When Apple rolled out its 8.0.1 update for the iPad and iPhone last Wednesday, the faulty software caused huge headaches for many. Some lost cellular service, and others couldn’t unlock their devices via the Touch ID fingerprint scanner.

Apple later pulled the update, and normality — for those that reversed the upgrade — returned.

The post The iOS 8.0.1 Fail is a warning for Smart Homes appeared first on Expert Security.

Expert Locksmith:
Dan Melia

At Expert Security in Dublin city centre, our locksmiths have a great working knowledge of locks and safes and therefore can do the job more professionally and save you the end user money and difficulties in the long term.

Our locksmiths know how the inners of a lock work, the problems within that cause lock outs and how to open them non-destructively or with minimum damage to a door if drilling is absolutely necessary.

Product knowledge is paramount to fitting or upgrading a new lock. Knowledge of European standards for security and fire or emergency exits is necessary in order for a lock to meet building and insurance requirements.

Locxis Key

Security and more importantly safe egress in the event of a fire or other type of emergency should be  considered when supplying or fitting a lock or panic hardware. 

 Patented keys offer the best protection against unauthorised key duplication. A patented key system can  be registered to a specific user(s) and only the nominated person can authorise keys or replacement locks  for a security or master key system.

Expert Security are the main “Locxis” security key system dealer in Ireland. “Locxis” offers protection  against unauthorised key cutting and 3D printing to protect you and your property.

eurograde safe

Expert Security and their specialised safe division “ SafesDirect2U” are experts in Dublin in specifying and installing safes to eurograde standards and specifications. Proper installation for safes and complying to insurance requirements are necessary to secure cash and valuables.

Proper fire rating to protect  documents and discs in the event of a fire could be the difference in losing all your business and financial records.

Access Control

Wireless access control is a cost effective way to control who and when enters a door. There is no hard wiring as the locks are powered by battery and operated by a card or fob like traditional access control systems.

Expert Security are main agents for Simons- Voss electronic handles and cylinders and RB electronic key systems for padlocks, cam locks and door cylinders.

Simply replace a cylinder or fit new handles and you have an instant access control system which you can move from door to door with minimum labour time.

By using Expert Security, you are guaranteed the latest innovative security products to secure your home and business. 

The post Why use Expert Security for your Locksmith Needs appeared first on Expert Security.

Hope you’ve always wanted a smartphone-controlled door lock because the tech world is here to shove them in your face. Or hand, rather. Several companies, with more on their way, are competing to be the clever barrier between you and the inside of your home.

What all of the locks have in common: you control and manage them with a smartphone and/or web app. Some require that you replace the entire lock system, while others let you place a smart device over an existing deadbolt. You might need to tap a lock with your finger to let yourself in, or maybe all you have to do is just walk up and wait for it to recognize you and unlock. Each smart lock has its own little quirks and perks. They’re all pretty awesome re-imaginings of a millennia-old technology.

Here’s a breakdown of the features, pros and cons of what’s out there to help you get ready to pick your first smart lock.

August
The $200 August smart lock is arguably the most elegant of them all, thanks to Yves Behar’s design touch. The brushed aluminum circular lock replaces your old deadbolt, and you’ll be able to control and manage it from an iOS, Android, or web app. August notifies you when certain people come in and out of your house, and lets you give out unlimited digital keys to your friends and family, customizing for exactly how long they’ll have access, what days, or even between what hours. The lock only uses Bluetooth low energy to recognize when a phone with a digital key is near. No need to bring the phone out; August unlocks automatically.

Lockitron

Lockitron fits over existing deadbolts. Image: Lockitron

The $179 Lockitron is a simple smart lock that fits directly over the deadbolt on the back of your door. Plus, it will work with any smartphone using a mobile web app that lets you lock and unlock your door with a tap. You can also grant access to friends, family and guests through the app. The lock itself has built-in WiFi, so it can send you notifications no matter where you are. You get keyless entry if you own an iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 since the lock will recognize when you walk up via Bluetooth 4.0. It’s not the prettiest smart lock available, with its plasticky looking body, but it looks by far the easiest to set up.

Schlage

The Schlage Nexia comes with a bridge that allows you to control the lock remotely. Image: Schlage

Schlage’s $200-$300 locks are more on the old-school end of the smart lock spectrum. Instead of coming from a hot new tech startup, it’s made by an established lock manufacturer. A keypad on the door lock grants you access with a four-digit code. But you can still manage the lock through a smartphone, tablet or web app using Nexia Home Intelligence. It lets you create up to 19 private codes for various friends and family members, allowing you to customize codes so that they only work in a given time period. You can then delete and create new codes whenever needed. Plus, you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere. The biggest drawback: You’ll have to pay a monthly subscription fee of $9 to be able to remotely control the lock.

Goji

Goji is the latest smart lock to join the bunch, launching its Indiegogo campaign earlier this month. It’s also the most ambitious. Much like August, the $278 Goji features a circular disc that goes over your current lock. But instead of going on the inside of your door, the disk is located on the outside and you will need to replace your entire locking system with Goji. It also features an LED screen that displays a greeting to the person who is entering or leaving the home. The fanciest feature: The lock includes a built-in camera that takes a photo of the people who activate the lock. You can start collecting photos of people at their most unflattering angle. Beyond that, Goji promises all of the same keyless automatic entry and customizability available in the August lock. Unfortunately, it doesn’t really exist beyond a crowdfunding campaign.

Kevo Lock
As seen on Shark Tank! The Kevo lock’s claim to fame is that it got a bunch of funding from a reality TV show. But the lock itself is pretty impressive, too. Now fully blessed by lock megacorp Kwikset, the lock does require a full install. An app links your iPhone (sorry – no Android) to the lock using Bluetooth, eliminating the need to fumble through your pockets or purse for your keys. Just tap the lock with your finger and the halo flashes green, letting you know the door is unlocked. You can send digital keys to other people and manage those keys from the app.

The post Your Door Is About to Get Clever: 5 Smart Locks Compared appeared first on Expert Security.

The lock cylinders are anti- pick / anti-drill / anti-bump and secure from 3D printing to provide the highest security for home and business owners and facility managers.

Battery operated electronic locks will become more prevalent due to the low cost of installation as in pin coded or digital locks. User codes and master codes can be programmed to open a door. Codes can be deleted if an employee leaves the company. Some electronic digital locks can be programmed to allow employees access only at certain times or days with a full audit trail to tell managers who and when they entered through a door.

Card and fob operated RFID for wire free or wireless electronic handles and cylinders are easy to fit to timber and uPVC doors for domestic and office applications giving full access control facilities.
Stand alone electronic handles and cylinders are operated by cards / fobs which can be deleted at the door if lost or stolen or by a programmer with time zone and audit trail giving full access control facilities without the need to run hard wire electrical cabling.

There are low cost electronic key systems available from a few manufactures and distributors. These can be referred to as Mechatronic systems as it is a combination of mechanical and electronic locking together providing a secure and convenient locking solution. Electronic key systems are very easy to manage as a master key system and very cost effective key control in the event of keys being lost or stolen. An electronic key can operate many different types of locks including cylinders, padlocks and cam locks. These can be programmed to offer full access control facilities in a building or even a field. Some examples being for padlocks on trucks and metal containers, drug cabinets and lockers in hospitals with the cam locks and offices or schools with the cylinders or a combination of all. All the locks can be programmed to work on one key like a regular mechanical master key system but can altered or deleted with the click of a button on the computer or by using a programming key at the door.

There are many other individual types of electronic locking products that offer bespoke solutions. The KnocknLock code key offers an anti-vandal solution for metal and wooden doors as the lock is not accessible. The lock is surface fitted on the inside of the door and the key sends an electronic code through the door to open it if programmed to do so. They are ideal for containers and other doors which are prone to break in and vandalism.
Technology is advancing so fast that there are many locks on the market operated by Bluetooth and NFC from your mobile and smart phones. Authorisation to open a lock can be sent by internet or text to a remote location like a holiday flat or telecom mast to grant access. A coded signal is then resent from the phone to the lock to open the door.

The next technological advance will be with Touch Access technology where the user will be able to push a locked door open without using a key or presenting a card or fob to a reader.
An authorised user will have a fob in their pocket or bag which will send a signal over their skin and deactivate the lock when they touch the door or locking handle.

Many security companies fit mag locks for cost and ease of installation. Most mag lock installations are insecure as they are normally fail safe without battery back up. in the event that the emergency break glass unit is pressed the mag lock will open and the door will remain unlocked until the BGU is reset. Alternatively if the reader or key pad operating the mag lock fails, there is no emergency key over ride option available to open the door from the outside.

A good option is to fit an electric lock with a mechanical key over ride on the outside and a mechanical handle on the inside. Electric locks are normally fitted to the middle of the door whereas a mag is normally fitted to the top of the door which can cause warping of the door. There are electric locks available which are powered via the frame and avoid the door being core drilled to run the wires.

Expert Security Ltd in Dublin are recognised as a leading door locking solution company in Ireland using these innovative locking products for practical solutions in securing homes and businesses with many demonstration models on view in their lock shop in Amiens Street.

The post Door locking for the future appeared first on Expert Security.

Security Safes

Security safes can be underfloor, wall fitted, or free standing which is the most common. Free standing safes are available in many different sizes, depending on the requirements and the volume capacity that you require to secure all your valuables. Safes are graded for insurance purposes for securing cash and valuables (notably jewellery). The higher the grade – the more you are covered for in the event of theft or fire.

Grade                Cash Cover             Valuables Cover

0                        €10,000                     €100,000

1                        €17,000                     €170,000

2                        €29,000                     €290,000

3                        €58,000                     €580,000

4                        €100,000                   €1,000,000

5                        €158,000                   €1,580,000

6                        €220,000                   €2,200,000

Security safes have different types of locking mechanisms:

High Security Key Locking – Requires a key to open

Combination Locking – Mechanical keyless opening

Digital Electronic Locking – keyless locking with audit trail

Dual Key /Combination Locking – Double security opening

Time Lock – Lock will only open at a pre set time

Time Delay Lock – Safe will only open at a set time after the lock is opened

There are different means of depositing and securing money and valuables especially for commercial applications which have different requirements for staff usage and for those where it is impractical to give keys out.

Deposit Chute – Deposit cash / keys without opening the safe

Envelope Slot – Deposit documents without opening the safe

Rotary Trap – Deposit large items without opening the safe

Coffer – Internal secure compartment within the safe for management use only.

Free Standing Safes are made of very heavy material and should be bolted to the floor to provide a very high level of protection. High security safes have added protection against drilling and explosive attacks.

Fire Resistant safes and cabinets

Fire Proof Safes, Cabinets and Cupboards although not as secure as security safes are designed to offer higher protection against fire and smoke damage. These are more suitable for the protection of documents, files and data discs. They offer protection from 30 minutes upwards and are regulated by grading standards similar to security safes.

Fire protection is offered for small data safes and large filing cabinets. Fire safes can be secured by key, combination and digital locking depending on the requirement.

When choosing or specifying the most suitable safe, you might need to ask the following questions

• What do you need to protect? Cash , Valuables or Data
• Do you need security, fire resistance or both?
• How much space do you have available?

Security Safes for cash or valuables

• What value needs to be protected?
• Is fire resistance needed as well?
• Does the safe need bolting down?
• Lock Option – Key or electronic?

Fire Resistant Safes for paper & data

• Which is most suitable – a safe, cupboard or filing cabinet?
• Are you securing paper or data discs?
• How many fire hours resistance is needed?
• How much storage space is required inside the safe?
• Lock Option – Key or electronic

Always check with the insurer to make sure they approve of your choice of safe! For sales and further information visit http://safesdirect2u.ie/

The post How to Choose a Safe appeared first on Expert Security.

3D is a new technology that will revolutionise many industries including the locksmith and security industries.  3D printing is probably the biggest technological advance since The Internet. 3D printers can produce an item once scanned. Although plastic is the most common material used now, there are some 3D printers copying with steel and titanium and this will become more common. 3D printers don’t mill but build up an exact replica of what is scanned to the exact specification using a special formulating fluid that hardens.

Much like the way a regular printer uses toner cartridges. In 5 years’ time most homes will have a 3D printer as they currently cost around £800 but are expected to drop dramatically in price making them affordable for most households to create any object like a plate, a doll or even for Key Cutting!

By scanning  keys with a smartphone, an image can be uploaded  to a 3D printer to produce a copy of a key when required.

Probably the only keys secure from this technology will be those with floating pins or electronic chips as nearly all other keys will be replicated exactly by a scanner and copied to the nearest micrometre

Already a company in New York is advertising an app to download a copy of your key. If you are locked out, you simply go to a local store and they will print you off a new key for $15.

What does this mean

1) DIY Key Cutting – Homeowners locked out may be able to download a copy of their key and print it off on their neighbours 3D home printer.

2) Many restricted and patented security lock systems will be compromised by taking a digital photograph on their smart phone to print off a master key.

3) Keys can be copied without the owner being aware. Employees will be able to copy master keys or safe keys, Any key left down could be scanned and copied without the owner being aware of it. Scary !!!

Now is the time to start thinking and planning ahead as to how this will affect you and your security.

The post 3d Printing and Key Cutting: Locksmiths of the Future!! appeared first on Expert Security.

A simple upgrade of your locking cylinders in accordance with the latest British Standards will help future proof your home against burglars using this technique. Here is a snippet from the article:

“What is Cylinder Snapping / Lock Snapping?

You may well have heard of “cylinder snapping” or “lock snapping”. It’s a method used by burglars to break into property that is secured using a euro cylinder (e.g. almost all properties that have UPVC doors, although a significant number of composite and aluminium doors use them too, and they’re often used in commercial as well as domestic environments).”

You can view the full article here: http://www.locksmiths.co.uk/about/public/cylinder-snapping/.

For further information on what we at Expert Security can do for you please get in touch with us today by filling out our simple contact form.

The post Cylinder Snapping – A growing concern appeared first on Expert Security.

Hopefully all of these Laptops; Plasma Tvs; smart phones; games consoles; jewellery & other items from recent burglaries can be returned to their rightful owners.

http://www.irishtimes.com/news/crime-and-law/three-arrested-over-large-scale-burglary-spree-1.1497711

If home security is a concern of yours why not visit www.safesdirect2u.ie and see if we have a safe that would suit your needs.

The post Are the Gardai doing enough to clamp down on Burglaries? appeared first on Expert Security.