The USB-based Door Lock
from Bit-Tech.net
If you're looking for a clever way of keeping unwanted visitors of your room, how about a deadbolt that unlocks when you insert a specific USB key? Creators have built a mechanical deadbolt system that relies on a certain USB device being inserted before the lock is released. Where it gets clever is that the system will work with any USB device – similar systems rely on storing a 'key file' on a USB-presented mass storage device. Basically, you can unlock your door with a mouse, a keyboard, an MP3 player – anything with a USB interface. More

Breaking Into Your Own House
from The Wall Street Journal
Like many harried people, when we're stressed we forget things, like the milk we meant to grab at the grocery store. We also forget to stow our house keys in pockets and pocketbooks -- which means we occasionally must call a 24-hour locksmith service to help us break back into our own home. Unfortunately, it's hard to tell whether a locksmith is reputable -- particularly when you're locked out and relying on directory assistance or a neighbor's Internet connection. The Council of Better Business Bureaus and the Federal Trade Commission both issued warnings about some locksmiths' business and pricing practices in 2007, and Associated Locksmiths of America, a Dallas-based trade group with more than 10,000 members, advocates that members petition their states to require locksmith licensing. Preliminary data from the Council of Better Business Bureaus show that complaints about locksmiths more than doubled from 2005 to 2007, from 247 to 560. More

Installing Locks That Will Last
from The Washington Post
Good door locks and deadbolts can wear out, but only after heavy use for many years. It is possible for an inexpensive lock to fail in a few years. It pays to buy quality locks. Sticking locks may just need to be lubricated. Spray lubricants often do a superb job. But keep in mind that the locks are often shipped from the factory with a thick-bodied grease. You can get small amounts of this from a traditional locksmith or a traditional hardware store. You could also get lucky at a home center and find some. More

Fingerprint-scan Deadbolt Can Eliminate Need for Keys
from Los Angeles Times
You enter your home after the high-tech gizmo reads your fingerprints. In other words, you can never lock yourself out again, in theory anyway. The technology scans and measures a unique biological feature -- fingerprint, palm print, retinal or iris pattern -- and compares it with a sample on file using fancy mathematics. If the scan and the record on file match, voilà -- you have access to the evil genius' computer core, or whatever. More

Japanese Cellphone Can Unlock Car, Start Engine
from USA Today
A new Japanese mobile phone will automatically unlock the doors of its owners' cars and let drivers start their engines without using an ignition key. The phone, built by Sharp, uses a technology previously developed by Nissan Motor called "Intelligent Key" that allows drivers enter and start their cars without removing their keys from their pockets or bags. Cars equipped with the system sense when the correct key is nearby, automatically unlocking their car doors, and allow the engine to be started once the key is brought inside the car. Nissan said it has shipped about a million cars with the technology in Japan since 2002. More

Be Aware: Help Lock Out Unscrupulous Locksmiths
from Alameda Sun
Alameda, Calif., resident Randy Reed is on a mission to educate people about the dishonesty that runs rampant in the trade he loves so well. Reed is part owner of Reed Brothers Security, an ALOA member in business for almost 45 years with more than 50 uniformed, licensed professionals. More

ALOA's First Re-Certification Program Deadline is January 1, 2009
from ALOA
The security industry is in a constant state of evolution. To protect the integrity and advance the professionalism of the RL, CRL, CPL and CML designations, the ALOA Board of Directors through the ALOA Education Department (AED) has mandated that all members of ALOA hold and maintain an ALOA recognized program designation and that all holders of ALOA certifications pursue professional development and continuing education in order to maintain their proficiency and credibility. More

Tried, True and New Ways to Thwart Burglars
from St. Petersburg Times
Homeowners have more options than ever these days for making their homes less tempting targets for thieves. • But before laying out obstacles for would-be burglars, they must get past hurdles of their own: determining just how much security they need and how much they can afford. More