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 In this case, it appears that the correct key was withdrawn upside down, causing the internal parts to dislodge.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.