iOPEN - New Smart WiFi Operator Switch - A New Access Control Product

iOPEN is a relatively new product, currently exclusively sold by US Gate Supply of Southern California.

This exciting new product is designed to operate with about 90% of the current brands of automatic garage doors, mag locks, electric strikes and automatic gates available in today's markets.

This product is different to the wireless options otherwise being bandied about the markets, in that it is actually hardwired to your current product.

This product enables you to simply download the appropriate app from Apple's App Store or Google's Play Store.

Some pictures of it's uses include...

This is a typical residential garage door. You can see the app open on the users smartphone.

This an image of a type of gate you might find in upmarket real estate or perhaps a gated community.


You can also connect the product to your Amazon Alexa smart speaker or your Google Home smart speaker.

With the growing smart product market becoming an ever more staple of modern living, products that operate through the IOT (Internet Of Things) architecture framework are becoming the new sought after commodities.

For a professional, keeping abreast of products and industry updates, new technology and items aimed at improving our and our customers lives, is an important attribute in today's business age.

I like the idea of this new product and i think it could certainly see traction across the wider consumer marketplace.

Amazon Key, which we have mentioned a lot in recent times, purports to offer would-be Amazon shoppers the opportunity to enjoy new delivery methods from Amazon. We continue to warn consumers that using services like Amazon Key, can potentially reduce any security you may currently enjoy and even potentially increase your insurance premiums.

This new product might mitigate the threats posed by granting delivery drivers access to your home, by only enabling them to access your garage door, allowing you to keep the door connecting your garage and house, locked.

Apparently the app can allow for separate devices to operate through the one app, meaning your one smartphone now becomes the remote control operator for multiple separate entries.

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To Touch Or Not To Touch...

Yesterdays article, "Has Tapplock Collapsed?" is seeing viral circulation and obviously is hitting a nerve.

We have continued to write multiple articles over the last 10 years about pro's and con's relating to biometric and specifically fingerprint access control products.

As you can see by our above link about fingerprint products, there are many options available across the wider marketplace, hoping to cash in on the fingerprint recognition phenomena, as well as conflicting arguments i have suggested, that fingerprint access control also comes with severe limitations.

Our first foray into biometric fingerprint products was with the Bioaxxis Thumblock Deadbolt. Bioaxxis unfortunately couldnt survive the early years of the burgeoning fingerprint controlled door lock market. Their product was stellar. It worked very simply and was self preserving, even though they suffered from the debilitating issue of security control.

Specifically, the need to reduce or turn down the security of the image recognition of the scanner to enable sufficient operations of the product. This unfortunate attribute contributed greatly to the products demise and I suspect the wider market too.










The Tapplock article further reinforces the current-age issues relating to quality control. There is a penchant in recent years, especially since the beginning of the modern internet era, (Circa 1995 - And the beginning of Netscape Navigator - The beginning of The World Wide Web), to design and build new products without an element of care - but to quickly release to market to capitalize on new money. This unfortunate realization shows that the modern era, while showing significant improvements to our lives, is also moving far too quickly for our own benefits.

Bioaxxis also came out with their commercial product a year later. The Bioaxxis Thumblock Handle, with Key, Fingerprint, Proximity Pad and Digital Pad Entry, checked off multiple desires for total access control.

We installed and sold about 7 of these fabulous products until we recognized that biometric fingerprint access control technology was seriously flawed and the best market for the promising technology was in the aged care arena, where elderly users (who were constantly losing their keys and their ability to remember PIN codes) couldnt (for the most part) lose their fingers. The issues about scanner sensitivity almost killed the fingerprint market and combined with poor quality, rushed to market manufacturing from cheap manufacturing facilities abroad, has even seen stock market darling and leading technology company Apple, remove the readers from their most popular product the iPhone.

Touch control products have made their way into many aspects of all our lives, but I suggest that security is not one that we will see to continue, due to the obvious shortcomings.

I believe that facial recognition technolgy, Iris scanners and voice recognition will enter the mainstream far more rapidly and with better security features than fingerprint technology could have ever hope to achieve.

Amazon Alexa Shown To Be Spying On You - Rendering Your Smart Locks or Connected Security Products Vulnerable To Exploitation

Amazon are reeling recently, from reports (like the Engadget article in the source below) indicating that the AI (artificial intelligence) built into this modern day search porthole, is actually listening in to all your private conversations in your home or office.

The article in Engadget goes on about a couple in Oregon whom have been directly affected by this "storm in a tea cup".



Apparently the AI used by Alexa listens continually for it's activation keyword, in all conversations within earshot of the devices microphone.
The couple in question were luckily alerted by the husbands employee, who called him and shared the recording of the conversation sent to the employee by the Amazon Alexa AI.

The couple immediately reported the issue to Amazon and through their investigations and testing of the devices logs (stored in the cloud), determined that the events as dictated in detail, indeed occurred.

Amazon released a statement saying,

"Echo woke up due to a word in background conversation sounding like "Alexa." Then, the subsequent conversation was heard as a "send message" request. At which point, Alexa said out loud "To whom?" At which point, the background conversation was interpreted as a name in the customers contact list. Alexa then asked out loud, "[contact name], right?" Alexa then interpreted background conversation as "right". As unlikely as this string of events is, we are evaluating options to make this case even less likely."


More troubling however is a report that surfaced recently about hackers from Zheijiang University in China, who discovered a flaw in  voice control products including Siri, Google Assistant, Samsung S Voice and Alexa, naming the attack "The Dolphin Attack" 

The Dolphin Attack has shown that the flaw can allow for malicious action including operating the Smart Lock on your front door or opening web pages to malware sites.

The Dolphin Attack was shown to be effective in exploiting the vulnerabilities in items like smartphones, iPads, Macbooks, Amazon Echo even an Audi Q3 - all up, about 16 devices and 7 systems in total.
The researchers even claimed they were able to alter the GPS navigation on the Audi Q3.

The Dolphin Attack works by sending commands in ultrasonic frequencies that are too high for humans to hear.

Interesting too, I have personally witnessed the effects of activation of the Google Assistant function on my Android Smartphone, when it was plugged into my vehicle hands-free cradle as I was driving while operating the Google Maps function. A segment I was listening to on NPR (National Public Radio) was playing on my vehicle radio and when the reporter mentioned the activation command "Okay Google" or "Hey Google", my phone (which was running the Google Maps app), picked up the command and recognized the sound as another command (by me) and began executing that command.

These revelations are especially troubling today because many consumers are opting for the convenience of IoT (Internet of Things) connected devices, to augment their lives. The security flaws accompanying many of these modern devices could potentially make our homes, our vehicles, our workplaces significantly less secure than bygone times.

Working with your local locksmith to install mechanical or hardwired security products, that are not connected to vulnerable "smart" devices, may be the simple and yet still affordable/competitively priced solution to protecting your family, your workplace even your vehicles.

Most locksmiths around the world, will offer no obligation security appraisals and advice to keep you secure. they are just a phone call or email away. Your family, your colleagues and even your vehicles will likely appreciate your desire to keep them secure and protected.

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August Lock - Now Operable With Google Home Smart Speaker

News: August Lock, the infamous Smart Lock company recently purchased by Lock and Door Hardware Manufacturing behemoth Assa-Abloy, have just announced the integration of Google Home Smart Speaker to the products functionality.

This integration, allows would-be users of the sensational Google Home Smart Speaker and users of the August Lock Smart Deadbolt actuator, to lock, unlock and determine the locking/unlocking state of their August Lock product.

The integration of many Smart Home products, including door locks, thermostats, even alarm systems to function using a users voice commands, as opposed to the conventional keypad code or mechanical key operated switches, that control many of today's Smart Home products.

The unique look of the Smart Home lock activator, has certainly increased interest and usability of modern day lock activation systems and added a much desired component to home owners, dwellers and office patrons.

This new addition to the August Lock operating system, allows users to add Google Home voice controlled operations to the Smart Home products, fundamentally changing how our homes and controlled security and access products operate.

The source below, explains how to add the functionality to your Google Home product.

It adds desired functionality to the continually expanding range of products that can be integrated with Google Home.

While we still argue that some Smart Home products do not adequately protect your dwelling from unauthorised use, we believe that the use of voice-controlled "switches", should be considered a progressive forward step in modernizing our homes and offices. Arguably, voice controlled products will see the Keyless Market continue to expand and make all our lives simpler.

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Latch - $37 Million In Startup Funding Realizes Contract With AirBnB

An interesting article I read today has sparked my curiosity thanks to the well written, spelled and grammatically correct piece by it's author, Cliff Kuang.

The article tells a story about Luke Schoenfelder, a former Apple junior policy wonk working in their Washington DC office.

Apparently Luke decided, about 4 years ago, to get involved with a startup that was aiming to enter the already crowded IoT (Internet of Things)  Smart-Lock market with an especially new designed product by talented designer, Thomas Meyerhoffer called Latch.

Luke's upbringing from a large and old farm in Pennsylvania where he was reared, motivated him to become somewhat of an infrastructure geek, as he describes himself. The article goes on to tell about his early years and why he decided to get into the Smart-Lock business. You can read more about Luke and his involvement in Latch in the source article.

There are many options today in the current consumer marketplace, offering interesting and useful attributes that are self contained in Smart-Lock products. When people think about Smart-Locks, often they might know about the August Smart-Lock product, which has been heavily marketed over the last few years and especially exciting is the recent news about August being acquired by lock industry behemoth Assa-Abloy. You can read an article we wrote recently about that here.

Luke and Thomas teamed up to produce and market the product known as Latch. The video at the top of this page was made a little over two years ago and adequately shows the concept. Thomas Meyerhoffer is reknowned as another technology engineer who worked alongside Johnny Ive, the talented design engineer for Apple and influential in many Apple products, including the iPhone, Mac and Apple TV products.

What is Latch?

KRACK - Follow Up To Last Weeks Article - More Researchers Claim Hack Will Be More Widespread Than Feared

Forbes magazine published an article yesterday, "The Internet Of Things Just Got More Unsafe To Use"

Our article, that we wrote about On October 17, 2017 has been viewed almost 3000 times since then and is causing discussion around the industry.

To quote an excerpt from the article,

“The KRACK vulnerability allows malicious actors to access a WiFi network without the password or key, observe what connected devices are doing, modify the traffic amongst them, and tamper with the responses the network’s users receive. Everyone and anything using WiFi is at risk. Computers, phones, tablets, gadgets, things. All of it. This isn’t just a flaw in the way vendors have implemented WiFi. No. It’s a bug in the specification itself.” - John Romkey, Founder of FTP Software

many more researchers are agreeing with the notion that the IoT devices might be a severe thorn in peoples sides, especially older gadgets that their manufacturers will have gone out of business and the enormous quantity of WiFi connected gadgets that just are or will be unable to accept a security patch, must number in the millions.

Many consumers, including me, are guilty of purchasing at least one or two electronic gadgets that have WiFi connectivity. None of us were ever in the know, that these products were so poorly designed and protected. How could we? But that didnt stop us from buying them and opening our security up to question.

The article goes on to suggest that NOW is the time to disconnect those "unpatched" devices and upgrade to more secure products.

I feel it is very convenient that so many products are doomed to be scrapped and consumers will need to purchase new and expensive gadgets to replace them. Convenient for the legions of gadget manufacturers who will cash in on this "hack" to sell you their next greatest, you beaut, fandangled contraption that "promises" better security.

At this point, we consumers are almost compelled to purchase the new product, especially if the security and safety of our loved ones or our colleagues is important to us.

The Forbes article is in the source below...

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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.

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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.

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

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***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....

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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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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

Yale Conexis L1 - A New Smartphone Enabled Access Control Locking System

Yale, the ages old company and inventor of the modern day pin tumbler principle, the same name for which the world reknowned university was named, in recent years has seen it's original premise and products be modified and expanded to encapsulate more diverse fields, including (but not limited to) trucks, forklifts, golf-buggy's, etc.

Yale, once known as the leader in residential, commercial and institutional security products, are continuing to press the boundaries of the digital revolution with the introduction of the Conexis L1 electronic, wireless access control product.

Part of their Real Living genre of products, Yale have decided that their foray deeper into the modern digital era involves eliminating the very product for which their name was made famous.
The Key.

While many consumers agree that the convenience aspect of modern day access control products is most likely the primary aim, statistical analysis conducted by many agencies using multiple surveys and other data gathering techniques, reveal that the humble mechanical key is still a highly sought after feature desired.

Removing the mechanical key component does help to produce more competitively priced products, but can be an impediment to sales because electronics failure or electronic malfunction cannot be mitigated using a mechanical key, in an emergency or urgency.

Yes, battery technology continues to improve and the long term future for electronic wireless - battery powered products is intriguing. I do suggest that companies need to continue to include high quality mechanical key overide systems with their new products, to offer the consumer the continuing benefits mechanical brings.

The video below shows typical installation for the Yale Conexis L1 in the UK.



In America we are getting to see many similar types of door locks offering the atrium type of mechanism. Companies like Pella, Anderson, Peachtree etc, have been bringing in these modern and stylish types of doors, in excess of 25 years now and the market for these types of doors continue to evolve. Many customers enjoy the quality and convenience offered by these styles and types of doors.
HOWEVER.......

Tapplock - Padlock Of The Future Here Today

Tapplock is a unique padlock product released recently that offers biometric access control as well as bluetooth smartphone access control.

Unique in design, the manufacturer says the internal battery is designed to last 3 years between charges. Tapplock have produced a few different models since the release of their initial product, including a version with replaceable batteries (about 6 month life cycle).

Modern access control solutions are slowly converting to multiple authentication protocols, where a user might use their fingerprint and a combination or key to operate their product. Other types of multi-authentication might include the presence of your smartphone to enable a combination or key to work.

Check out the video above for this intelligent product and purchase options in the source below.

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C.Q.R.I.T. - Key Control On Steroids

I happened to stop into my local supplier IDN Hoffman in Creve Coeur the other day when in walks Scott with Ian Cooke in from Canberra, Australia with CIC Technology.

Now, two Aussies in St Louis is a rare treat in the same room. We got to chin-wagging and he introduced me to this fabulous Australian designed and manufactured C.Q.R.iT range of electronic key cabinets and lockers. He opened the door and there was a Bilock key inside. We are the leading Bilock Extreme Security dealer in the Midwest. We have continually dealt in Bilock products for 25+ years worldwide.

The first version is the key cabinet above.

The locker here is state of the art.

Especially tailored to hospitals, schools, colleges, car dealerships, institutions, corporate security is now enhanced to it's finest.

Watch the video to understand the benefits of key control and how it helps you.




The options are endless with this multi-authentication product.

(source...http://www.cictechnology.com/)

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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Breaking News - Lockwood To Release Keyed Pocket Door Lock To Suit 1-3/4" Doors

Breaking News!! Lockwood Australia, the Assa-Abloy manufacturer of the leading door hardware products in the southern hemisphere will release this coming July, 2016, another adaption of their fabulous Keyed Pocket Door Lock.

The Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock (pictured above) has been on the market about 5 years now and our sales have continued to be stellar in the wider North American market.

Many discerning customers, across the Americas have realized that once in a while a product surfaces that changes the world. Remember Apple's iPhone? or Google's Android OS? Many modern manufacturers capitalized on the Google owned operating system releasing competing smart-phone products in the mobile/cellular phone arena.

We started selling the fabulous Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock a little over 5 years ago and have enjoyed stellar sales, thank you.

As shown in the video on our sister site, the ease of installation of this superbly designed product, answers the needs of many customers hoping to secure their cavity/pocket doors.

We have happily sold many hundreds of this product over the last 5 years and so far, luckily, we are yet to receive any negative reviews. Yes, we have honored the warranty twice for people who have chosen to return the product for a refund. We have once had to provide an extra strike plate because of an installation error. We have done so, because we believe in our product offerings and feel our reputation for quality is proven by the products and services we provide.

Lockwood made me aware recently of their intention to finally release an identical version of the Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock but for 45mm/1-3/4" thick doors, answering the call from a great many inquiries to that effect.

They anticipate a late July, 2016 release and we are hoping to have inventory around September or October 2016.

Stay tuned for updates. We will release additional news as soon as it comes to hand.

iLOQ NFC - World's First NFC Powered Wireless Battery-Less Lock Cylinder System

About 5-1/2 years ago, we posted an article on this site about the fabulous iLOQ lock system

Recent news from this forward thinking Finnish company, introduces the world to their latest invention. An NFC (near field communication) powered, wireless and battery-less lock cylinder system.

This advancement in mechanical cylinder technology, changes things for homeowners, institutions, hospitals, office buildings, doctors surgeries and almost anywhere a mechanical key lock can exist.

The iLOQ system is unique and different to other manufacturers creations that predominantly use hard wired or battery powered electronic power systems to provide access control.

As shown in the video below, the iLOQ technology is state of the art and can be applied to small, medium and even large complex key systems.




iLOQ introduced their new product, a couple of days ago at Cebit 2016 in Hanover, Germany.
The product changes the playing field for many smartphone users in that now you can control entry to authorized (NFC) phone users like Android and (soon to be included) Apple smartphone products. (see the NFC video after the break)

Following the impressive key powered original system with this new NFC powered product is considered a natural evolution in this unique technology.

Meroni Combina - Character Personified

Meroni Combina

Combina is becoming known as the new flagship product for Serrature Meroni with it's modern appeal and wide variety of color choices, materials, even company embossed personalized logos on door knobs.


We posted a video on the front page of the Meroni section here, that was taken at a trade show upon it's introduction.


There are so many and varied color options with this fabulous product, we will try to include as many as possible below. 
With Meroni Combina, you can choose the color and material of the bottom part of the handle, separate from the top cover. Top covers can be embossed with a company logo or personalized design that will differentiate you from other companies and homes and can even add a unique personal touch that your customers, colleagues and guests will appreciate.


The Meroni Combina product line has been developed into 3 distinct styles. Colori, Idee and Stile

Meroni Combina COLORI Bottom Body Matte Chrome Code: US26D Material:Zinc Alloy Color: Satin Chrome Dark Grey Code:DG Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Dark Grey Matte Nickel Code:US15 Material:Zinc Alloy Color: Matte Nickel Top Cover Rubber Blue Code:LB Material: Resin Color:Rubber Blue Rubber Dark Green Code:GG Material:Resin Color:Rubber Dark Green Rubber Orange Code:OR Material:Resin Color:Rubber Orange Rubber Red Code:LR Material:Resin Color:Rubber Red Blue Code:BV Material:Resin Color:Blue Yellow Code:GP Material:Resin Color:Yellow Lobster Red Code:AV Material:Resin Color:Lobster Red Amaranth Metal Code:AM Material:Resin Color:Amaranth Metal Application code: K11 Usage: For passageways Both pushbuttons are always available as free passage. Application code: K12 Usage: For bathrooms Locks with push-button that turns on the occupancy indicator if provided. It can be opened on the outside with an emergency key, screwdriver or other similar tool. Application code: K13 Usage: For entrances and offices It can be locked or unlocked on the outside with the key, on the inside with push-button. Application code: K14 Usage: For entrances and offices Outside knob without pushbutton with security plate. Opens only with key. Inside pushbutton always available as free passage. Application code: K15 Usage: For entrances and offices The key from the outside or from the inside locks or unlocks both pushbuttons. Application code: K17 Usage: For classrooms and offices It can be locked or unlocked on the outside with the key. Inside pushbutton always available as free passage. Application code: K24 Usage: For hotel rooms Outside knob without pushbutton, opens only with key. The push-button turns on the occupancy indicator if provided.

Meroni Combina IDEE Bottom Body Polished Chrome Code:US26 Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Polished Chrome Polished Gold Code:US3 Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Polished Gold Matte Gold Code:4K Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Matte Gold PVD Black Code:TN Material:Zinc Alloy Color: PVD Black Top Cover Polished Chrome Code:US26 Material:Resin Color:Polished Chrome Polished Gold Code:US3 Material:Resin Color:Polished Gold Maple Code:RA Material:Resin Color:Maple Polished Veneer Code:RR Material:Resin Color:Polished Veneer Wenge Code:RW Material:Resin Color:Wenge Acid Green Code:VA Material:Resin Color:Acid Green Pearl Green Code:VP Material:Resin Color:Pearl Green

Meroni Combina STILE Bottom Body Black Code:NE Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Black Dark Grey Code:DG Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Dark Grey Natural Aluminum Code:NA Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Natural Aluminum White Code:BO Material:Zinc Alloy Color:White Top Cover White Code:BO Material:Zinc Alloy Color:White Clear Grey Code:CG Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Clear Grey Dark Grey Code:DG Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Dark Grey Black Code:NE Material:Zinc Alloy Color:Black Light Blue Code:AZ Material:Resin Color:Light Blue Green Code:VV Material:Resin Color:Green

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Meroni Premiapri Combina

$18.00

Body Type:  COLORIIDEE (+$7.00)STILE (+$9.00) Function:  PassagePrivacy (Bathroom)Entry Hotel EntryStoreroomDouble CylinderDummy Body Color:  Matte Chrome (+$45.00)Dark Grey (+$45.00)Matte Nickel (+$45.00)Polished Chrome (+$45.00)Polished Gold (+$45.00)Matte Gold (+$45.00)PVD Black (+$55.00)Black (+$50.00)Dark Grey (+$55.00)Natural Aluminum (+$65.00)White (+$65.00) Cover Color:  Rubber Blue (+$6.00)Rubber Dark Green (+$6.00)Rubber Orange (+$9.00)Rubber Red (+$9.00)Blue (+$9.00)Yellow (+$9.00)Lobster Red (+$12.00)Acid Green (+$12.00)Light Blue (+$9.00)Green (+$9.00)Amaranth Metal (+$12.00)Pearl Green (+$12.00) Rose:   Black Nylon Rose (+$4.00)Metal ALIA Rose (+$10.00) Latch Mechanism:  60mm Latch (2 3/8"), Square Edged (+$6.00)60mm Latch (2 3/8")Round Edged (+$8.00)70mm Latch (2 3/8")Square Edged (+$7.00)70mm Latch (2 3/4")Round Edged (+$9.00)80mm Latch (3")Square Edged (+$8.00)80mm Latch (3")Round Edged (+$10.00)127mm Latch (5") Square Edged (+$10.00)127mm Latch (5") Round Edged (+$12.00) Strike Plate:  Square Edged (+$3.00)Round Edged (+$4.00)

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