We have since heard that Onity have produced a fix for the locks, however existing lock owners are required to purchase and install complete new hardware.

Cody Brocious estimates there are 4 million Onity HT locks worldwide

By James Holloway

What's the password?

If, during your next hotel stay, you're met with a lock on your door like that pictured above, it's time for a conversation with management. This is an Onity HT series lock. Cody Brocious claims that the company has sold 10 million of its various locks to hoteliers, accounting for half of all locks worldwide, and appearing in one in three hotels. Described by Onity as its "flagship product," the HT series lock is its big seller: Brocious reckons there are 4 million HT series locks out there. Why does this matter? It matters because on July 24, Brocious took to the stage at the Black Hat conference in Las Vegas to demonstrate how to unlock one in a matter of milliseconds using gear you and I can buy off the shelf from Radioshack for under 50 bucks.

The problem is this. Each HT series lock includes a DC charger port on its underside. This is used by hotel staff not only to recharge the lock's batteries, but also to program the lock with the hotel's unique 32-bit sitecode. With a self-programmed Arduino board, a 5.6 k pull-up resistor, and a DC connector, you have the gear you need to talk to the lock. Obviously it's not as simple as sending an "Open Sesame" message to the lock—not quite, anyway. For that you'd need to know the 32-bit sitecode. How do you get the sitecode? Turns out you just ask the lock for it.

"Given an address, the lock will send back 16 bytes of memory from that point," Brocious explained on a slide from his July 24 presentation, entitledMy Arduino Can Beat Up Your Hotel Room Lock. And it transpires the the sitecode is stored at the same memory address on every single lock. No authentication is required to retrieve it. Bewilderingly, unlocking the door is as simple as feeding the sitecode back to the lock. Once your home-brew device is connected, Brocious claims the whole process of reading the memory to unlocking the door takes just 200 ms. Given access to spare key cards, the technique can also be used to program duplicate keys.

Eyelock - Iris Scan Technology Surpasses Fingerprint Biometric Technology

Stanley Security Solutions are one of the best known security companies in the world. Stanley Security Solutions can be found in hospitals, universities, shopping centers, airports, banks, schools and a great many government facilities.

The locksmith industry has been turned off by Stanley in past years because they took the unusual initiative of bypassing the locksmith market segment by preferring to sell direct to the end user, effectively shutting out locksmiths from selling and profiting from their solutions.

Stanley, recently combined with Eyelock to provide these unique and 21st century products that surpass the more common biometric fingerprint systems, found in operation across the world.

Theft Recovery Microchips

Theft recovery microchips are a modernized version of the ages old microchip technology we have been using for many years in identifying pets or animals.

Similar in purpose to those types of devices, this tiny chip can be programmed with the owners information and contact details and then embedded in any tangible inanimate product. If that property or product should happen to be stolen, it would be possible to identify it easily and it's owner by scanning the device for the existence of the microchip.

This is certainly another useful device to aid authorities in finding the correct owner of a stolen item, no?

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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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KOMO Seattle Report On Locksmiths

The video here is a follow up to a KOMO Seattle news segment that generated a significant amount of chatter among the wider locksmith community around Seattle and other cities across America.

This segment offers a insight into an independent consumer magazine that runs a non-profit consumer reporting publication called Checkbook.org. This particular Checkbook listing involves locksmiths in the Seattle area.


The quantity of reported reputeable locksmiths seems rather high in my opinion. Perhaps because there is little to no regulation or gazetted qualifications for locksmiths, almost any person (or their brother or sister) can call themselves a locksmith and go out a ply the trade. Unlike other countries,