Kwikset Smartkey - More Problems

Kwikset Smartkey Problems is one of the leading search engine keywords that brings people to this site.

Many people get to this page and leave a comment or read other pages within.

Mark Tobias and his team of researchers just released an updated story (see Source below) about a new hack that renders the security of almost any Kwikset, Baldwin or Weiser lock system, that essentially use the Smartkey platform, easily defeated with virtually no damage.

I am not sure how long the video will be active, but if you are a Kwikset Smartkey owner or are contemplating buying one, you really need to be made aware of this products shortcomings.

(source...)

Schlage Primus and Similar High Security Key Profiles Beaten By 3D Printing

Schlage, one of this countries most well known hardware and lock manufacturers and creator of the High Security Primus key systems must be reeling from news released yesterday that a team of MIT researchers have written a simple program to decipher a Primus (and similar types) key from a photograph and send the information to a 3D printer to enable duplication of these once-thought of restricted key systems. (see the source below)

The Schlage Primus key system, once thought by locksmiths across the country to be non-duplicatable, and also identified a couple of years ago as NOT Bump Resistant, faces one of the biggest threats to it's platform with the public release of this breaking news story.

In many states across the country, Schlage convinced locksmith companies to take on their own outright keyways and dealer codes, to corner their own market preventing duplication of keys by hardware stores, cookie key cutters, shoe repairers and gas stations. Little did we know that Schlage were simply sharing key profiles across state, sometimes county lines and in some cicumstances sharing side pin codes (dealer codes) across state lines. The whole agreement appeared very shady, indeed.

3D printing technology has grown from it's infancy and is now being seen and used by small to medium sized manufacturing businesses.

UPS are rolling out a trial 3D printer in some stores in San Diego, hoping to cash in on the opportunity for customers to 3D print a sample or spare part of their choice.

With access to many print stores across the country, the potential loss to current Schlage Primus dealers could be huge. It means that virtually any Primus key holder could get a copy made for less than $5 at their local print store. Dont think for a minute, that the large players in stationery and printing like Staples, Office Depot and the like, with super large budgets wont get in on the action of on demand 3D printing. Hardware big box stores like Lowes and Home Depot will jump in too and offer 3D printing in their one-stop franchises.

Other brands that use a similar system to Primus, include Medeco, Scorpion, Twin and some other brands.

This realization that your key system is not actually secure as you expected will mean that you will need to find systems that do as intended. Our Bilock Extreme Security Key Systems are carefully designed to prevent unauthorised duplication and with the introduction of the 13th element, a trigger mechanism that is interactive, 3D printing of a useable key is just not possible (at this time).

Bilock is well known worldwide for being a premium quality high-security restricted key system that outperforms virtually all other systems. It's unique keyway and pinning system, combined with state of the art side-bar technology and interchangeable core functionality and color coded key heads, makes it a formidable partner in the security of your home and business.

We are the largest provider of Bilock Systems in the Mid-West, using state of the art master key software to create, design and build our own systems. We have nearly 25 years international experience in the product line and have installed many of the most complex systems to universities, hospitals, private schools, casino's and hotels across the world.

(source...)

Firstwatch Securemote - Advanced Bluetooth Garage Entry Product

Residential and Commercial security products is my main focus in business, but products that provide convenience and security while being aesthetically pleasing is very rare, indeed.

The Securemote product by First Watch Security  is one such device that is making waves through the residential security market.

The product is an advanced Bluetooth controller that is designed to connect alongside your existing automatic garage door or gate and provide authorised access control from most modern smartphones.

Intelligently designed with the home owner in mind, the product shines where previous entrants failed.
View the video after the jump for more information and a simply explained installation and programming guide.

Georgia Imposes Hefty Fine On Rogue Trader Posing As Locksmith

CBS Atlanta 46



The State Of Georgia has imposed a hefty fine against another rogue sheister posing as a locksmith company and blatantly ripping off consumers in the Atlanta and surrounding suburbs.

Hot on the heels of that #ABC The Lookout expose, aired on prime time TV a couple of months ago, that showed another rogue trader performing the identical scam, this time the authorities have slapped a noteworthy fine.

But, unfortunately he is not out of business completely. He is still allowed to trade, although he has supposedly agreed to make his business practices more transparent.

It is most unfortunate that the American consumer marketplace is being attacked by these foreign, often middle eastern people who come here to escape their oppressive and repressive societies. Why do they not try to meld into the fabric of American society? Become honest, hardworking and respectable community members and reap the benefits of friendship and comeradery that most Americans share.

(source...)

Bentley, Audi, Lamborghini, Porsche and other Automobile Brands Security Weakness Discovered - But Covered Up

Megamos Cryptology, the science behind the electronic security of transponders for most vehicle systems available worldwide and preferred by many of the larger automobile manufacturers, has been cracked.

Scientists from the University of Birmingham, had planned to release their new whitepaper at the Usenix Security Symposium in Washington DC in August until a last minute high court injunction by the UK.
Volkswagen, one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers and the principal litigant, claimed the scientific discovery's publication could severely impact the security of vehicles, including four of their luxury car brands, Porsche, Bentley, Audi and Lamborghini.

The scientists involved argued that the technology responsible for leading to their discovery, called "chip slicing", has been available on the internet since 2009. Essentially, chip slicing is like reverse engineering technology, which has been used for many years by countries that do not respect patent laws, to build often cheaper, inferior versions of electronic gadgets and sell to the wider markets.

The argument, the scientists put forward, that insider knowledge (industry and criminal) of the methods to determine a vehicles security weakness should be tabled to potential buyers and current owners of automobiles, was dismissed by the High Court, who sided with Volkswagen. Mr Justice Birss said he recognized the scientists right to publish, but it will mean "that car crime will be facilitated".

(source...)

Sargent G1.5 - Serious Stand Alone Access Control Product With Unique RF Remote Lockdown

The Sargent G1.5 Cylindrical lock is a part of their Profile series of products.

The product pictured here is actually the Mortise lock version and is considerably more expensive but the cylindrical version is essentially the same design except the key cylinder overide is in the body of the lever instead of the body of the controller and it uses a standard tubular latch backset.

The product has been designed and built from the ground up, in consultation with many school administrators, maintenance and facilities managers and school security experts.

Many of these discussions have taken place because of the unusual increase in school related invasions and murders in recent years.

The Sargent G1.5 is a hard wired access control product that allows for up to 2000 users. It also has a 2000 event history that can be used for audit trail benefits. There is a data transfer port to enable acquiring audit trail data or installing new access codes.

The fabulous remote RF activator allows a teacher to be 75 feet away and lock the door, disabling all entry codes except an administrator, in case of an emergency lockdown. (see video below)

Push, Pull, Rotate - Brinks Locksets Take On The Fabulous Meroni Premiapri Mechanism

We are the North American distributors for the high quality Serrature Meroni product line, which includes a wide range of nouveau push/pull and press button lock sets that require no twisting of the wrist or clenched fist grasping of a knob or lever to operate a door lock.

The 2012 International Building Code states in section B 1008.1.9.1 Door Operations; Hardware:

"Door handles, pulls, latches, locks and other operating devices on doors required to be accessible by Chapter 11 of the International Building Code, shall not require tight grasping, tight pinching or twisting of the wrist to operate."

Brinks, a well known manufacturer of light duty security deadbolts, padlocks and entrance hardware recently introduced their new Push, Pull, Rotate line of door entry sets, that are a new take on the successful Meroni product line, available throughout Europe since the early 1970's. Fundamentally different in their design, from the Meroni, these handle sets offer another look at the convenience of the push/pull mechanism but with the addition of a twisting option.

Essentially, Meroni lock sets exceed the International Building Code requirements for entry and egress. The product line is considered in line with Grade 1 hardware found in the USA, although has not yet applied for such status, keeping the product line moderately priced.

The Brinks product displayed in the above video is exclusively available at Lowes hardware stores and is relatively inexpensive.

The quality of the Meroni product line is significantly stronger and this is felt in the weight and feel of the product. Meroni products are available in a significantly larger range of finishes and color options.

Most municipalities and states and counties have adopted and ratified (or are about to) the 2012 International Building Code, as the core guidelines for construction, renovations or refurbishment of dwellings and public use buildings throughout the world. Compliance to these core principles means that your building contractor accepts and adopts their responsibility for life safety as a fundamental principal in their business.

Molson Beer Fridge - Canadian Security At It's Finest

The Molson Brewing Company, a well known Canadian brewer, recently released a novel advertising campaign across Europe to showcase their brand of beverage.

The reason we include it here is because they have designed a fridge that will only open with a Canadian passport.


An interesting and novel approach to securing your most prized collection of Canadian lager.

(video after the jump)