Statement on Fingerprint Recognition Issue

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Codelocks CL5510 - New Product Shines Where Others Dont

Codelocks 5510 appears to (me, to) be the bees knees for Smart Locks.

This digital wireless product answers virtually all the checkboxes when it comes to entry options (except WiFi/LAN Controller)

You can use the codepad, a key, a cellphone or even a proximity card/tag, providing up to 350 individual users with access using one of the credentials.

Also, the use of Netcodes offers management the ability to provide timed access on the fly. That means that a manager can send a code by text to a users cellphone to grant them access for a limited (programmed) time. Click on the link above to learn more about using NetCodes.

Using the K3 Connect app, which is available in both IOS and Android, allows bluetooth featured cellphones to access the lock.

The added convenience for managers and security personnel using Audit Trail, allows for instant recognition of which credential was used at what time.

The product complies with ANSI Grade 2 specification. Grade 2 is often considered heavy duty residential/light duty commercial quality but often in a commercial setting Grade 2 hardware will perform like a Grade 1, but is significantly more competitively priced.

The product is not cheap, but quality products are worth more than the other garbage in the market.
Codelocks are a sought after product offering by many locksmiths and security hardware providers across the world.
For more details click the source below.


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Smartphones To Open Doors For World's Biggest Lock Company As It Eyes Deal With Telcos

Assa Abloy is the world's largest lock manufacturing company.

Last year alone it made more than $300 million, across multiple different manufacturers.

There has been a continual, albeit modest push to introduce more and more electronic smartphone enabled lock systems across their diverse range of products. 

technology companies like Samsung, Apple and Google have been at the forefront of research and development of all things smartphone, ever since Google beat Apple to market with the first Android mobile operating system.

Many startups have entered the market, touting their own novel products aimed at the residential home security market.

Products like Lockitron, August Lock, Yale Real Living and Schlage or Kwikset Z wave, to name but a few.

The automobile industry has long used the transponder chip technology to better secure our cars and trucks, but the residential entry door market has lagged behind this disruptive technology, only due to the issue relating to electricity.

You see, the reason electronic technologies work on vehicles is because vehicles already use batteries to start, run and power vehicle systems.

Most doors in a dwelling are free standing and most often NOT connected to a power source. This has lead to a surge in the number of battery powered products, like the brands listed above, entering the market. The primary drawback with these products, is the need to constantly be replacing batteries on the units to maintain operability.

There are many dwellings that use electric strikes and hardwired electric lock systems, but that technology, even though it has been around for over 100 years, is expensive to install and consequently maintain.

The market is heating up and demanding better electronic technology for use in our homes, but there has been little productive solutions to the issue of the lack of power.

Whereas the market will continue to develop and no doubt grow, I just cannot conceivably fathom the perfect or best solution to this power predicament. When the power dilemma finally gets solved, perhaps electronic and smartphone technologies will provide a benefit to us home owners who dont want to spend the required arm and leg to hard wire our doors, when a totally mechanical, environmentally friendly, green mechanical key operated hardware solution continues to provide ultimate comparative security and convenience for our homes.

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GoKey - Battery Backup, Smartphone Charging, Bluetooth Finder, Sync Cable - The All In One

GOkey Indiegogo Campaign Video from Go Devices, Inc. on Vimeo.


A new product has recently started funding on a crowdsourcing page that might be the extra boost many of us smartphone users are challenged with.

Check out the video above and see why this is yet another idea that makes our lives a little bit easier.

It does look a little bulky, I think. And given that many car keys on our keyrings are recommended to not carry extra weight (thanks GM), I'm not sure this really appeal to the masses.

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Price Rise Season Is Again Upon Us.

It is unfortunate that price rises are a natural part of life in a capitalist economy. Due to increasing costs of raw materials and shipping and taxes, many companies are forced to increase their prices to remain solvent.

Listed below, are some companies that have announced price rises effective immediately.

Olympus Lock

Dynalock

Schlage (Commercial & Residential)

Von Duprin

LCN

Ives

Glynn-Johnson

Steelcraft

Schlage (Electronics)

Dexter Brands

Belwith

Not all companies are announcing price rises at this time. Our Meroni product line continues to maintain 2012 price structures. The fabulous Meroni products service the residential and commercial markets with their wide range of specialty door hardware, handlesets, cabinet locks, door closers and specialty Automotive security solutions .

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Clay - Introducing Cloud Controlled Wireless Access Control

Clay are proudly introducing a Salto inspired access control solution across Europe, the UK and Australia.

This intelligent access control solution will work with just about any type of mortise or rim lock, narrow style frames and padlocks.

The intelligence of the Salto systems is being heralded across the world as the new frontier in keyless access control solutions.

We say keyless, although you still need to carry a fob, if you are an authorized entrant. Remote control from any platform, be it Android, Apple iOS, Windows, Linux etc allows for cross platform operation that minimizes inconvenience, allows you to use an app to control your systems so that you can still let in your technician or plumber or anyone you choose, without actually being at the location yourself.

There is a fabulous video on the company's site that I encourage all to view, to better understand how it works. Visit the website in the source below.

Salto, have been mentioned in this blog before and are slowly becoming a major player in the hotel arena and other industries intent on maximizing control of their locking hardware systems.

The intelligence is in the handle not the lock and because of this, there are many options available to the customer.

We anticipate becoming a local dealer of the fabulous Salto - Inspired Access Control systems in the near future. We have already recommended numerous enquirers and owners of CISA hotel access control systems to upgrade to Salto. (No word on the North American release dates)

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New Window Film Offers Smartphone Controllable Shading

 We have discussed security film here before and we also sell and install the high quality Shattergard product made by Global Security Products. The Shattergard product is the type of product that strengthens glass windows making them significantly harder to smash, thereby increasing the security of your premises without detracting from the ambience of your living areas.

Sonte are a company that have recently introduced a long sought for solution for transition windows. Transition windows are windows that include the ability to alter the opaqueness of the window. This enables you to have a clear see through window and change it yourself to provide privacy.

There are companies that make dedicated windows that can be transitioned from clear (see through) to frosted (privacy mode) but they are very expensive and time consuming to install.

The pictures here display the difference between clear and frosted look.

Sonte have taken technology further than the dedicated transitioning glass companies and produced a window film product that enable you to apply the same transitioning technology to existing windows, but using your smartphone as the controller. (See the installation video after the jump)

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)

Multi-Touch System To Contemporize Touch Screen Use.

About 3 years ago, Light Blue Optics, a UK based technology innovator, introduced a product that will redefine the nature of touch screen controls. The Light Touch™, is an image projector that allows for any surface to be converted into a touch screen.

When combined with recent research undertaken by a Purdue University team, whereby a multi-touch system using a computer, video projector and kinect camera, has shown that hand gestures and movement characteristics can be defined by the individual user, it is possible that such a system could lead to new access control solutions that increase security for sensitive openings/areas. (see video after the jump)

CTX Virtual Technologies Create Bluetooth Virtual Keyboard that Fits To Your Keying

CTX Virtual Technologies Inc. is a company that are building unique products designed to improve the user experiences for cellphone and tablet users who might enjoy using a regular keyboard as opposed to the sometimes awkward built in keyboards found in today's cellphones and tablets.

This particular product has recently started selling through Brookstone stores.

It is a keyring sized bluetooth connector that gives you the option of having a virtual keyboard at your fingertips. The virtual keyboard displays a laser outline of a full sized QWERTY keyboard in front of it, while an optical sensor track a users fingers as they type.

The unit's built-in lithium battery is designed to last for 2 hours and is USB rechargeable. The unit is about the same size as a Zippo lighter. 

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Lockitron - Turning Any Deadbolt Into Wireless Keyless Access

A new product about to hit the market, will likely change the world of access control. Lockitron is the brainchild of a few young guys who have perfected the ultimate deadbolt lock accessory.

View the video (after the jump) for a great and simple explanation of the product.

The beauty of this type of product is that it is designed to work with your existing deadbolt lock. I foresee many and varied applications for this and expect the locksmith industry to jump on the bandwagon fairly quicksmart.

This product, I suggest will almost completely eliminate the need to hand out a spare key to your home or office in future.

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.

Tiltpod - Portable Camera Stand Keyring

Tiltpod is an incredibly intelligent idea borne in San Francisco (of course), by a couple of guys who wanted to both be in the picture without having to lug around a tripod.

Brilliant I say! Simple, elegant and so worth the meagre price. What a great gift idea.

The video says it all, but Kickstarter, the crowd sourcing funding group provided the financial backing to get off the ground.

I love the fact that it is, essentially, a key ring accessory and consequently qualifies as an unusual and unique product worthy of this blog. What do you think?

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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.

Battery Powered Electric Strike - By LockFocus (Test Model Arrived)

Well it certainly has been a busy 2 months for me. No time to sit and write new articles for this site.

We are happy to announce, we just received our display and test model of this newest addition to our inventory.

The Battery Powered Electric Strike - By Lock Focus appears to be of excellent quality and functionality.

It operates on 3 "watch type" lithium long life batteries that are easily available at just about any battery retailer, so purchasing additional or replacement batteries will be a cinch (pronounced sinch).

We are currently putting it through it's paces and plan to start offering them for sale very shortly.

The Arrow Revolution

Access Control products are increasing in demand today, but very few products seem to live up to the marketed specifications.

One that appears to live up to the hype is the Arrow Revolution. Below is a factory authorised test of the product.

In the recent past, I have displayed my lack of affection for wireless standalone security products. Now I think I may have a reason to cheer.

I strongly suggest that the mechanical backup option be strongly considered and this product can accept our Bilock Extreme Security Bump Proof and Virtually Pick Proof key system.

Price on application (a little under $400).

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Electronic Door Locks - Are They Worth The Price?

I have never been a strong proponent of electronic locking products, due to the constant maintenance required to keep them operating at maximum efficiency and certain other issues like poor component constructions, prone to not working in adverse weather conditions etc etc.

Every so often, I am asked to recommend electronic locking products. Having been in the physical security industry over 25 years and worked in multiple continents, I have seen many and varied applications.

The electronic components in security products started way back in the early 20th century when the first electric strike was installed in an upmarket New York apartment complex.

Up until that time, multi-level apartment complexes required doormen and an escorted elevator trip. The advantage that the electric strike presented was the ability to enjoy a secure entrance unmanned 24 hours a day and 7 days a week at a significantly reduced cost.

Most electronic hardwired systems available today are required to be "fail-safe". This means that if the power fails or is interrupted, the device is un-secure. Many product manufacturers started putting in battery back-ups in their products to assist with security necessities.

The advent of wireless systems actually negates the fail-safe mentality until the battery runs out.....but even still many products have an in-built lithium polymer long life battery, to provide just enough power until the main source batteries can be recharged or replaced. (this can also be illegal in a public building due to the fire and building code - depending on your location)

Technology is advancing rapidly and products are slowly becoming better quality and experiencing longer lives, however I still feel it necessary to recommend to my clients to maintain that mechanical back-up "just in case".

This is expressly why the locksmith industry will continue to exist, much to the angst of some.

Locksmiths, for over 2 centuries have been designing, maintaining and creating systems and products designed to protect the assets of the marketplace. Locksmiths will continue to do so for the next 200 years, I'm sure.

When asked "Should We?".....my first answer is based on determining the true benefits. But I always will recommend a mechanical backup.

The true benefits could be, no more keys to worry about (what about the proximity card - doesnt this just take the place of a key?), the ability to perform audit trails (on sophisticated systems), combination entry (negates the need for a key, but requires a code to be remembered - this could lead to codes being shared - leading to a major security issue).

One of the best advances today is the advent of Bio-metric systems. Finger print or Iris identification systems can negate the need for a key or the need to remember a combination (you cannot lend your finger or eye to someone else - can you?). Facial recognition systems are also a new entrant to the market.

The marketplace should also remember that electronic security products are still expensive and not as generally reliable as mechanical security products. Locksmiths can provide restricted key control systems that enable end users to control who has keys to their properties. This is one of the least expensive and most secure methods for protecting assets, often without the need to replace costly hardware.