Most Popular Posts This Week

Pictured to the left here are the statistics for the past week of the most popular posts of the week.

In order of popularity they are:

Kwikset Smartkey Problems

Schlage Securekey Problems

Schlage Securekey Fault

How Much Does It Cost To Change Locks?

Mebeam Now Koowy

Pocket Door Locks With A Key - UPDATE

Breaking News Bilock For Kwikset

How Much Does It Cost To Change A Lock

Bilock - Key Of The Future, Here Today

We have been asked a few times to show the most popular posts of all time according to our Google Analytics data. This will happen in a follow up post.

Breaking News - Bilock For Kwikset

8.00am EST Breaking News... Bilock announce final testing of a new replacement cylinder especially designed for Emtek, Baldwin and Kwikset Door Locks.

The ability for discerning customers to maintain the same hardware is a key motivator and cost savings factor to be considered, when updating to a 100% bump proof and virtually pick proof system that enables authorized signature controlled keys.

Bilock are constantly designing solutions aimed at reducing the customers cost for maintaining higher levels of physical security. To do so without largely buying new hardware is a chore that many competitors in the market are incapable of matching without complete hardware replacement.

By making use of Bilock's patented Quick Change Core system, you can increase the security of your existing door lock at the same time as having a self-rekeyable lock system.

We are expecting a test model shortly and will report more details later. Stay tuned.

Mebeam Now Koowy

A little over 3 years ago, we wrote about a phenomenal new technology (at the time) that allowed for multi-user video web conferencing online for no cost.

see Mebeam Web-Cam Chat For Upto 18 Users

and Mebeam Teleconferencing

Mebeam has since evolved into a newer product that has been streamlined into a way more efficient and easier to use system called Koowy.

While, not too dissimilar to the original version of Mebeam, the backend workings have been significantly strengthened and improved.

Koowy is aptly named I think. Imagine that typical Australian call sign "Cooee" explained here and you may understand where the naming comes from.

Why do I post this knowledge here? Because I believe that security and communications technology are distant cousins. Video surveillance is still an increasing demand industry and using online telecommunications technology to hold one on one or small group video conferencing meetings, can significantly reduce costs for companies or individuals wishing to meet in person with a potential customer or acquaintance, who may be located in a different timezone or destination.

I have tested the product with my Android powered Samsung Epic 4G and while it will work better with the impending Froyo update, it still is able to receive the video feed on my phone (provided you use a flash accepting browser like Skyfire). Being Flash based, reduces the need for installing dedicated software on your chosen device.

I eagerly look forward to testing it out after the Sprint Samsung Epic 4G Froyo update, coming very soon.

Crime Statistics Creve Coeur, MO 30 days to 11/11/10

Pictured here is a mud-map of the crime statistics for Creve Coeur, MO for 30 days ending 11/11/10.

Alarm Response - 163

Break & Enter - 7

Property Crime - 30

Theft - 52

Total = 252 Crimes.

We tailor our results to show just the four categories above. 

New Hidden Camera Report Exposes Another Locksmith Scam

Colorado is not immune to the legions of fraudulent locksmith companies, employing foreign (often illegal) workers, using the classic "bait and switch" tactics.

These companies have been running rampant across America for the last 3-5 years. The above report is from a few days ago, but clearly shows that these people will stop at nothing to rip you off.

Very few locksmith companies can afford to spend what some of these companies spend on advertising in any given month. Locally, I personally know of 2 similar companies that spend between $10,000 and $15,000 each month to be located across the top of all the search engines in the hope to pick up the unsuspecting consumer in need. $10,000 is a lot of money to spend on advertising and it's no wonder they try to charge as much as possible. They are not locals, they are not even trained in the locksmith trade. They are often foreign nationals on leave after completing their national service (of their home country), are put into private unmarked cars, with tools they do not know how to use.

The locksmith trade, across the country is reeling from the affects of these people. Many long established mom and pop companies are having to wind down operations, retrench staff and cut costs to remain solvent. This is primarily due to the influx of scam operators across the country.

In the 2000 census, there were 26,000 locksmiths known in the USA. In NYC, there are 40,000 advertisements online and in the book, this year. If you look at Google Maps, there are usually 20 or more at just about every intersection.

In Saint Louis, there are about 15 total locksmith shops across the greater metropolitan area and about 20 legitimate (known) mobile operators, yet just looking at the listings online or in the directories, you would think that there are considerably more.

(source...)

Lokk Latch Pro - Another Aussie Innovation

An Australian product is making it's mark across the world. The Lokk Latch Pro is a superb constructed product that effectively secures almost any gate on any commercial or residential property.

This product can also be keyed to Bilock Extreme Security products.

Simple effective security at affordable prices.

Door Jamb Armor - Installation difficulty

D

Door Jamb Armor is a great product! No doubt. I personally do not sell it. I believe it is advertised as a DIY product, however as the above video shows, it is not so easy. Even the so called experts have trouble.

Wireless Parrot Door Bell

Now this is a product that will tickle the fancy of many a bird lover or others who like unusual and unique gadgets.

The Wireless Parrot Door Bell is something that can provide endless enjoyment and joy to all who visit your front door or entry way.

It will give off bird sounds or up to 6 seconds of pre-recorded sounds, enabling a very unique and different attraction to potential visitors.

(source...)

Facial Recogniton Technology tested by US Dept Of Homeland Security

We began selling an imported Facial Recognition device earlier this year and have been testing it for the last few months. It is surprisingly accurate.

Now, a report surfaces that the US Department of Homeland Security recently conducted it's own test of some technology produced by NEC.

In the benchmark test, the 2D technology produced results like 92% accuracy from a criminal database of 1.6 million persons and a 95% accuracy from a database of visa applicants.

NEC says they largely focus on an individual’s eyes, mouth, or nose, while largely ignoring certain other features, for example the eyebrows. The Nikkei (Japan’s leading business daily) tested the technology just recently if it’s able to recognize the face of an NEC researcher through photos that were taken in 1987 and 2010.

NEC now expects the technology to be used for crime investigations or immigration control, for example. (source...)

Our product sells for about $480 and can be used as an interface for access control. You can use it like a time clock/attendance system, control access to secure facilities or specifically to ensure your employees are arriving at work (not getting a work mate to sign them in).

ADT Employs Scare Tactics in Chile

ADT the alarm company, known worldwide as a leading vendor in monitoring services recently employed advertising company DDB in Chile to promote their products to homeowners.

DDB decided to create a cardboard box with the company's advertising slogan printed, to be slipped under prospective customers doors.

The box, folded flat, springs to life after being inserted underneath the front entry door. This is to startle the homeowner into realising that their home is not secure.

Printed on the box, "Breaking into your apartment is easier than you think"

In truth of course, no break ins occurred. But do you consider this good advertising?

Scary, how some peoples minds work!

(source...)

In & Out. A New Design For The Push/Pull Handle

Jeon Hwan Soo, a student at SADI (Samsung Art & Design Institute) recently designed an innovative adaption to the panic exit device seen widely throughout the world.

Current panic exit device hardware, produced by varying manufacturers, conforms to an industry accepted design that is over 40 years old.

This new concept, allows a user to immediately know how to operate the hardware. It is simple, yet functional and reasonably easy on the eyes.

The simplicity of this design, allows for installation into a wide variety of door styles including narrow stile door frames and regular stile frames.

Installation is to the body of the door, allowing the door's construction to house all parts.

The construction of the hardware is straightforward, using springs that effectively return the inside and outside operators to original position, efficiently and effectively.

Redesigning the age old panic exit hardware is a challenge that many designers are constantly investigating to enable all people an easier experience to operate.

(source...)

The Lockwood 001 Classic

I trained initially as a locksmith in Australia. I completed a four year apprenticeship in gruelling conditions, apprenticed in 3 different companies over the course of four years.

When I began in 1983, the most common lock found on people's doors was the common nightlatch. Key operated on the outside with a turnbutton inside.

Not terribly secure but very efficient in operation. Lockwood Australia, owned at the time by Ogden Industries, had begun to change the face of the residential door market with the introduction of the Lockwood 001 deadlatch.

Significant improvements over the last 30 years have seen this product evolve and continue to be the most sought after physical door security product in the southern hemisphere.

The current version is designed to comply with the international building code's escape laws. Using an upgraded mechanism that enables the interior knob to be unlocked with the outside keyhole and for the inside knob to display it's locked or unlocked condition with a visible notification. The lock still provides for double cylinder protection. It installs to the door rim mounted (surface mounted). Is held on with 6 screws to the door. The strike plate is also surface mounted held on with 6 long screws that actually prevent door frame casing failure.

This product is still the leading deadlock on the market in the southern hemisphere and has proven itself repeatedly as the best of brands for it's function, design, and ease of use.

Now if we just convince northern hemispherians to use the product, perhaps the crime rate here would decrease.

(source...)

Nexion Vision

Lockwood Australia, owned by Assa-Abloy Asia Pacific, announced this stylish addition to the Nexion Classic, called the Nexion Vision.

The Nexion Vision electronic keyless lockset represents the next generation in home security. This stylish lockset combines the security of an automatic deadlatch with added safety features, plus the convenience of keyless operation using the Q-Key remote control.

The Nexion Vision Keyless Entry Lockset is battery operated, and emits an audible and visual confirmation of activation by the Q-Key remote control. The Q-Key has a range of up to three metres and uses the latest in encrypted rolling code technology for the highest security possible. Additional Q-Key remotes can easily be programmed by following a simple sequencing procedure. Should the Q-Key remote ever be misplaced, the lockset can be manually operated with a key.

Features

• Keyless entry using Q-Key (remote control)
• Fully encrypted rolling codes
• Safety features include SafetyRelease to minimise the risk of being locked in and Lockout Release
• Simple programming sequence to add or disable Q-keys and has a range of up to 3 metres
• The lockset provides both audible and visual confirmation of electronic activation. The Locksets mode is shown by LockAlert.

LockAlert
The Nexion Vision also has the unique Lockwood LockAlert status indicator that shows at a glance the lockset mode. The lockset can operate in three modes: Secure Mode, Safety Mode and Passage Mode.

Secure Mode (Red) Handles securely locked from both inside and outside

Safety Mode (Yellow) Handles securely locked from outside and free from the inside

Passage Mode (Green) Handles free from both inside and outside

(source...)

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).

(source...)

Schlage Securekey Fault

Was called to a real estate agents listing to gain entry, due to a supposedly faulty lock and this is what I found. (I apologise for the sideways video - still getting used to the camera)

I walked up to the door and found this exact scenario. A brand new Schlage Securekey deadbolt installed. The agent indicated that their key (inside the box) was not working. They needed entry and repair/replace.

Having seen the same entry technique used on Kwikset Smartkey locks, I thought I'd try the same technique.

Lo and behold!

Of course I replace the lock with a better quality lock (which by the way was considerably more competitively priced).

See Also:

Schlage Securekey Bumped

EDIT** 10/25/10

We dissected the faulty product to determine what failed. In this case, it appears that the correct key was withdrawn upside down, causing the internal parts to dislodge. The core is composed of pot metal combined with plastic. One of the two sidebars was worn out. I suggest this lock was no more than 2 weeks old.

EDIT** 11/04/10

Significant interest has been generated by this post recently. I should point out, that it could be that this particular product might have been faulty and might not necessarily be an across the board indictment against all the Schlage Securekey hardware line. I have heard recently of similar problems experienced by other users, but I cannot verify the accuracy of those comments.

EDIT** 11/07/10

I am receiving a significant quantity of hits here searching for master keying availability of Schlage Securekey products. Schlage Securekey products CANNOT be master keyed. It is physically impossible to key the locks to more than one different key.

Rosslare Biometric Solutions - A Cut Above

I came across a particularly reputable company that manufactures some of the best quality hardware in the industry. Rosslare is widely known, worldwide as a leading provider of specialist security products. The explanation below is from their site with the link in the source.

When considering upgrading your security, please consider this company as their approach to the market is borne from integrity, cost effectiveness, value for money and honesty.

The Mifare Fingerprint MOC Family uses a swipe biometric sensor to instantly verify fingerprint data with up to two biometric templates stored in the Mifare card, ideal for highly secured facilities as well as other facilities that wish to heightens their security level. By storing the data only on a Mifare Contactless card and not on a PC or other less secure databases, privacy is preserved. The unit’s superior and compact designs allow installation in the most elegant of places. The readers are compatible with almost any access control system.

The Mifare Fingerprint readers are small, elegant, accurate, swift, and cost effective; they provide a high level of security and preserve users' privacy.

The reader scans biometric data stored in a specific protected sector within a Mifaresmartcard, it then compares the data with a swiped finger and, once if verified, sends the card ID to a connected controller. This reader is compatible with most common Wiegand and Clock & Data formats, and can replace existing readers to save installation and migration costs.

Configuration and user cards are created using Rosslare’s Smart Card programmer (CP-R25) and AS-B01 PC software application.

These products have the capability of being customized for most major projects.

Main Features

• Advanced, secure, multi-application functionality for intelligent installations

• Unlimited number of users

• Unique and reliable Match-On-Card technology

• Designed for indoor use (swipe sensor protection required for outdoor use)

• Easy to deploy in the field with the configuration card (Master card) for secure sector reading of data from the sectors

• Configurable multi output format, supports

Wiegand 26-bit format and many more • Compatible with CP-R25 USB Desktop Card

Programmer and fingerprint enrollment • PC software for Master and User Cards configuration (AS-B01)

ADVANCED FEATURES

• Reads Mifare® ISO14443 Type A, Standard cards

• Optical tamper sensor for case and wall tamper detection

• Fully compatible with Mifare® 1K and 4K credentials:

o AT-T512 (1K ISO card)

o AT-T513 (4K ISO card)

o AT-T515 (1K tag)

• Configuration card allows setting of:

o Format

o Input control

o Lockout parameters

o Secret keys (KeyA)

I am not enamoured with many of the biometric fingerprint solutions available in todays marketplace, yet I think I many have finally found a worthy solution from a reputable provider.

(source...)

Are your keys safe from copying?

I have been in the locksmith business for many years, but recently, information has been leaked by unsavoury characters keen on exploiting weaknesses in any locking system and delivering that information into the wider marketplace.

If the recent video releases of how to make and use a bump key is not enough, an enterprising person decided to publish the above video to Youtube.

It is vital and important to the safety of your home/office and family/colleagues, that your entry keys are not handled by untrustworthy people.

Are you sure you can trust everyone who may have or had access to your keys?

The above video shows clearly how simple a would be burglar can compromise your security. Would be burgalrs might be anyone. They could be your co-worker, your daughters boyfriend etc.

Our signature product Bilock, prevents unauthorised duplication or creation of keys in the methods shown above. All keys are created as originals and individually embossed. Proprietary machinery is required to produce keys, preventing any person from making keys without correct authority.

Many of our competitors cannot provide an equal sense of security.

Master Key Matrix Plan

Designing master key systems is an art that the locksmith trade perfected over a hundred years ago. In fact many modern encryption methods, generally use the basis of understanding in master key system design to guide developers in their encryption designs.

Pictured here, is a small keying matrix from one of the master key systems I recently designed, manufactured, built and installed for a client.

Across the top, in numerical descending order is the list of doors.

The vertical column displays each key in the system. The "X" marks the corresponding doors that each key operates.

Designing master key systems is not a difficult task, if the manager making the request provides the locksmith with a correct keying matrix.

The key column displays the key number, but I often ask the client to simply write down all employees names and then mark the doors they need access to. I then proceed to create a system that enables an individual key for each employee. If that person were to no longer be employed and they did not return their key, the manager could remove that name from the system without requiring to replace all the other employees keys. This cost saving is huge, because new keys do not to be issued, just the one key that is lost.

When requiring to add additional people to the system a new key can be added easily without affecting other users.

Essentially, I try to ask clients to graphically indicate who needs to open which door. I am not interested in the time of entry, the ability to draw data from entering or time-clock operations, the extra benefits that an electronic, key-less access control system offers.

I was chatting with a leading security industry consultant a few days back and he mentioned that any security system requires the mechanical back up to support the electronic or wireless access control systems, out there.

"People require efficient maintenance free mechanical access to entry's, in case of an emergency. All commercial and residential properties need to be aware that while electronic security products are everywhere, they are prone to faults due to power or lack thereof."

A mechanical system is often easier to control and less expensive. Maintenance is significantly easier and often the costs associated with maintenance, less.

Master keying can be done in many brands currently on the market. However, products like Kwikset Smartkey or Schlage Securekey cannot be master keyed.

Our Bilock extreme security systems are the perfect product to provide up to 16 million keys. That enables each member of your organization, secured access as you see fit for each person. If they leave, it is only one key that needs to be removed - theirs. An individual key and a swipe card that you wear on your work clothes now are identical. Swipe cards are relatively easy to duplicate, Bilock keys are not.

When you want the best, to secure your property, with the most convenient access and control. Bilock is one of the better choices.

(Coming soon Galaxy)

Wheelie Bin Gravity Lock - Additional Pictures

Our recent post on Gravity Lid Locks has generated significant interest. Especially from apartment complexes and city councils.

There appears to be an increasing scavenger problem in many towns and cities, where trash is being picked through before it gets to the tip/dump.

We now include some additional pictures of what and how the lock works and operates.

Here you can see the lid closed and the keyhole in the front body.

The locks here are available master keyed, keyed alike, keyed to differ, keyed in batches etc.

View from above.

(Price On Application)

Survey Time

We would really appreciate some feedback to discover the merits of some new product offerings and to learn more about customers.

Please take the time to fill in this short survey. Thank you.

Create your free online surveys with SurveyMonkey, the world's leading questionnaire tool.

Facebook And Twitter Contribute To Rise In Property Crime

"Users of social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter have been warned by police after two men were convicted of burgling a house whose owners had advertised the fact they were away."

Do you faceoff on Facebook? Do you Tweet? If you do, it is is perhaps important to know that your movements are being watched by many people.

Mobile Cell Phone Gate Operator

The GSM Key is a new device that has been produced to enable automatic gate controls using your cell or mobile phone.

The GSM-KEY System is an advanced secured system that is based on the cellular network, The GSM-KEY system works with Caller ID and when an authorized number calls, the system will recognize the caller and open the gate, While it will not answer the call so the call will not cost anything.

How does it work?

GSM-KEY uses a professional industrial grade GSM engine that receives calls at its SIM number, as any ordinary GSM phone. You need to use any operator that operates in the 900/1800 MHz band, that is the standard in most of the world.

Example: If your SIM card phone number 35674564, that is the number you have to call to open the gate. GSM-KEY uses built-in memory where you will store the numbers of people enabled to open your gate (up to 200) When GSM-KEY receives a call, it will check the calling number and if the number is in the list, it will reject the call and open the gate.

Does it work with any electric gate?

Yes. All electric gates have a button that is used to open them. GSM-KEY has a relay contact that has to be connected to the opening button. It actually pushes the button in your place.

Does it cost anything to use my phone to open my gate?

GSM-KEY doesn't answer the call, it simply checks the caller ID. Your network must send the caller ID otherwise GSM-KEY won't work. Usually operators don't charge until you answer the call, so it won't cost you anything to open the gate with GSM-KEY.
Of course you need to have an active SIM inside it, and this may have a monthly fee regardless of the calls.
Check your local operators for these details.

What is the maximum working distance?

GSM-KEY doesn't have limitations like a normal remote control. Using a mobile phone you can open from very far away, even from another city!
It is really convenient to arrive in front of your house when the gate is already open, without having to wait in the middle of the road, isnt it?

How can I enable different phone numbers to open my gate?

To store a number, you simply send an SMS, that starts with a password, to GSM-KEY, indicating the phone number to enable, and its position in the list.
Numbers are stored in GSM-KEY memory and not on the SIM. This prevents somebody from removing the SIM to copy all the numbers into a mobile phone.
Only the one who knows the password can insert or delete enabled phone numbers.
For faster operation you can order special software to connect the GSM-KEY to your PC and input numbers.

How many different phones can open my gate?

GSM-KEY accepts up to 200 full numbers. In addition, 40 special phone numbers are available that allow entrance to the building by time and days of the week...

What else do I need besides GSM-KEY?

You need only a valid SIM card. Install GSM-KEY, insert SIM, program enabled numbers and you are ready to go.

Is it difficult to install it?

You need to connect the 2 wires that come out of the box in parallel with the Gate push button.
Connect it to AC power, insert SIM and start programming numbers (12 numbers can be programmed with only one SMS).
Installing GSM-KEY is simple for anybody with enough technical skills.

(Price On Application)

Pro-Magic Lubra-Gel UPDATE

We previously wrote about this fantastic product back in January.

The product has saved me and many customers multiple times. It lubricates and protects metal machinery and locking components, easily, effectively and economically.

Sold primarily to the heavy machinery manufacturing industry and also automobile manufacturers, the new manufacturing facility is in Detroit, MI.

We have requested supplies from the manufacturer to enable retail sales.

There has been an very high demand for this product since we first started talking about it. The manufacturer is currently a couple of months behind production and no release date has been updated.

We hope to have supplies by December.

Industrial Trash-Bin Gravity Lock

Pictured here is a typical industrial waste bin, often found near small businesses for depositing their waste.

A common problem occurring is these bins filling up with other peoples waste. Often the small business will try to secure the lid, to prevent unauthorised access to the bin. This usually requires the addition of a padlock and chain to the container, requiring the waste collector to exit their cab and open the padlock.

Not anymore, thanks to our friends at Lock Focus. They have designed and built another unique locking mechanism (pictured below) tailored to allow the security of the container but with the convenience that allows the waste collector to not exit the cab to empty it. This enables cost savings in time and storage and also the security of the container.

The lock is internally mounted with just an exposed keyhole where a 1/4 spanner lock key is used to unlock the mechanism for the small business.

When the bin is tilted forward as the collector raises it, the gravity action on the mechanism allows the lid to unlock emptying the contents of the bin. When the bin is lowered, the lock is automatically locked again.

There is an emergency release handle inside to allow for egress if necessary.

(source...)

Gravity Lid Lock

Wheelie bins are the modern method used by waste and trash collection companies for hauling garbage away from many residential neighborhoods.

Many homeowners like the style and use of roller garbage/trash recepticles because they occupy a small footprint, are usually pleasant to look at and operate, can be easily manouvered by all manners of people.

Lock Focus, a well known Australian manufacturer of specialty locking products, recently released a unique Gravity Lid Lock, purposely designed to secure the lids on wheelie bins.

Aside from the obvious, locking the lid of your wheelie bin can protect your children from accessing the trash you throw away and also prevent unwanted wild animals from being able to spread your garbage all over the street. The lid becomes key lockable. The waste collector, using the modern waste collection vehicles, does not require to exit the vehicle to unlock the lid with the unique and especially designed release mechanism. The waste collection vehicle can pick up the bin, empty the contents, automatically unlocking the lid with the gravity sensor and return it to ground, all while remaining in the cab of the truck.

(source...)

Iris Recognition Technology - The Future Of Access Control

There is absolutely no doubt that advancing technology is influencing many significant parts of our daily lives and with new products from Aoptix Technologies like the one pictured here, we will soon be seeing this advanced wizardry in everyday use.

The AOptix InSight™ VM iris recognition system takes the qualities that make the original InSight system so extraordinary and wraps them up in a new form factor that is compact and visually appealing.

It is functionally the same as the original InSight system and delivers the same unprecedented capture volume, 2 meter standoff distance, and advanced imaging and image quality metrics for outstanding ease-of-use, throughput, and matching accuracy. The VM also relies on the same deployment-tested communications interfaces, maintaining a focus on ease-of-integration and standards compliance for biometrics and ID management, IT infrastructure, and physical access control.

Form and Function

The InSight VM’s new shape isn’t just about looks. At less than 9 inches wide and deep, the VM is uniquely well suited to applications where footprint space is at a premium. We've created a system for end users, integrators, and architects that is purpose-designed for applications including:

• Immigration control programs, especially sleek installations at immigration counters
• eGates or expedited, automated immigration programs
• Checkpoint booths
• Government and corporate access control including turnstile, revolving door and standard door installations

Now, the power of the InSight iris recognition system is available to open up a new range of applications.

View the source below to visit the company's site and see a video of just how the unit works.

I suggest that the reality of total secure access control, using iris recognition technology is upon us. Perhaps the Star Trek future is becoming a reality?

I can see many positives in this kind of system, especially for companies requiring secure access to controlled locations, like vaults, computer rooms, drug storage facilities, hospital bacteria free zones, even the presidents office.

What do you think?

(source...)

Biometric iPhone Security App - Coming Soon

With new software on board, iPhone has turned into iCop that would detect whether a handset has been stolen by comparing heartbeats. Apple is developing a hi-tech gizmo, which would learn the "heart signature of the owner" and compare it to whoever was using the handset. The service would also include 007-style face and voice recognition. Software would listen to voices using the phone and compare them to records of the owner talking.

Pictures taken using the in-built camera could also identify unauthorised users.

If the owner is not recognized, the handset would be shut down and sensitive information such as address books, email, passwords and text messages would be deleted automatically.

It could also go into spy mode, recording and reporting the rogue user's activities to snare the culprit.

However, the technology can be switched off if you want to lend the phone to a pal.

"It may deter thieves from stealing these expensive handsets," News of the World quoted Jim Clark, of Mintel as saying.

(source...)

The Bullet Test - Which Padlock Is The Toughest?

A rather interesting test performed recently on behalf of Popular Mechanics, tested the quality of four brands of padlock in use across America. These four different brands of padlock are simply a selection of commonly found products in use today.

In the test, The Master branded padlocks were found to be the better quality of the four tested.

The full results of the test can be viewed in the source link below.

Do people still use Medeco these days?

(source...)

iPhone App Allows Homeowner To Witness Break In

An iPhone application helped a Dallas man, while visiting relatives hundreds of miles away in suburban Hartford, Conn., watch as two burglars broke into his home.

Vincent Hunter told WFAA-TV that he called 911 at the same time his home security system also contacted authorities.

Hunter says "we could see it unfolding."

Hunter says an iCam app, which he bought for less than $5, sent him a text message Friday afternoon alerting him that motion detectors sensed movement in his supposedly empty residence.

Hunter, who has webcams in his home, watched as two men are seen trying to break into the place. They eventually throw a brick through a glass door. The webcams, minutes later, show two police officers entering the house.

Both suspects remain at large.

This article shows that whilst electronic home security systems can be useful, they do nothing to actually protect your property. Many existing alarm companies market their products as security protection products, yet alarms have never and can never actually protect your property. Alarms are specifically designed to inform rather than protect. If you still feel the need to be informed that your property is being burglarized, then perhaps an alarm is for you. Personally I would rather install devices and products that prevent my property from being unlawfully opened in the first instance.

The only products that can prevent break ins are locks and related security protection devices. It is nice to be informed isnt it?

(source...)

2010 St. Louis Award - Press Release

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Master Key Systems America, LLC Receives 2010 St. Louis Award

U.S. Commerce Association’s Award Plaque Honors the Achievement

WASHINGTON D.C., September 10, 2010 -- For the third consecutive year, Master Key Systems America, LLC has been selected for the 2010 St. Louis Award in the Locksmiths & Keys category by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA).

The USLBA "Best of Local Business" Award Program recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country. Each year, the USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Nationwide, only 1 in 120 (less than 1%) 2010 Award recipients qualified as three-time Award Winners. Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2010 USLBA Award Program focused on quality, not quantity. Winners are determined based on the information gathered both internally by the USLBA and data provided by third parties.

About U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)

U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA) is a Washington D.C. based organization funded by local businesses operating in towns, large and small, across America. The purpose of USLBA is to promote local business through public relations, marketing and advertising.

The USLBA was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. Our organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations, chambers of commerce and other business advertising and marketing groups. Our mission is to be an advocate for small and medium size businesses and business entrepreneurs across America.

SOURCE: U.S. Local Business Association

CONTACT:
U.S. Local Business Association
Email: PublicRelations@uslbaaward.com
URL: http://www.uslbaaward.com