5 Best Keyless Entry Systems

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is everything. We are always looking for ways to make our lives easier, and one of the latest technologies that have made this possible is keyless entry systems. Keyless entry systems are designed to allow access to your home, car or any other secure location without the use of a traditional key. Instead, these systems use a code or a biometric input to unlock the door.

There are several types of keyless entry systems available on the market, ranging from basic models to more advanced systems. In this article, we will discuss some of the best keyless entry systems that are available today.

1. Kwikset Kevo

The Kwikset Kevo is a popular keyless entry system that uses Bluetooth technology to unlock your door. The system works by sending a signal from your smartphone to the Kevo lock, which then unlocks the door. The Kevo is also compatible with other smart home devices, such as the Nest Thermostat and Amazon Echo. This allows you to control your entire home from your smartphone.

One of the unique features of the Kwikset Kevo is the ability to assign eKeys to other people. This allows you to give access to your home to friends, family members, or service providers, such as cleaners or dog walkers. The Kevo also has a built-in alarm system that alerts you if someone tries to tamper with the lock.

2. August Smart Lock Pro

The August Smart Lock Pro is another popular keyless entry system that uses Bluetooth technology. The system works by replacing your existing deadbolt lock with the August Smart Lock Pro. The lock can then be controlled using your smartphone or through voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant.

One of the unique features of the August Smart Lock Pro is the ability to unlock the door automatically as you approach. This feature uses geofencing technology to detect when you are near your home and unlocks the door for you. The August Smart Lock Pro also allows you to assign temporary access codes to others, and you can monitor who has accessed your home using the August app.

3. Schlage Connect

The Schlage Connect is a keyless entry system that uses Z-Wave technology to connect to your home automation system. The system works by replacing your existing deadbolt lock with the Schlage Connect. The lock can then be controlled using a smart home hub or through voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant.

One of the unique features of the Schlage Connect is the ability to create up to 30 unique access codes. This allows you to give access to your home to family members, friends, or service providers. The Schlage Connect also has a built-in alarm system that alerts you if someone tries to tamper with the lock.

4. Yale Assure Lock SL

The Yale Assure Lock SL is a sleek and stylish keyless entry system that uses Bluetooth technology. The system works by replacing your existing deadbolt lock with the Yale Assure Lock SL. The lock can then be controlled using your smartphone or through voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant.

One of the unique features of the Yale Assure Lock SL is the ability to assign up to 25 unique PIN codes. This allows you to give access to your home to family members, friends, or service providers. The Yale Assure Lock SL also has a built-in alarm system that alerts you if someone tries to tamper with the lock.

5. Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro

The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is a versatile keyless entry system that uses Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and fingerprint recognition. The system works by replacing your existing deadbolt lock with the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro. The lock can then be controlled using your smartphone or through voice commands using Alexa or Google Assistant.

One of the unique features of the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is the ability to use multiple methods to unlock the door, including fingerprint recognition, Bluetooth, and a numeric code. This provides a high level of security and convenience for users. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro also allows you to assign temporary access codes to guests, and you can monitor who has accessed your home using the Ultraloq app.

When choosing a keyless entry system, there are several factors to consider. These include the level of security, the ease of use, and the compatibility with other smart home devices. Additionally, it’s important to consider the price of the system, as well as any ongoing costs, such as subscription fees.

Overall, the best keyless entry system for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for a simple and affordable option, the Kwikset Kevo may be a good choice. If you want a more advanced system with features such as automatic unlocking, the August Smart Lock Pro may be a better fit. The Schlage Connect is a great choice for those who want a reliable and secure keyless entry system that integrates with their home automation system. The Yale Assure Lock SL offers a sleek and stylish design, along with the ability to assign multiple access codes. Finally, the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro is a versatile system that offers multiple methods of unlocking, including fingerprint recognition.

Keyless entry systems are a convenient and secure way to access your home or other secure locations without the need for traditional keys. There are several keyless entry systems available on the market, each with its own unique features and benefits. By considering factors such as security, ease of use, compatibility, and price, you can choose the best keyless entry system for your needs.

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How Do Smart Locks Work, And Do They Really Make Your Home Safer?

By Alex Schenker

Did you know that there are around 2.5 million burglaries each year? If you’re worried about making your home safer, it’s no wonder why; that’s a scary statistic.

One option that you may want to consider adding to your security system is a smart lock. This is a technologically-advanced device that has the potential to make your home more secure than ever before.

Keep reading below to learn more about what this product is and how it can help home security systems work better.

What Is A Smart Lock?

This is a specialized type of lock that is either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi enabled. It is a device that will let you leave your keys at home and instead relies on your fingerprint or a voice command.

With a smart lock, you can access your home from a remote location. If you have a guest coming into town, but you’re not able to be home to let them in, you can access your smart lock to open the door with your smartphone (or other devices).

Smart locks are still a fairly new type of technology, but as they evolve, they continue to add more functionality and better features to make the user experience even better.

How Are These Different From Regular Home Locks?

The biggest reason that these are different than a traditional lock is that smart locks let you access your lock without a key.

In a traditional home lock, you’d have to have a key or a fob, put it into the keyhole, and let this register with the lock to open the door. With a smart lock, as we explained, there are no keys; you just use your fingertips, voice, or device (such as your smartphone) to open the door.

Another huge difference is that smart locks are more technological than regular locks. You can connect your lock to Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to get real-time monitoring access to your home.

The Main Functions Of A Smart Lock

Most smart locks have both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, which gives you access to remote and local features.

One thing about a smart lock that many people appreciate is that you can monitor any time someone arrives at or leaves your home. This is a great feature for parents, for example, that need to make sure their kids made it home from school.

You can unlock the door from your smartphone as you’re approaching instead of fumbling around for keys. In addition to this, you have a lot of keyless entry options, such as remote unlocking (from far away) with your device or creating custom input codes.

A smart lock owner can set auto-lock times so that the lock will lock the door at specific times without you having to do anything. You can also make it so that the door locks automatically whenever your smartphone is outside of a specific perimeter.

Alerts are sent to your devices whenever someone tries to mess with or break the lock so that you can notify the police or your security company right away. When you’re not home, this is a feature that can come in handy to keep your home safer.

Read more at: How Do Smart Locks Work, And Do They Really Make Your Home Safer?

Related Article: How to Find the Right Locks for your Needs

Need help with smart locks installation? visit locksmithbolingbrook.net

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How To Improve Your Home Security Easily And Quickly

By Eric Murrell

Security systems, camera systems, and locking systems have progressed a long way over the years. With the ever-increasing threat to home security, these improvements have been necessary. Every few seconds a home across the country is broken into. Then why is often a hard question to answer, but it does not negate the fact that home security is needed.

Many families have had the same security practices and devices in places for years. It’s important to regularly check and upgrade your security measures. Thieves are becoming more and more sophisticated and so should your security measures. 

This guide will help you to improve your home security easily and quickly. You must make the needed adjustments to avoid coming home to a nasty surprise. 

Improve Your Home Security

Improving your home security doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. There are simple tricks that can be used to create a big impact on how secure you feel in your own home. Thieves are opportunists. The best way to stop them is to not provide them with the opportunity to target you and your home. 

1. Hide Valuables 

This one is pretty simple to follow. Avoid giving burglars the temptation to target your home. Close windows and night to hide expensive TVs and other electronics. Keep your nice car parked in the garage. Dispose of product boxes and packaging discreetly. You don’t want to give others a full blow by blow of what you’ve recently purchased. This will only encourage them to raid your home. 

2. Add Security Cameras

One of the best ways you can easily and quickly improve your home security is by installing security cameras. They help you to monitor what’s happening around your home 24/7 and can give you peace of mind even when you’re not at home. You can use the very thorough breakdown of camera systems from LifeRejoice.com to help you decide on a reliable system. Most modern systems allow you to see what’s happening in real-time from your phone or other mobile devices. 

3. Opt For a Smart Lock

Invest in prop tech such as smart locks for your doors. No more hiding the spare key under the mat or flower pot. With a smart lock, you can control entry with your phone, no matter where you are, and when necessary, you can give the code to those you trust to have access to your home. It’s also a lot harder for robbers to pick a smart lock. This is a great added step of protection for your home.

Read more at: How To Improve Your Home Security Easily And Quickly

Related Article: Why You Should Consider Investing in Keyless Entry for Your Home

To learn more tips on how to improve your home’s security, visit chesapeakesecurelocksmith.com. For professional assistance, call (757) 204-3217.

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Prevent Security Cameras From Being Vulnerable to Hacking Attacks

A site linked to 73000 unsecured IP cameras in 256 countries has hit all of you. And stories about IP camera security vulnerabilities have been coming into light. The core purpose of this post is to draw your attention to the IP camera security issues. Check it and then take proactive measures to prevent your camera from being hacked or watched by some bad guys.

Reasons Your Unsecured IP Cameras Got Hacked

Why would people take the time and effort to hack those unsecured IP cameras?

Some hack for fun. Hackers try to crack the unsecured security cameras in people’s homes as a challenge — they do it just to prove that they can. There was a user once experienced a strange hack that all of his unsecured IP cameras got renamed “UPDATE” and “FIRMWARE”. It seems as if the hackers were just announcing their success, that’s all.

And some are after the private information through unsecured IP cameras. Some others may just enjoy the tedious yet exciting moments of preying on the innocent and the unknowing. They are fond of watching unsecured cameras lives like catching criminals in the act or finding hilarious anomalies.

How Does the Security Camera Get Hacked

Hacking an unsecured IP camera is alarmingly easy. You can view unsecured cameras with simple clicks.

Luckily, the hacking mostly happens to those unsecured IP cameras with default passwords. Generally, the online site just pings every device on the net and try if one of common default passwords works.

That’s the way most websites get the hacked cameras’ live. So remember to change the default username and password, and don’t use the one that is too simple and easy to crack, like your birthday.

Bonus: Click here to find effective ways to tell whether your IP camera has been hacked.

How to Choose Secured IP Camera Manufacturers

Unsecured IP cameras are accessible to everyone, making them pretty vulnerable to prying eyes.

The unsecured IP camera manufacturers have little incentive to spend time and money making their products safer. Experts, in a CNN news report, “blamed poor practice by low-end manufacturers making devices like internet-accessible baby monitors, cameras and thermostats”.

But there are also manufacturers, like Reolink, devoted to taking advantages of the cutting-edge technology and strict manufacturing and testing process. Reolink security IP cameras feature advanced encryption, like the SSL encryption, WPA2, and AES encryption, making sure the live surveillance streams unable to be accessed by hackers.

These Countries/Cities have the Most Unsecured Security Cameras

The Insecam contains 25 listed countries with the most unsecured IP cameras.

US leads the way, with the most open IP cameras, which are visible to all internet users all over the world. Other countries include South Korea, China, Mexico, France, Italy, UK and many more. The top 5 countries with the most unsecured cameras are:

• US: 5907
• Japan: 2429
• Italy: 1486
• France: 1213
• United Kingdom: 911

The number of unsecured IP cameras varies according to different cities. Taking US as an example, cities with a high population density tend to have more insecure open IP cameras. San Francisco, Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami have more unsecured home cameras than other cities do.

Unsecured IP Cameras List: Where and How They are Used

While unsecured IP cameras in public places, such as parks, parking lots, restaurants, streets, supermarkets, are not going to really alert you, unsecured security cameras in people’s homes let you worry about privacy issues.

According to Insecam, up to 15.4% of all the unsecured web cameras are from homes, following outdoor/parks (21.55%) and parking lots (21.18%).

List of Unsecured IP Cameras Due to Lack of Password Protection

A list of unsecured cameras includes those without a strong password to protect.

Sometimes you use a security camera without password protection, or forget to change the default username and password. IP cameras “protected” with the default username and password widely known to thieves are extremely vulnerable to be hacked.

Take a look at the unsecured IP camera list with default login username and password. Due to industry relations, I will not mention the brands of these security cameras. But the list is based on the passwords leaked out of the news, so you can refer to it and change your password as soon as possible.

Read more at: Prevent Security Cameras From Being Vulnerable to Hacking Attacks

Related Article: Security for Residential Property

Learn more about security cameras and home security by visiting www.chesapeakesecurelocksmith.com. If you need professional assistance with security camera installation, call (757) 204-3217

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How does a master key work?

A master key can open many different types of locks. Robin Smith / Getty Images

The super of our apartment building is always going into everyone’s apartment when something needs to be fixed. There must be a hundred apartments, but he only carries one key around with him. How does he get into all those apartments with the same key?

Although locks come in all shapes and sizes, with many innovative design variations, most locks are based on fairly similar concepts. The most common lock design is the cylinder lock. In this design, the key turns a cylinder, or plug, which turns an attached cam. When the plug is turned one way, the cam pulls in on the bolt and the door can open. When the plug turns the other way, the cam releases the bolt and a spring snaps it into place so the door cannot open.

The key your “super” is using is called a master key. To understand how master keys work, you first have to have a basic idea of how locks and keys work.

Inside a cylinder lock, there is a sort of puzzle, which only the correct key can solve. The main variation in lock designs is the nature of this puzzle. One of the most common puzzles is the pin-and-tumbler design.

Check out the next page to learn more about this lock design.

Pin and Tumbler Locks

The main components in the pin-and-tumbler design are a series of small pins of varying length. The pins are divided up into pairs. Each pair rests in a shaft running through the central cylinder plug and into the housing around the plug. Springs at the top of the shafts keep the pin pairs in position in the plug.

When no key is inserted, the bottom pin in each pair is completely inside the plug, while the upper pin is halfway in the plug and halfway in the housing. The position of the upper pins keeps the plug from turning — the pins bind the plug to the housing.

When you insert a key, the series of notches in the key push the pin pairs up to different levels. The incorrect key will push the pins so that most of the top pins are still partly in the plug and partly in the housing. The correct key will push each pin pair up just enough so that the point where the two pins come together lines up perfectly with the space where the cylinder and the housing come together — this point is called the shear line.

Some locks are designed to work with two different keys. The change key will open only that specific lock, while the master key will open that lock and several others in a group. In these locks, a few of the pin pairs are separated by a third pin. This third pin is called a master wafer or spacer.

When three pins are combined in a shaft, there are two ways to position the pins so they open the lock. The change key might raise the pins so that the shear line is just above the top of the master wafer, while the master key might raise the pins so the shear line is at the bottom of the master wafer. In both cases, there is a gap at the shear line and the key is able to turn.

In this lock design, the lowest pin is the same length in each lock in the group, but the master wafer varies in length. This lets the person with the master key access any lock in the group, while someone with a change key can open only his or her own lock.

Article Source: How does a master key work?

Related Article: Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Keyless Locks

If you require professional assistance in setting up your master key system in Chesapeake, VA, call us at (757) 204-3217.

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Benefits of Home Safe

Having your items properly stored away in your home is important. You can’t just have high-end items or expensive jewelry sitting around – not because you can’t trust other people, but because it could end up getting misplaced. Organization is key, and sometimes you might feel that you have too much clutter sitting around. Is this how you feel at your home? If so, have you considered how a home safe might help you out? Chesapeake Secure Locksmith serves the Chesapeake, VA area and this team has put together information on the benefits of home safes. People don’t always realize just how helpful having a safe will be for them. Check out the information provided, and see if you think a safe might help you out.

1.)    Having a safe can make you more organized. Many safes come with internal organization, like shelves. Maybe you want to use a safe to store a weapon, important paperwork, and cash. You could have each item in a completely different section. This will remove the items from eyesight, which will help you to clean up and reduce clutter, but it will also allow you to always know where there are. A safe is mandatory in many places if you have a weapon, too. Be sure to look into local regulations wherever you live. These are important things to note, because you want to take care of your items, but also ensure they don’t end up with the wrong person.

2.)    Having a safe in your home can leave your items protected even during a natural disaster. Let’s say your home, unfortunately ends up catching fire. Or let’s say you have serious flooding. Many safes are built to withstand certain temperatures for a certain amount of time. For example, you might find a safe that will stay in-tact during a fire for 30 minutes. There are many different options on the market, and talking one on one with a locksmith will help you to narrow down the options based off your specific concerns. You can also search online for safes within your price range that are built to withstand water and fire. Imagine if your passport, birth certificate, or first love letter were to get destroyed simply because they weren’t properly stored? You need to protect the items which are the most important to you and having a safe can help you to do this.

3.)    Having a safe in your home can help to keep items like money out of the range of vision of a potential criminal. Maybe you have contractors frequently come into your home. Or perhaps you just hired a new babysitter. You can’t trust just anyone completely, and it is a good idea to have money locked away so it is not out in the open. Or perhaps you rarely have people in your home and when you do, you fully trust them. Think about what would happen if a criminal were to break in, if your money was out in the open. It is a better idea to keep loose cash locked away in a safe. 

Clearly, there are numerous benefits to having a home safe, from improved organization to property protection. Now that you know that it is beneficial to have one, you might be wondering how much they cost and which type would be the best for you. Have a look at the information provided to help you get a better idea of what is out there. 

If you are looking for something impressive, consider the Sentry Safe Executive Fire Safe, 4.7 cu feet. This is the ultimate safe for organization because you can fit a ton of items into it (not literally a ton, but you can fit a lot inside of this space). It’s good for storing electronics, valuables, and more. It is made out of steel and it includes a carpeted interior, which can help protect the finishing of certain items. It is beautiful, and it weighs in at 217 pounds. It has 3 shelves which you can adjust. It is sturdy and heavy, to say the least. It’s priced at just over $650.00

Looking for something less expensive? For $180, you can get the Sentry Safe SFW123CS Fire Safe. This safe is like something that you might find in a hotel, with room for your camera, passport and a couple of other items. It also offers good storage and organization. It is fire safe, to boot!

Looking for something even cheaper? There are plenty of safes available for under $100. For $105 you can get a First Alert water proof and fire resistant safe that comes with ready-seal technology. You can check locations like Sam’s Club and Walmart for some great deals on safes. If you are looking for something closer to the $50 range, you could opt for the SentrySafe Security Safe - .5 cubic feet. This safe might not be large in size, but it is enough to get high-end items out of the reach of unwanted hands. You could use it to lock away cash, a passport, an expensive watch, and more.

It is important to keep in mind that you do have options available if you are looking for a home safe. Just remember that having a safe in your home comes with numerous benefits. If you still aren’t convinced, consider getting on the phone with a locksmith in Chesapeake. They will be able to answer any questions that you have and point you in the right direction if you are having a difficult time choosing which safe you should go with. There are all different sizes available. There are so many options when it comes to protecting your most important items. Consider the benefits of a home safe, and talk with an expert lock and security provider about having one installed in your home! You will be glad to have it once you realize how convenient it is.

How To Check Effectiveness of Your Security

If you have never had your home locks evaluated, now might be the time to do so. You can take it up on yourself to check the effectiveness of your security features and make sure that they will do the job they are intended to do. It doesn’t matter if you have had an intrusion or not, you should always make sure your home security is up to par. If you want to make sure that an attempted intrusion is not successful, you’ll need to know for certain where your home security may need to be replaced. You might not realize that your home is the prime target of a burglar until it is too late. Be prepared for anything by annually making the necessary changes to your home security features. You can do your part in making it as difficult as possible for a burglar to gain access into your home. A burglar isn’t looking for trouble. They want the least amount of effort needed to break into a home. If they feel as though your home posses a problem, they will often go elsewhere. 

When evaluating your home security features, such as locks, here are some things to consider:

Deadbolt Locks

This is the most durable type of lock that you can have. If you just have regular doorknobs on your door without the support of a deadbolt, your lock is more likely to be compromised. The deadbolt is another layer of security. Our locksmiths at Chesapeake Secure Locksmith in Chesapeake, VA encourage every homeowner to invest in deadbolt locks for all of their exterior doors. In addition to having a good deadbolt lock, you should be sure that a professional installs the lock. The lock will not be of much use to you if it is not installed correctly. The hold that the bolt will go into needs to be deep enough in order to do so, if it isn’t, it will not engage completely. When the bolt isn’t inserted all of the way, the lock will not completely engage. This means that the lock will be ineffective. It must be properly installed to reach maximum security. This is why so many people depend on the efficient services of Chesapeake Secure Locksmith.

Window Locks

This is probably the last thing that you are thinking about but we assure you that this is an area that should not be overlooked if you want to make sure your home is completely secure. Most windows simply have a standard latch lock. If you have a lock that doesn’t appear to be secure and another type of lock cannot be added to it, perhaps it is time to consult with a professional locksmith to see what can be done to improve the level of security for each window of your home. Remember, this is another way that intruders gain entry into your home.

Sliding Glass Doors

If you have a patio or deck, you probably have a sliding glass door. This is what we often call the forgotten door since most homeowners fail to remember to keep this door locked at all times. However, this is the one door that needs to be secured more than any of the others. This is because this door has the weakest lock, which means it can be compromised more easily. Since it is located in the rear of the home, people passing by your home do not easily see it. This gives an intruder all of the time they need to manipulate the lock and gain entry. There is only a latch lock that is placed on sliding doors. They are just there to keep the door shut not to offer real security. This type of door is not made of solid core materials. The material is thin and flimsy and can easily be lifted off its frame. A sliding glass door requires that another type of key also be applied to it. Something as simple as a door pin can improve your level of security. If you’re unsure about the type of lock to place on your sliding glass door, consult with a local locksmith today.

Gates

Just like your doors and windows, your gate should also be secured. This is especially true if the gate leads toward the rear of your home. There are some locks that we use on homes that we also install on gates. However, if you’re interested in a gate lock, there are also locks designed just for gates. It is your responsibility to make sure that the lock on your gate is strong and durable enough to keep out intruders. If they gain access to the rear of your home, they may more easily gain access into your home.

Change Locks When Moving

It doesn’t matter whether your moving from an apartment into a house or from a house into an apartment, you should always have your locks changed. The management company of an apartment building may tell you that they have changed your locks but in actuality all they did was transfer another lock onto your doors. This is still dangerous because someone, somewhere still has a key to your lock. Instead, you might want to buy your own lock to let them install. Keep up with all of your keys. If you have ever had to lend out keys to service providers, make sure you get all of the keys back. If you do not, you might need to rekey all of your locks to avoid a break-in. When you have lost a key, it is also a good idea to have the locks rekeyed.

Upgrade Existing Locks

If you have lived in your home for some time now and have never had the locks upgraded, you should consider doing this right away. An expert locksmith will be able to determine which locks are weakest and need to be upgraded. Heed their advice when looking for locks to upgrade your existing locks.