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.

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Midas Touch - Fingerprint Padlock Is The Perfect Product For Retail Security Solutions

The Midas Touch - PL1000 and PL1000B is a new product released February 14, 2017, that is gaining interest.

Two versions have been released. One for regular use, which we will talk about in a moment, and the other for use on bicycles.

The product allows for up to 30 fingerprints to be recorded within and uses upgraded image sensors to improve the security levels therein.









Specifications:

Fingerprint Sensor :

• Compliance with ANSI/INCIT 378 and ISO/IEC 19794-2
• Spatial resolution : 508dpi
• FAR : 1/100,000
• FRR : 1.59%

Fingerprint Padlock :

• Identified time : < 1sec
• Fingerprint capacity : 30 sets
• Battery type : Rechargeable Li-polymer battery
  Battery power : 4.2V 50mAh
• Battery life : At least 1200 times (lock & unlock) per charge. At least 160 times (lock & unlock) at low battery level
• Charging input : 5VDC @ 36mA (max), USB charge port for battery charging and emergency power
• LED indicator/ Beep tone : for unlock, lock, fingerprint mismatching, enrollment mode, low battery, charging
• Housing material : Zinc alloys
• Dimension : 63 x 28 x 10 mm
• Weight : 37g
• Shackle tensile strength : 25 ~ 30Kg
• Operating temperature : -10°C ~ 40°C
• Protection rating : IP54
• Certificate : CE , FCC

Fingerprint Recognition Algorithm Support

• Good adaptability to dry, wet, or fuzzy finger
• Repair the fractured fingerprints automatically
• Great anti-deformation ability
• Supporting 360 °Authentication
• Self-learning during usage
• ISO Standard: ANSI/INCIT 378 Compliant Extractor & Matcher
• Compliant ISO/IEC 19794-2 fingerprint minutia standards.
• Fingerprint Template Size < 1KB
• Verification speed < 700 ms

We have been touting biometric security for many years now, but have been reluctant to put complete faith in many fingerprint products for s few reasons.

1. Many customers desire to use fingerprint controlled devices outside. If weather and climate conditions are perfect, image sensors built into many fingerprint devices will operate flawlessly, but climate conditions today are far from perfect. In fact, many hardwired or battery powered access control products are severely affected by wet conditions, excessive humidity, wiring infrastructure shortfalls, sunlight, water and operational issues.
2. As a consequence of some of the above issues, many fingerprint sensors require to have their sensitivity setting turned down significantly. to enable many users fingerprints to be easily recognized by the device. This directly reduces the perceived security of your product.

As mentioned above, we believe that this particular fingerprint operated padlock could be a sensational solution for retail security. I'm sure you have seen and continue to see retail security devices connected to clothing items and other products in department stores, boutiques, dress shops etc.

Using a fingerprint padlock will mean the ability to efficiently limit access to authorized staff and not have to worry about lost keys or access cards or shared combinations.

Just remember, if you want your product to last and operate effectively, use it indoors.

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Cnet Article Attempts to Forecast The End Of Car Keys

A new article and video on Cnet has surfaced in an attempt to forecast the end of mechanical car keys.

As a locksmith, who has worked in the key and access control industry for over 30 years, both stateside and internationally, I have heard similar tired stories of the end of the auto car key, yet they are still here and while they are indeed becoming fewer, across more modern vehicles, they are a long way from being eliminated.

In fact, manufacturers still produce some vehicles using mechanical car keys because it is actually cheaper, longer lasting and better quality with less issues than nouveau app controlled access control components.

About 25 years ago, the first iterations of "chip" keys or "transponder" keys began to surface in an attempt by automobile manufacturers to "better secure" vehicles.

View the video and article in the source below...

AirB&B - Lockstate WiFi Door Locks Bricked By Manufacturer Update.

A recent article in TechCrunch has highlighted one of the many pitfalls of modern day WiFi connected access control door locks.

Apparently, the modern AirB&B "sharing economy" room for let company has been recommending the product pictured here by Lockstate, a manufacturer of modern day WiFi enabled entry locksets and deadbolts, for use with AirB&B's Host Assist program.

This is the program recommended by AirB&B for their vendors to use for door entry.



We have been discussing many different manufacturers of digital and electronic door locks, for a number of years now and we have found that a great many of the marketed products appear to suffer from significant issues, especially relating to ease of use and longevity.

But this issue, as brought up in the recent TechCrunch article shows a vulnerability that many vendors/hosts or even home owners may not be aware of.

While the desire to have and use a modern day easy to operate access control system is growing in popularity, pitfalls are constantly being discovered that are hampering the technology from seeing wide spread adoption.

The issue with this company, relates to an OTA (Over The Air) OS (Operating System) update that effectively locked out guests, management, cleaners and users of AirB&B short term rentals.
Customers were locked out of their "hotel" and hosts were required to unlock manually and provide operating door keys to customers.

Now, some people will think that this is just a temporary inconvenience and simply write it off as "luck of the draw", but in any business today, maintaining accurate and effective and operational access control is of paramount importance to a continuing operation.

Other issues would be purchasers may not be aware of include, power-drain, where AA batteries require constant replacement (sometimes 3-4 times a month), weather affected installation, where use on an outside door that is exposed to weather affects the internal wiring of components and causes frequent operating issues, natural weathering, where mother nature causes the ground to shift (slightly) and wooden door frames and doors will naturally move, often causing doors to bind and not close or open easily and more importantly, not sufficiently secure an entry door because the bolt/latch, just refuses to align correctly with the strike plate/catch.

Another issue, rarely discussed or even pointed out by salespeople and installers is the height of the door lock. In America, the IBC (International Building Code) indicates that the suitable height of a door knob/lever, is between 36 and 40 inches from the floor. Generally, this height is too low because the average height of men and women in America is 5'10" tall. The average height of your typical deadbolt lock on your entry door will be about elbow height on a 6' tall person. That is 5-1/4" above the typical height of the average door knob/lever.

The issue with door knob height, explains in part why many door knobs and levers tend to come loose, while the actual door will move in its frame because people are literally pressing down while turning the knob or lever. This completely natural action is virtually unnoticed by most door knob/lever users. This direct action contributes to one of the locksmith and door repair industries, most common called for repair projects, across the entire world.

The most common fix/repair for a typical "door dropped" issue, is to simply replace the screws in the top hinge with 3" screws. Often, this will attach the hinge, through the frame to the stud. By attaching the door to the stud, the likelihood of "door dropping" and "weathering" and "door not latching or locking" issues goes away. Your cost? Maybe $3 in screws.

As professional locksmiths and door repair specialists, we here at Master Key Systems America LLC are available to consult and advise, methods and products that may help you to enjoy long term use of your door locks, hardware and security products.

From opening locked doors to installing locks, repairing or replacing hard to find locks and developing and servicing master key systems, Master Key Systems America LLC has the ability to meet your needs and the knowledge to exceed your expectations. 

Our office is conveniently located, ensuring prompt response. Our service vehicle is well equipped, meaning we can get the job done quickly and efficiently. Master Key Systems America is backed by more than 30 years of locksmith experience. We carry professional liability insurance to give you the peace of mind that your interests are covered. 

Our company tag line is 'Securing America - One Door At A Time'. Our motto is 'Service - At Your Convenience'


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Moved House But Forgot To Change Locks And Subsequently Got Broken Into With No Damage

Moving house is a chore. Many new homeowners are wrapped up in moving efforts, closing expenses, arranging removalists that they tend to overlook the fundamentally important task of having their new home rekeyed.

Many homeowners are unfortunately unaware or even misled by agents and sellers about the exact state of their door-ware or key system in their new home.

Many residents are unaware that home construction companies will purchase their locks and door-ware in bulk from manufacturers and distributors directly, and all those locks will be purposefully keyed to that construction companies internal master key system. This allows the construction company to only hand out 1 key for all their properties everywhere and allows their construction tradespeople to access all the different and separate properties they may be working on, without scrambling to find each separate sites individual key.

Pictured here is a typical pin tumbler cylinder showing the components used in it's build out.

The important attribute is the bottom pins. These are the pins that correspond to the cuts on your keys.





In the above picture you can see the essential components of a typical pin tumbler cylinder. The little holes to the left of the primary bottom pin holes, are for construction keying. Construction keying is a process that some manufacturers use to build specific sets of locksets for different builders.

At the end of the construction phase, the new homeowner will usually insert their individual key in each keyhole and turn. That first turn of the key, will drop some ball bearings into the holes, thereby preventing the old construction key from operating in future.

However, in my many years practising the locksmith trade, I have found time and time again, that many homeowners delay or forget to rekey their locks upon taking possession of their new abode.

 In the picture here, you can see a typical mock up of a master keyed cylinder.

You will notice a set of master pins between the bottom pins and the top pins.

These master pins enable multiple differing keys to potentially operate in your keyhole, effectively reducing the security of your door locks.

For a business or residence that wants to restrict key holders from operating certain particular door locks, without handing out or using separate keys, usually they will ask for their locks to be master keyed to a unique master key system.

But, all too often I see in the field, many circumstances where a lock has been master keyed and then the new resident or dweller will be unaware of such and live with it in oblivion to the potential disaster awaiting them.

Just last week, we attended a commercial customer (who had obviously contacted another company to rekey their locks). This customer has been using us for a number of years, but obviously someone else decided to use a competitor.

I have no qualms about any customer using their choice of professional, but I do draw the line at improper or mischievous techniques those "other" service companies might employ.

The 4 keyholes I rekeyed, actually were master keyed, unbeknowest to the store manager. 2 of the four keyholes included multiple master pins in each chamber, indicating that a significant number of differing keys also operated those locks. Again, without the knowledge of the store manager or corporate management. Besides this important detail being overlooked, the other 2 keyholes had pin tumblers missing completely from their chambers, effectively eliminating virtually any security for the particular locks.

Besides these plugs (cylinders) missing some pins and having multiple master pins in a few chambers, the plug itself (the barrel you put the key in), the top of the barrel had been filed. That single act alone, of filing the barrel, renders an already flawed cylinder even less secure because now, multiple differing keys, including some keys that may be completely different, will operate these locks.

Kwikset in recent years, altered the design of their mainstream lock cylinders to their new Smartkey system. A system that allows the customer to rekey their own locks as desired. The new Smartkey locks CANNOT be master keyed.

When master keyed locks are requested, we recommend customers to purchase a high-security restricted key profile to prevent unauthorised duplication of keys. This will protect a resident or business from those who would surreptitiously duplicate keys for nefarious purposes.

Lockwood Paradigm Series Lengthy Entry Hardware - Stylish, Classy, Secure

 Recently, we returned from our factory tour and meetings with a few world-leading lock and door hardware manufacturers.

During our trip, we experienced the manufacturing procedures for many of  Assa-Abloy Lockwood Australia's super-high quality products.

One new product we are currently evaluating for North American market entry is the new Lockwood Paradigm Pull Handle Lockset or Deadbolt.

 The product, (pictured here) is a totally new design that originated in the research and development department in Australia. With a lengthy handle and built-in key cylinder, this new product design, exceeds many requested features by commercial and residential builders, designers and dwellers. Ease of operation with a conventional mechanical bump resistant and pick resistant key cylinder, options include double cylinder, single cylinder, safety release, locking/unlocking indicators, deadlatch, passage latch or deadbolt functions and are available in a host of desirable color finish options.

 Stylish hardware is the modern choice by many new homeowners who want to maintain a minimalist yet sexy ambience without detracting from the features of their doors. This new series of Assa-Abloy Lockwood Australia Paradigm Series combines security excellence with noveau and modern lines that enhance virtually any entrance.

 As you can see, the handles are unique in their design, with a slightly longer external handle that hold the outside key cylinder and a shorter interior handle with a separate thumbturn handle beneath. Using a version of the award winning design Lockwood 001 inner handle makes the product easily operated by physically challenged users.

Of course there are a few different designs to whet your appetite, from plate mounted to straight door mounted hardware.

Double cylinder with safety indicator or no interior cylinder. Safety holdback feature with indicator, so anyone approaching the door from inside can easily view the operational status from farther away.


With replaceable cylinders that can allow for higher security mechanical key systems to also operate, these modern breed of door hardware and entry products are providing modern increased options for residents, businesses and operators to benefit from intuitively easy to use hardware that increases the value of your entry and the value your visitors place on you.


We are putting the product through our internal tests and hope to make this product available in North America shortly.

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Internet-Connected Garage Door Operator Disabled In Retaliation For Bad Review

The Internet-Of-Things (IOT) is the new age for many consumers today. The increasing desire for "connected" technological products, raises privacy and security concerns especially when a disgruntled customer leaves a stinging negative review about their purchase.

As is the case with a particular customer who had purchased Garadjet - An Internet-Connected Garage Door Opener, designed to let you see the status of your door and control it via an app.

The customer installed the product he purchased on Amazon and  left a nasty support message on the company's support forum and then one minute later posted a nasty review on Amazon.

That prompted the Garadjet management to retaliate by denying the ID Unit server connection.

All being played out online, the exchange went viral through a twitterfeed that attracts a wide following among the #hacking community. Check out the commotion in the source below

Our Most Popular Products Include...

 The Bilock Deadbolt Lock. Our signature product, from when we first opened our business here in the USA, a little over 10 years ago is still Bilock. The Bilock Deadbolt is the most popular of the Bilock products repeatedly requested.
Concerned consumers request Bilock due to it's superior resistance to picking and bumping. The color coded keys help in easily identifying correct operating keys. Our signature authority system prevents unauthorised key production. Often, we can provide just the Bilock cylinder and keys that can be installed in many existing leading brands of hardware too, minimizing the cost to the homeowner and maintaining the existing ambience of the trim on the door.

The Pigio 1 by Serrature Meroni, is quickly rising as one of our popularly requested products because it allows the user to easily operate the push pull mechanism without the need to grip and turn the knob

The Pigio 2 by Serrature Meroni is also seeing increased popularity for similar reasons the the Pigio 1.  

The Combina by Serrature Meroni is the modern version of the unique Premiapri mechanism and is available in so many color options to suit varying tastes of consumers. 

The Cowdroy P697 Keyed Pocket Door Lock (now discontinued by us) was the first of our popular lock systems for pocket or cavity doors. It was pulled from our inventory for not meeting ADA/Building codes. (Key operated both sides)

The enormously popular best seller, The Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock exceeds the requirement of the many pocket door owners across the USA and Canada. The unique design, combined with a 5 pin tumbler that is identical to a Kwikset Keyway, complements this product. The Lockwood range of picket and cavity door locks, also includes privacy (bathroom/bedroom), passage and passage latching versions. 

 The Serrature Meroni range of furniture and cabinet lock systems, mechanisms, electronic control desk lock systems, drawer hinges, door closers, electric strikes, door handles, mailbox locks, etc are second to none worldwide for their quality and vast product range. This fine Italian company is on the cutting edge of design, that many other brands look to, for improving their offerings too. Still the best and still the worldwide leader in intelligent and ambient locking systems.

The Meroni Nova is the flagship of the Serrature Meroni line of door handle hardware. Easily our second most poular selling product.

The Combina Anti-Bacterial handle system prevents the spread of unwanted pathogens or diseases by dissipating germs on contact. Perfect solution for child care centers, hospitals, aged care facilities.

 The Bilock Grade 2 Light Duty Commercial/Heavy Duty Residential entrance set comes with a 15 year warranty on the hardware. Unique keying system and bump proof/pick resistant mechanism makes this product complement the Bilock Deadbolt written about above.

 Hooply, a Chinese range of specialty handles and locking systems aimed at residential markets that are prone to hurricanes or brash weather systems are a popular product found most often in New York City or Florida. We were once the dealer for this product line, but found demand too small to continue. We still have contacts with the manufacturer and their catalog. We are happy to prvide the company contact to enquirers.

 Sliding Patio Doors are one of our most common service requests by customers. We service and lubricate a great many of these doors across the greater St Louis Region, often without requiring to replace wheels or rollers.

A Simple repair usually takes about an hour (average) and costs about $99, including attendance and lube.

The Lockwood 002L is a rim mounted lever deadlatch that is one of, if not the strongest in it's class of secure locking hardware products. Not cheap. Expertly designed and demanded by those who demand the ultimate security.

Lockwood's flagship product for over 50 years is still the best.

Smart Armor Cube - Wireless Technolgy Meets Drawer Cupboard Locks

There are a number of electronic locks already on the market that serve the needs of corporate and residential uses.

Many of the leading  lock producing companies already offer quality products that are competitively priced, that serve functions already demanded by customers.

But this does not stop new entrants to the market. This new product attempts to improve upon drawer/cupboard safety and security by integrating the humble smartphone with a new type of cupboard lock.

Uses for this product include but are not limited to child safety, waiter/server access control, hospital pharmaceutical carts, refrigerators etc.

While the Smart Armor Cube looks like a worthwile addition to our lives, perhaps this first of it's kind version will open the market to more aspiring inventors to improve upon it's basic design.

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Impressive Resistance - UFO+...

Here is the full length video of the attempt to destructively bypass the fabulous UFO+.
The unsuccessful attempt, using only common (and not so common) hand tools displays the use of seven (7) different tools and brute force applied to try to bust this beast open.

And it still works perfectly in the end.

Whats on your truck?

Available in the USA exclusively here!

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Skunk Lock - Beating Crooks By Making Them Sick

The Skunk Lock is an unusual product recently designed and released to market that offers a twist to typical security devices.

Instead of an alarm or electrocution element this product will spray a pepper spray type product that will incapacitate a would be thief.

The video below shows a depiction of how this operates.

Definitely unique and definitely different, this is a product that might appeal to discerning bike owners.



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Whom Are You Going To Trust To Do It Right The First Time?

We posted about Locksis, recently and it looks like a solid product. We hope to test one out soon and will report our findings.

We found the following video on their site rather appropriate because often we get to repair the previous attempt at installation, in our travels as a journeyman tradesman.



Their site is in the source below.

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Window Security Film - Reduces Casualties In Recent Spate Of Bombings In NYC

We have written about a security product called Shattergard, that we make available to discerning customers, a number of times in the last few years and now we read with interest about windows in NYC that use shatter proof glass and how effective they were in preventing widespread injuries in the recent bomb blasts that rocked the city.

In the article (in the source below - now since removed) the authors hold that since 9/11, New York City "elders" decided that one way to reduce potential injuries while at the same time reducing the smash and grab crimes of opportunity, was to invest in shatterproof glass and/or products like Shattergard.

Shattergard is a product created and sold by Global Security Products out of Atlanta. My friend and colleague Jordan Frankel designs and produces unique security products aimed at minimizing damages caused by criminals that affect our very lives.

Global Security Products produce products like Shattergard, and related products, Ongard Door Brace, Outdoor Security Lighting and Wirelsss CCTV Camera Security Systems


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NUKI - Another European Access Control Sollution

NUKI is another intelligent creation by some talented German designers and engineers hoping to cash in on the ever growing home automation market.

This product differs from the competition because instead of installing to the interior side of the key lock, the product requires you to insert your existing key in the outer cylinder and then clip the NUKI over the top of it. (Addendum: Assuming a double cylinder is being used, interior NUKI use is advised - this is especially important for countries that adhere to the International Building Code - Egress Rules)

Check out this second video that might better explain the product...



Then operating from your cellphone becomes innate.

I see some security issues with this type of product, specifically if the product is damaged or removed from the door, an attacker now has your mechanical key.

I will agree that this product might suit internal access control in an established office or dwelling, without the increased expense of modifying an installation to accept a relatively expensive modern standalone access control lock.

And in the current economic climate, solutions that provide better value for money, are made from quality and lasting components, more competitively priced alternatives are certainly being sought more frequently by cost conscious consumers who also understand that security, aesthetics and ease of use without a large learning curve, are the solutions many of us want.


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Locksis - Smart Lever - An Updated Variation On The Keyless Lever Lock System

The Touch Lever Lock by Locksis, a Korean manufacturer of unique door entry products is making it's debut to the door hardware market.

The video above gives a glimpse of this very interesting product, aimed at reducing the reliance on mechanical key products, while maintaining security, aesthetics and convenience to the access authorized.

The fundamental difference with this new product, compared to similar products in it's genre, is the use of high grade stainless steel providing ease of use and quality for internal and external environments. Stainless steel is well known to provide better functioning and protected internal mechanisms especially when used outside.

This product looks quite functional and easy to install. The benefit that external battery connections provide include easy access from outside if the internal batteries havent been replaced (like could happen if your dwelling has been unoccupied for some time and the internal batteries have not been replaced).

With no mechanical override key, there is no key to lose or worry about being copied without your permission. The provision of a master code and an operating code, allows for easy changing of the combination, further protecting users.

A unique and modern approach to the deadlatching function enables this product to act like a deadbolt and latch mechanism in one product, eliminating the need for a handle and a separate deadbolt.

We hope to be able to offer this product in due course.

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Key Deposit Cylinder Upgrades The Abloy Deposit Tube

Assa-Abloy Asia Pacific - Lockwood Australia have decided to introduce their new Key Deposit product to the wider market.

A key deposit is used for storing route keys for apartment buildings, office complexes and factories, enabling secured access to authorized key deposit key holders.

Okay! That's a mouthful to consider.

ABLOY® key deposits are commonly used for storing route keys to apartment complexes, office buildings and factories.

Route keys can be of use to utility companies such as electricity, telephone, gas or cable TV companies as well as fire departments.

Route keys limit service people to access only those rooms where their equipment is installed.It also allows for the convenience of only having to carry one single key which can operate thousands of key deposits.


The ABLOY® key deposit cylinders allow each company to have their own unique key combination. The cylinder can be ordered keyed different, keyed alike or master keyed.

The key deposit tube is designed to house the actual operating key for a particular door or series of doors. This enables authorized key holders to have secure access to just the room/s they need to access and reduces the need to hand out extra duplicate copies of keys. Simply unlock the key deposit tube and use the key, when finished put it back in the wall.

In the brochure (in the source below) there is a diagram that shows what I am talking about.

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Revolutionary New Lockwood Mortise Lock Range Dramatically Upgrades The Leading Industry Standard

Assa-Abloy Asia Pacific - Lockwood Australia Proudly release the latest upgrade to the Australian industry standard commercial mortise lock range.

This is a complete redesign of the product that has been the industry standard in the southern hemisphere for over 50 years.

They make models for both standard wooden or metal doors and for aluminum shopfront type doors.

The research and development of these new products is the result of many hours of research and development in conjunction with industry professionals, customers, locksmiths, security product installers, educational institutions, hospitals and hotels.

The video below explains the new products in greater detail and clarity.



Just released in Australia, the product uses oval shaped key cylinders that differ considerably from the round cylinders Americans are probably familiar with. The benefits of using oval cylinders instead of round threaded cylinders include a lower profile and smaller holes cut into the door frames making installation a little bit easier. The use of retainer pins to hold the cylinders in, increases the ease for maintenance people to service the cylinders,

Check out this commercial about to be released in Australia...




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How To Make Your Van/Truck Virtually Impregnable - Meroni UFO+

We have talked about the fabulous Meroni UFO+ security product a number of times in the recent past and shown installation videos and operations.

The above video is a short version of the extended test display, that demonstrates the prowess of this kind of lock system, especially designed in consultation with commercial truck/van manufacturers over a few years.

The Meroni UFO+ is a unique and stylish lock product that prevents malicious entry to your property, while in your truck/van. The interior release cable, allowing for quick and simple egress/escape from inside, separates this product from many competing brands that simply lock the outer doors.

Having an interior release function prevents an occupant from being locked inside easily.

The product is incredibly secure, using high-security virtually pick proof, virtually bump proof and virtually copy proof keys.

Able to be master-keyed in groups, like for fleet vehicles, the Meroni UFO+ is the most sought after van security product and the strength and reliability is just one factor that FEDEX and TNT and UPS have chosen as their "go-to" security product for their delivery trucks and vans across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

First released to the USA market last summer, the product is hard to keep in stock because of the demand for better van/truck security.

Definitely not a cheap "fix" product, the Meroni UFO+ sells for about $325.00. Installation is straightforward, although we do suggest a professional installer complete the project, to maintain warranty.

Entr - Yale Introduce a Family Friendly Smart Lock

Yale is known worldwide as one of the oldest lock manufacturers in the lucrative North American Market. Yale products have been continually built since Linus Yale patented his original pin tumbler mechanism back in 1865.

In recent years, the advent of "The Internet Of Things" has opened up many industries to the technological revolution. The large technology behemoths like Apple, Google, Microsoft to name a few, have capitalized on this technology boom with products like the iPhone, Android etc to make all people lives a little more "connected".

Many industries including, thermostats, alarm systems, web cameras, lighting switches and door locks have seen the new IOT "smart tech" be embedded in their products. Virtually allowing most of the devices and gadgets that surround our lives, to work together seamlessly.

There are already a great many options to choose from in the $30 Billion home security market with many "new-age" smart locks already gracing the shelves of locksmith shops, hardware stores and online e-commerce websites.

The Entr by Yale, looks like yet another entrant to this crowded market. The video above shows the product developed for the standard European market, but I am lead to believe that similar models are being produced for the North American market too.

I think the product looks pretty good. Dont you?

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How Do You Prevent Being Locked Out Of Your Home?

As a practising locksmith for almost 35 years across the planet, I have attended a great many "lock outs", rescuing stranded customers who are locked out of their homes or office buildings.

The skills that a professional locksmith brings to bear, include the special training in learning the art of picking locks.

These days, with the advent of online video sources, more and more videos are appearing daily showing people, including locksmiths and hobbiests displaying their prowess at picking locks.

There are few brands of locks available that are particularly difficult to pick/manipulate, presenting increased challenges to would be lock pickers. Some of these brands include (but are not limited to) Abloy Protec, Assa Twin, Multilock, Bilock, Medeco, Primus and others. Few are bump proof and virtually pick proof like Protec or Bilock and the industry is constantly evolving to produce better mechanical "mousetraps" aimed at increasing the security of our homes or offices.

But, the pain felt when you accidentally lock yourself out and the sometimes long wait for the professional locksmith to attend and rescue you, can be mitigated using a hidden key safe.

There are a number of versions available in todays market and one worth considering is pictured above. A simple water sprinkler with a cavity and screw on cap, that can hold a couple of spare keys is a painless and inexpensive method that would be so helpful to some people.

Locksmiths would probably prefer i didnt mention products like these, because these types of products could reduce the calls for professional locksmith services.

I dont really care all that much as i am in the business of "Securing America - One Door At A Time" and the interests of my clientelle and their families are more important that a few quibbling locksmiths.

And if i can save you a couple of bucks and some extra time and inconvenience, then why the heck not?

These dummy sprinkler heads can be purchased just about anywhere but Amazon have them fairly cheap.

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