iPhone 5S Fingerprint Scanner Hacked - Faith In Biometric Fingerprint Control Begins To Decline

Apple's new iPhone 5S has only been out a few days now, but already some enterprizing German hackers have discovered a flaw with the biometric fingerprint access control function.
(The video after the jump shows how the hack works. )

It is no secret that I have mentioned reasonably often in the recent past about the limitations of fingerprint biometrics.

A few years ago, I was offering (what I thought was) a brilliant product that used a fingerprint scanner as the access control solution. It turns out that I couldnt have been more wrong. I discovered, through significant trial and error that biometric fingerprint scanners are faulty by design.

I think that one of the reasons that fingerprint identification became the rage, a few years ago, was because law enforcement and investigation services have been using the technology for many years to assist with forensic investigations. While it has proved to greatly assist investigators with identifying suspects, the technology must have been misinterpreted when someone thought they could use the technology as an access control solution.

After selling numerous fingerprint scanner products to concerned customers, I was disappointed to discover that most of the products available incurred serious sensitivity issues. Specifically, that people over aged 55 had enormous difficulty operating the devices unless the scanner sensitivity was turned down to zero. This directly reduced the perceived security of the devices. But that was not the only problem...

Perko Power™ - By Samuel Heath A Beautiful Concealed Adjustable Power Door Closer

The Perko-Power™ R-102 Concealed Adjustable control door closer is, in my opinion, one of the finest examples of the perfect product of it's kind.

What a sensational idea! many people really appreciate the benefits of a door closer, especially being able to close a door automatically, but most current products on the market are either surface mounted and bulky and darned ugly or are partially concealed into the top of the door or frame with an arm that extends when the door is opened.

Samuel Heath have produced a fabulous product that completely conceals an adjustable power door closer with latching action into the frame side of a door embedded into the hinge side that is 100% hidden from view.

This fabulous product should be widely sought after by building companies and door builders who seek to provide their clients with the finest products that minimize exposure, protect patrons/users while providing maintenance free conditions.

A great many visitors to this site, regularly search for the the keyword phrase "How To Repair Door Closers". This product is especially designed to enable a door to have the ability to close without the unsightly regard of ugly surface mountings.

I highly recommend this product to people seeking to improve the ambience of their doors while still enjoyng the ability to close and secure their door.

It is designed for wood or metal applications.

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David-Link Systems - Biometric Access Control Solutions Simplified

David-Link are a southern California based company specializing in biometric access control and time clock/employee attendance products and services.

They offer unique branded super-high quality fingerprint readers and facial recognition devices, like the one pictured here. This particular model also doubles as an intercom system, so it's a perfect modern solution for high trafficked environments that may require increased security levels.

David-Link, established in 2008 are building a reputation for providing cost effective high quality products that dramatically improve business control systems, reduce costs and provide timely and accurate reporting.

Not only biometric fingerprint time and attendance systems, facial recognition devices, they also introduced a line of biometric safes that are superbly manufactured and competitively priced. They also provide older style time clock systems with employee punch cards. Also among their product line are laminators, designed for office environments. Laminators are often used for making employee identification badges and signs.

There are many options available in todays market and separating the wheat from the chaff can be a daunting task. With David-Link at the cutting edge of modern, sophisticated technology, combining with their experience in the time clocks of yesteryear, their especially trained and qualified technicians provide timely support and installations across America.

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Face ID - The Future Of Access Control Has Started.

In December 2009, we wrote an article about this fabulous product and it's infancy in the world of access control.

We are very pleased to see it has survived and entered it's teenage years.

Hanvon are the brains behind this superbly designed and engineered product aimed at hospitals, research labs, banks and large employers to handle time and access identification of employees.

Simple to use, convenient, anti-bacterial, protective and above all else accurate, this product has and will continue to improve our access.

The video after the jump gives a small glimpse of how this product works...

Armored Nut Shells - Personal Protection Armor For Professional Athletes And Military/Police Personnel

Military and Law Enforcement providers as well as professional athletes, especially UFC (Ultimate Fight Club) participants, are raving about this exceptionally designed and produced Missouri made product.

Armorednutshellz.com is the brainchild of talented engineer and former marine, Jeremiah Raber.

Exposure to car racing engineers, enabled Raber to discover the benefits of the well known bullet resistant product called Kevlar.

Not being altogether thrilled with just another Kevlar product, Raber spent countless hours researching and testing other fabrics and fibers, before settling on a superb combination including Kevlar and Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE).

The product he designed has proven to be one of the finest armored protection devices available today. Sportspeople, including soccer players, cricketers, hockey players, baseball players, even professional American footballers and participants in MMA (mixed martial arts) are seeing the benefits of this expertly designed and produced armored protection product that protects the groin region from damage.

Raber produces the product himself in a especially designed workshop using the finest materials.

Personal and physical security products are what this site aims to bring attention to. This is an example of a personal security product that not only can save your balls, but potentially save your life too and hence deserves placement in this blog.

Check out Armored Nut Shellz in the source below.

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Smartspray DNA Helps Law Enforcement To Pinpoint Perps - Now In The USA

In July last year, we wrote an article about Chain Reaction DNA, a product that has been adopted by security personell in the USA under the guise of Smartspray DNA that enables the spray solution to "infect" a would be assailant or criminal and mark them with an invisible solution that shows up under ultra violet light.

It is being used in some parts of the USA right now and the video (after the jump) shows a recent news article about how effective it is becoming.

The product is applied via a spay canister located in a vehicle, purposely set up by Florida police to catch a thief, who was targeting vehicles in their district.

Skydas - Unparalleled Burglary Resistant Entrances

Skydas are a Lithuanian company that specialize in super strong virtually impregnable entry systems.

Especially designed and built using state of the art manufacturing facilities located in Vilnius, Lithuania, Skydas began in 1999 with just 5 employees.

In the video (after the jump) below, they show attempts to bust open a door and just how strong this product is.


Specifically a high security door manufacturing company, they now have over 100 employees and sales offices in over 20 European countries. As the video shows, the doors and entrances are built to withstand some of the toughest and most determined destructive entry methods.

Skydas also produce some incredibly aesthetically pleasing doors and entrance-ways. But they do not just limit themselves to doors. They also include smash/bullet resistant glass as well.

Price Rise Season Is Again Upon Us

Some of our product manufacturers are increasing their prices at this time as we see Lockwood increase their cost price by 10%.

This means that our wildly popular Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door Lock is likely to increase next month.

We are trying to absorb this rise thanks to a stronger $US and will let you know if situations require us to increase the cost. We apologize for any inconvenience.

(you will notice if you do a search online, across multiple search engines that the price advertized for the same product is around $AU45.00 + shipping. That price does not include international shipping and customs duties. We endeavor to get the best possible price from our international freight forwarders, hence why it looks like it is 3 times the cost in North America)

Couchvault - A Gun Safe With A Difference

The patent pending Couchbunker system manufactured by a leading Texan based manufacturer Heracles Manufacturing Corporation is a sensational and aesthetically pleasing modern alternative to gun safes.

Essentially it is a high quality safe/vault built into a couch/sofa base.

The difference between a regular gun safe and this sensational new product is the expertly designed and protected seat cushions that are especially designed to be used as personal shielding, in the event of nefarious attack.

The safe is expertly packed into a couch, the size of half a queen sized bed. It is 78" long, x 29.5" wide x 14" deep. It is lined with a 2 hour firewall protecting the contents from fire. The use of 2 high security key operated locks that are keyed alike offer significant pick resistance and key duplication resistant key control.

The perfect addition to the hunting lodge or school or office environment, this appealing sofa/couch is expressly designed to offer aesthetic pleasing decor combined with a state of the art gun safe that can house up to 30 rifles and other valuables requiring protection.

Visit the company website in the source below, for pricing details and ordering and watch the embedded video of the cushions resisting a .44 magnum gun attack at close range.

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Invisible Door Stop - Simple, Effective And Made In America

The Invisible Door Stop is a sensational idea that I'm really surprised has taken this long to come about. Invented by a forward thinking gentleman, Jeffrey Karcher, it is a patent pending product that will definitely improve the door, hardware and home improvement industries.

It is essentially a product that installs to your existing hinge. It is purposely designed to limit the opening of your door. It is made from a strong polymer that is tested to withstand heat and strength tests. When your door is closed the product is invisible.

No more door stops fitted to the skirting board or connected to the base of the door. No more hinge stoppers marking the door or frame.

View the video after the jump for installation instructions.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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".

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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)

Lockwood 7410 Pocket Door Passage Set With Latching Option

Lockwood just released a new version of the Pocket Door Passage Lock in the 74 series of pocket door locks.

There has been justified demand for a version of the passage function to include a latching passage function, where you can have a turn button on both inside and outside that operates a latch to hold a passage door in the closed position.
The Lockwood 7410 Passage Latching Pocket Door Lock will soon be available in North America too.

Pricing to follow

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Pocket Door Locks With Key Continues to Impress The Market

 

TThe Lockwood 7444 Keyed Pocket Door LockThis impressive product continues to lead sales in our small company. The obvious reason for leading the market in this product category is it's modern, inexpensive, yet super-high quality design and construction. Installation is super easy, as depicted in the video below.
This sought after product is being snapped up by leading hotel chains and office constructors, keen on separating 2 rooms securely while having the advantage of connectivity without requiring two separate doors and frames.

The Cowdroy P697 Double Cylinder Keyed Pocket Door Lock
is slowly being phased out of our inventory, yet it is still available in satin chrome and polished brass.This product is especially designed to replace the more common square pocket door privacy sets found most common across the market
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ELMES INC. are a Torrance California based importer of specialty and custom designed and built  door hardware. Specifically, ornate and unusual door handles.

The company was established in April 1997, specifically to introduce the fabulous range of Japanese door hardware solutions to the American market.

 All of ELMES INC. products are produced by their Japanese parent company UNION Corporation. Attention to detail and use of high-tech manufacturing techniques, separates Union Corporation from other door hardware manufacturers.

Catering to the high-end of the market, discerning interior designers and architects are seeking nouveau and novel designs to compliment their many and varied customers tastes and desires.

They also sell their products to other than high-end customers, including many leading retail chains found in shopping centers across the world. The custom built handles are very beautifully designed and expertly manufactured to tight tolerances.

Unique door handles are often the first item a visitor will see as they enter your property and having something that differs from the norm while being fully functional and aesthetically pleasing, can make your home or office stand out from the rest.

#ABC The Lookout - Exposes Renegade Company Posing As Locksmiths Ripping Off Consumers

We have warned consumers many times over the past 5 years about the slew of scammer companies posing as locksmiths ripping off victims, all across the United States and Canada.

These perpetrators are now invading many other countries operating similar scam operations in Australia, New Zealand, Great Brittain and other European countries.

This news is not really news to the locksmith industry but thanks to the Network Television companies, like #ABC, prime time television now has provided a much wider net to expose the shenanigans.

My good friend and colleague, Mike Bronzell of All Hours Locksmiths in Chicago, has been one of the leading voices exposing these crooks for the last 10 years. I joined Mike about 5 years ago in Chicago to watch a case filed against Dependable Locksmiths by the Illinois Dept Of Professional Regulation. that prosecuted one David Peer for running a similar scam company. (the court found the company guilty of fraud and fined them and cancelled their business licenses, but they simply popped up again under a different name to continue their victimizations. Just this year, in February we discovered that all charges against this company had been dropped and the judgement overturned due to improper court procedures)

The leader of the company operating these scams has finally been exposed, thanks to the in depth investigation and reporting by the team at #ABC's The Lookout, a highly acclaimed television series developed to provide the marketplace with expose's on many ripoff artists scamming consumers across the USA.

Meni Agababayev is the name of the owner of this company. (see the video after the jump)

Fingersafe - Protecting Your Fingers

Security products often involves not just protection systems designed at mitigating or reducing unauthorised entry. Often safety products are combined with security products to provide products and services aimed at making all our lives safer and more secure.

Fingersafe® is one such product designed especially to attach to entry doors (or just about any swinging door) that closes the gap on the hinge side of the door, preventing injury from fingers jammed in the hinge side.

Especially produced with a concertina/accordian like design, the product attaches to almost any hinge side door jamb and prevents your child or anyone from a world of pain.

Liability costs for business owners are skyrocketing. Awards in the United States have been as high as $750,000 for a child’s amputated fingertip. Retailers, restaurants and child-care facilities are the most common types of businesses at risk.

Fingersafe® is Underwriter's Laboratory (UL) approved with a fire rating of four hours. It can be installed on any fire door and has been tested and complies with the following standards: NFPA 252, UL 10B, UL 10C, ASTM E-152, CAN4 S-104, and UBC7-2 (1997).

Fingersafe® was awarded a United States Government contract and is the recommended door safety product for US Government and Military child care facilities.

Applications for Fingersafe® Door Hinge Guards include schools, youth centers, fast food restaurants, hospitals, ships, factories, universities and churches. 

More and more standards now require door safety devices in recognition of the need to eliminate this type risk.

Fingersafe® is available in White, Black, Brown and Gray and in various lengths. e.g. 80 inches, 83 inches and 96 inches. It can also be produced in additional colors and lengths on special order.


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New Window Film Offers Smartphone Controllable Shading

 We have discussed security film here before and we also sell and install the high quality Shattergard product made by Global Security Products. The Shattergard product is the type of product that strengthens glass windows making them significantly harder to smash, thereby increasing the security of your premises without detracting from the ambience of your living areas.

Sonte are a company that have recently introduced a long sought for solution for transition windows. Transition windows are windows that include the ability to alter the opaqueness of the window. This enables you to have a clear see through window and change it yourself to provide privacy.

There are companies that make dedicated windows that can be transitioned from clear (see through) to frosted (privacy mode) but they are very expensive and time consuming to install.

The pictures here display the difference between clear and frosted look.

Sonte have taken technology further than the dedicated transitioning glass companies and produced a window film product that enable you to apply the same transitioning technology to existing windows, but using your smartphone as the controller. (See the installation video after the jump)

Canon Security Products - Radio Vault

Canon Security Products recently introduced their new Radio Vault, which is a smart looking clock radio speaker system that includes an iPod/iPhone dock, enabling a high quality speaker sound system combined with a hidden biometric vault drawer.

Features

• $349.99 in Black
• Biometric Fingerprint Scanner
• Hidden Drawer for securing your valuables
• High Contrast LCD
• Easy to use Keypad
• Visual display of date
• FM Radio with Presets
• Dual Alarms
• Superior Sound Quality
• Time Sync
• WORKS WITH MOST MP3 DEVICES

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Cowdroy P697 Keyed Pocket Door Lock - Additional Inventory Discovered

We recently discontinued this product line due to the concerns about using a double cylinder product on entry doors. The international building code suggests that the use of double cylinder lock products potentially could cause life threatening issues if someone was accidentally locked inside a room. Life Safety codes in the USA, also require that all door locks require the ability for any person inside to be easily able to escape.

We just cleaned our inventory room and discovered (to our surprise) 2 in Satin Chrome and 2 in Polished Brass.

We are pleased to make these available to the first people who contact us requesting so, by email. They are $125.00 each + shipping.

2013 Best Of Home Advisor Award Winner

What is this award?

We just received notification of being a recipient of the 2013 Best Of Home Advisor Awards.

We have continued to be a proud member of the Home Advisor (formerly Service Magic) group of professionals.

We take this opportunity to thank our customers and clients for nominating us for this honor and pledge to continue offering our services to the best of our ability. 

IQ - Intelligent Key Management Alternative

The IQ Key management system is a robust and superior key control and access management system similar to the Traka product that is used widely by many automobile dealerships and hospitals.

Simple to configure and competitively priced to Assa-Abloys product, the IQ system offers an alternative that concerned security management controllers should look into to compare possibilities.

The video (after the jump) shows how simple the system is to use. It includes options for proximity card access and/or PIN access control.

August Lock - A New Bluetooth Key System

This is the August Lock Adaptor. It is a product similar in concept to the Lockitron product we have mentioned before here.

This classy looking gadget works similarly to the Lockitron product, using Bluetooth to pair with your selected mobile handset.

This is an add on product that installs to the inside of your existing deadbolt lock. It offers convenient keyless access to your entry. It is designed to work with many existing brands of single cylinder deadbolt locks.

Similar to the much touted Lockitron product (which is currently 6 months overdue for release), you simply replace the inside turn button with the August Bluetooth adaptor. The product works just like your existing turnbutton.

Here you can see a depiction of what it will look like on the inside of your door.

Once programmed, you can invite selected users to use their personal phone to access your door. No more handing out keys or worrying about surreptitious duplication.

The product uses a proximity sensor to detect an authorised user's presence and automatically unlocks the lock.

It is important to remember that this is only designed for the deadbolt. many people also use a locking handle or knob on their entry doors. If you do use a locking knob, the August product becomes irrelevant.

Realistically, locking knobs are not a secure product anyway and often the only real security you have on your door is through the use of a deadbolt lock.

While the merits of keyless entry are obvious, I think that many people will forget to lock the door as they exit, leaving your property unsecured.

Other features of this product include notifications (logs) of entry and exit that you can view on your computer or mobile phone.

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Home Security Invention Contest $10,000 Grand Prize

Jordan Frankel of Global Security Experts Inc Announces Home Security Invention Contest $10,000 Grand Prize - SOPL Members to Review All Submissions 05/30/2013 0 Comments Jordan Frankel, world-renowned security professional and founder of Global Security Experts, today announced the opening of the company’s first home security invention contest. The inventor with the most innovative security-related creation or concept will be awarded with a $10,000 cash prize. Professional and amateur inventors are invited to submit innovative security-related inventions or development concepts to the Global Security Experts Inventor’s Contest. There are only two requirements for submissions: all invention and concept submissions must be related to home security, and the inventions must retail for $99 or less. “We’re looking for the next best home security product or concept – something that will really make an impact by making homes safer and more secure” Frankel said. Invention submissions can be either physical security or electronic security products, like door locks, surveillance cameras, alarm systems, lighting systems, and more. Entries may be in the form of sophisticated concept drawings, basic concept descriptions, or photos or descriptions of actual prototypes. The deadline for entry submission is August 31, 2013. Entries must be submitted electronically to Mr. Jordan Frankel at Inventions@Globalsecurityexperts.com.

The Stor-More key safe is a new product that is currently seeking funding on Crowd Source.

The product, leverages the word lock principle instead of the more common number combination lock version.

The size of this product is large enough to hold up to 30 keys or other items that you desire.

Uses for this product are not limited to real estate agents or property managers.

A novel creation that might suit discerning users.
The source below includes a video that shows how it works and purchase options.


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Inka Bought Out By Nite Ize

 Inka, the nouveau pen maker was just bought out by Nite Ize the nouveau gadget company who specialize in intelligent and 21st century gadgets aimed at making our lives so much easier.

Take this pen. It is a new creation that combines a stylish caribiner clip with a solid construction pen and stylus that enables you to write capably and easily on your choice of tablet in use today.

Inka also produce a number of other intelligent designs available for you to view in their website in the attached source.

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Microlight STS By Nite Ize

The Microlight STS by Nite Ize is an intelligent creation borne in the current era of swipe technology.

A very bright light that is compact in size and attaches to your keyring with caribiner like simplicity.

Product Details

• Features dual electrode capacitive sensing technology, which we call "Swipe-To-Shine"
• Four Functions - High Power, Variable Dim, Low Power, and Strobe
• LED Color: White
• Lumens: High - 16 | Low - 2
• Run Time: High 9 hours | Low 64 hours
• Battery Type: 2-2032 Lithium batteries included
• Batteries are replaceable
• Available in 4 translucent body colors: Smoke, Olive, Orange, and Blue
• Thumb grip pad for non-slip control
• Dimensions (Length x Width x Diameter):
  3.18" x 1.09" x x 0.43"
  8.08 cm x 2.77 cm x 1.09 cm
• Weight: 0.53 oz (15g)
• Temperature Operation Range: From -4 degrees F /-20 degrees C to +104 degrees F /+40 degrees C
• Versatile S-Biner Stainless Steel Double Gated Carabiner Clip attaches securely and releases easily
• Try me packaging - allows for lighting demonstration
• Limited Lifetime Warranty USA

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Hotdog Lock - Australians Continue To Push The Edge In Security Products

Hotdog Lock is the brainchild of a talented Australian Security Engineer. It is a unique high-security locking solution that provides virtually impossible to duplicate keys with bump proof and pick proof components. The unique design comes with 5 keys and simple to follow installation instructions.

Unlike many other lock and key products, this product only comes in brass and chrome color options. It is especially produced from high grade metals that provide unparalleled strength and ease of use.


Drill resistance, pick resistance and 100% bump proof, the Hotdog lock might be the answer to security that many commercial and residential customers have been looking for.

Only available from limited sources and costing about AUD$150.00 plus shipping, check out the source link below (source removed 3/11/22) for exploded views, installation instructions and purchasing options.

EDIT March 2022: The product shown above is a concept design that as far as we know has not made it to market.

Take The Pledge - With D&D Technologies

D&D Technologies have been mentioned in this website quite often over the last few years because they produce some of the finest lock and safety products on the planet.

With the summer swimming season fast approaching, please join us in taking the pledge to get involved in spreading the message that Simple Steps Save Lives.

Facts:

• Drowning is the second-leading cause of death to children ages 1-4 in the United States.
• Drowning is the number one cause of death to children ages 1-4 in most southern states.
• In many cases, drowning is a silent event, without splashing or a call for help.
• In most areas of the country, the majority of child drownings occur in backyard pools & spas.
• Scientific research, engineering advancements, legislation, community outreach, and education are all necessary strategies, on the national level, to prevent drownings.

Please visit ddtech/pledge to sign the pledge and help to make pool safety and the lives of our children safer this summer.

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LokkLatch Magnetic - By D&D Technologies

LokkLatch Magnetic

Hot on the heels of our recent post about the fabulous Serrature Meroni - Auto Magnetic latching technology, D&D Technologies from Australia are proudly introducing their patented magnetic latching technology for outside gates.

You will notice in the attached video that this product is designed with a keyhole on both inside and outside.

In a commercial location, this may not be allowed by local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ's). It is vitally important that you check with your local building inspector prior to purchasing this product, to confirm you will not break any laws or life safety codes.

D&D Technologies are well known globally

Shloosl - Duplicating Keys Made Fun And Convenient using Your Cell Phone Camera

Shloosl is an interesting idea that has been created by some designers in San Francisco, California.

Shloosl are not locksmiths and state as much on their website. They are simply a key duplication service. They completely recommend you to visit your local locksmith for all things lock and key related.

The way it works is.

1. Hold the key in your hand, in front of an untextured wall or table

These are great pictures

2. Take a sharp picture of the entire key from about 4 inches away

Focus the camera on the blade. Capture the entire key, including the head.

3. Email pictures to keys@shloosl.com

Send the highest resolution available. Send several pictures just in case.Hint: if you're viewing this page on your phone, click the link above and attach photos to the email.

Of course, there is no better method than taking your key to a professional local locksmith, but sometimes you either dont have the time or the desire to hunt around to find one near you or, reputeable locksmiths that do quality work may be few and far between.

I am a little dubious as to the quality of this product offering, primarily because many keys offered for duplication to locksmiths are already quite worn and often difficult to decipher accurately by photo.

Plus, a significant quantity of key duplicators (like the ones found in hardware stores) are rarely adjusted for accuracy. Most locksmiths, like me, regularly re-allign our machines to have them continually optimized for correct and accurate key cutting.

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Meroni - The Answer To Cost Effective ADA Compliant Hardware

$ for $ comparison pitted the Meroni hardware at about half the cost of the other more widely recognized brand names. (Including installation costs)

watch the two videos to see how it is installed.

   
The first video above, shows the handle set just after it was initially installed before the final inside cover was installed.

We used Don-Jo scar plates to cover the 2-1/8" crossbore holes allowing the Combina hardware to easily and securely fit.
The Meroni hardware uses a footprint of about 1-3/4" (40mm) crossbore's, so the scar plate is necessary to save from using a wrap around or having to replace the door or fill the hole and re-drill.

Yale Digital Door Locks - Integrated Into SEOS By Assa-Abloy

In September last year, we wrote an article about SEOS, the new access control solution from Assa-Abloy that incorporates NFC (near field communications) into modern access control systems for hotels, institutions, hospitals, dorms, high-rise office buildings and large department companies.

This brilliant system (SEOS) now includes their NFC chips in Yale Digital Door Locks.

We recently learned that this exciting new development will enable more keyless entry solutions for even the average homeowner.

The ability to send a temporary access code to anyone, will avoid the homeowner from requiring to be present for that specialty tradesperson. No more 4 hour windows for arrival by the cable technician.

The Yale deadbolt presented in the video below shows the connectibility to a rim mounted lock system, like the ones used on push bar, panic exit devices that many Authorities Having Jurisdiction require for public dwellings (kindergartens, aged care homes, medical surgeries etc)

Kwikset Smartkey Problems Continues To Lead Researchers Here...

Our post from a few years ago about Kwikset Smartkey Problems, continues to send a great many visitors to this site.

Essentially, the post includes a video of the primary issue, with some customers comments included. I'm sure if you continue to search the web, you will find numerous other web logs from people who also commented on the increasing number of problems.

I have determined through trial and error and talking with many clients, that the primary issue people face, is the ability to get duplicate working keys for their Kwikset Smartkey Locks.

If you require duplicate keys for your Kwikset Smartkey Locks, be sure to visit your local locksmith and deliberately ask for factory produced original Kwikset keyblanks. And then ask to have your key originated, instead of duplicated. A new factory originated Kwikset Smartkey blank, cut to code on a code machine will work simpler and easier with much more reliability than any duplicated copy.

Be sure to ask for original factory Kwikset keyblanks and not after market copies (like Ilco or Axxess or similar).

Now, I realize that it may not be convenient for you to look for your nearest locksmith shop, but you already decided to purchase your Kwikset Smartkey product from somewhere other than a locksmith and most probably because you intended on saving some money.

You know what that says, right?


Paying Peanuts, Gets You Monkeys!