Home Security News

Bump Keys a Threat to Locks and Deadbolts

Bump keys aren't new, but new YouTube videos are providing how-to guides to the masses, showing people how to use them to get past deadbolts.  If it's been a while since you replaced the locks on your doors, maybe it's time to consider it.  You'll want something that is "bump proof."  This means getting a high security lock with a has a secondary locking mechanism as added insurance.  If you're not sure whether your current locks fall into that category, they probably don't:

"For starters, don’t get anything with a “conventional pin tumbler lock”. This is what most of us already have on our front doors, the type of lock that can typically be bumped. Not every last one, but most of them, statistically speaking."

More at "Deadbolts Not Secure From ‘Bump keys’"

When Will Biometric House Locks Be Standard?

I don't know about you, but I'm tired of keys.  It's true that you can get biometric locks (scanners that recognize your fingerprint) for your doors today, but they're pretty expensive still.  When is this technology going to come down in price, and when will it be common place?  When will we hop into our cars and tap the ignition with our thumb to start the car?  When will the front door recognize us coming with bags full of groceries and swing open automatically?

Well, Popular Science magazine had a future house feature in their most recent issue (Nov. 2006), and here's what they had to say on the topic of biometric scanners and home security:

In the year 2015...

"If you want to make sure the cable guy at your doorstep is really from the cable company, just ask him to upload his biometric data (retinal scan, vein scan, fingerprint reading, or facial-recognition data are all possible) to your home security system for on-site scanning.  As the reliability of biometric identification grows, such systems will become virtually foolproof.  Giving your neighbor a spare key to come in and take care of the cat while you're away soon won't be necessary--just enter your friend's biometric data from a card he provides, and your scanners will recognize him when he visits."

Hm, looks like we have less than 10 years to go.

Sturdy Window Locks

Everybody knows locking your doors is a smart idea, when you're talking home security (everybody knows; of course, that doesn't mean everybody does it), but people often forget about windows. 

Take a good look around your house from the outside.  Put yourself in the shoes of a burglar.  Think about your windows.  Do you see any open?  Are there any with loose or non-existent locks that would be easy to force open?  Don't think burglars are only going to try the front door.  A window, even a second story window, can offer them easy access. 

So, what do you do?  Make sure you have sturdy window locks.  This lock from Rocky Mountain Hardware is a good example.  The mini surface bolt is made from white bronze with solid metal parts and is available in 6" or 10" lengths.  If properly installed, it would do a good job of keeping intruders out.

Of course, you'll want to shop for window locks that fit your home decor; just make sure to buy something sturdy instead of something decorative.  And make sure you lock your windows, as well as your doors, when you leave the house!

How to Install New Locks

Again and again, we've talked about how important it is to home security to install new locks when you move into a home (you have no way of knowing how many copies of the key to the old locks are floating around).  It's also a good idea to install new locks if your old ones look flimsy, and you think a burglar would have no trouble kicking through the door. 

But if you're not a handy dandy do-it-yourself type, you may not know exactly how to install a new doorknob and lock system.  Fortunately, there are sites out there with diagrams and instructions on how to do it yourself, whether you have experience or not.  Here is a good run-through that includes pictures:

Installing doorknobs and locks

RFID Door Lock

An RFID (radio frequency identification) door lock?  What's that?  Well, it's another alternative to the old key-in-lock opening mechanism that most houses come with.  Instead of opening the door with your thumb (as with fringerprint locks) or with a numerical code (as with keypad door locks), you use a special entry card.  With the MyKey 2300 (shown here), you press the button in the center, and then you wave wallet, keychain, cellphone, or any place you've stuck an authorized MyKey 2300 RFID card, and the door unlocks. To lock it again, you simply press the button in the center.  If you forget your RFID card, you can still get in via a keypad that's hidden above the button. 

As far as home security goes, the company promises that, unlike with common metal keyholes, their lock can't be picked by would-be thieves.  Also if you lose a card or someone steals one, you can reprogram the lock to deny that card.

The MyKey 2300 will cost you $300.

http://www.mykey2300.com/

Shatterproof Laminate for Windows

pTake a look at the windows on your first floor.  Would they be easy for a burglar to break as a means of gaining entrance to the house?  If so, do you have motion sensors on them that are hooked up to a central alarm system?  If you don't, then it's time to spend some quality time with those windows.  You can use shatterproof laminate to treat them. 

It's fairly easy for burglars to gain entrance--most of the time they just find something laying around your yard (i.e. a landscaping rock), throw it through the window, and they're in the house.  Ok, you could just get rid of the rocks, but that's not always practical--what if your neighbor has rocks?

If money isn't a concern (lucky you), you can get a burglar alarm and security windows.  But if you need a more low-cost way to protect your family, try the shatterproof laminate application.  This is basically a protective sheet that you stick to your windows in order to reinforce them.  It doesn't mess with the views, and it doesn't cost nearly as much as getting the glass replaced.  Shatterproof laminate won't make the windows indestructable, but it's definitely designed to give them extra strength.  Even if a burglar breaks the window, it's not likely he'll be able to get into the house.

Fingerprint Door Lock Review

We've talked about fingerprint (biometric) door locks a couple times, but they're still pretty rare in the residential arena.  I did manage to scrounge up a review (two reviews actually) over at epinions for the 1Touch Fingerprint Lock.  Both are positive (though it sounds like programming the lock could require a true geek):

"All in all, this is a great lock to use, and if you and your family don't want to ever worry about keys, passwords or combinations again, try this lock."

"I debated buying a less expensive unit but as I know that being in the technology industry that you get what you pay for. Hats off to the folks at Fingerprintdoorlocks.com as this product rocks!"

To read the reviews in their entirety, here's the epinions link: http://www.epinions.com/1Touch_Fingerprint_Lock/display_~reviews

Best Door Lock

A recent Consumer Reports test took a look at a number of residential door locks.  They were surprised how easy it was to just kick in the doors, breaking many of the locks.  If they can do it, so can a burglar.  The testers also evaluated which locks could withstand a burglar who brings tools, like a drill.

The winner?  Of the 31 they tested, "It's the Medeco Maxum residential series, which goes for 160 dollars."  If you don't want to spend that much, Consumer Reports recommended two others as best buys: "They're the Weslock 671 and the Emteck Low Profile 8455." Both locks cost $25.

Article: Home Security: Testing Door Locks

Security Windows Designed to Keep Burglars Out

Since windows are relatively easy to break and can provide an entrance to your home, some homeowners are switching to stronger "no break" security windows.  House Break windows and glass patio doors have reinforced framing and break-resistant glass much like the glass used in auto windshields.  The double-paned glass windows are supposed to be strong enough to stand up to baseball bats, bowling balls, and (perhaps more realistic on the home security front) crowbars.  The outermost pane may shatter, but the inner glass is reinforced and won't allow penetration.  A secondary deadbolt lock lets you open the windows partway to allow in fresh air without compromising security.

The windows are also a good idea in earthquake zones like California since you don't need to worry about shattering glass striking family members.

http://www.housearmor.com/

Garage Door Security

Automatic garage door opens are great for their convenience, but one wonders just how secure they are in comparison to old-fashioned locks.  Worried that thieves might duplicate your garage door opener's code, thus allowing them easy access to your home?  Well, your concerns might be well-founded.  According to RCI Automation, LLC, many of today's burglars are employing a device called a "Code Grabber" in order to snag your remote's code from hundreds of feet away.

Fortunately, the Home & Garden Channel's web site offers an article that tells you how to install an "universal conversion kit" that changes the code on your remote control everytime you use it.  If you have an older garage door opener, this is definitely something you should look into.  Read Garage Door Security for the how to.

Deadbolt with a Thumb Latch Best Near Windows

A deadbolt is a good idea on just about any door since it adds a layer of security.  However, deadbolts right next to windows (or in doors with windows in them) might not be as helpful as you would think.  Ask yourself if someone could break one of the panes, reach through the opening, and unlock your door from the outside.  If so, that deadbolt is worthless.

There's an easy solution, though.  You can install a deadbolt with a removable thumb latch.  This way, you can simply take the latch off after you lock the door and place the latch somewhere out of reach.  These deadbolts don't cost much more than the regular ones, but they can save you a lot of money if they prevent a break in.  Ask at your local hardware store to buy one.

Custom Stainless Steel Doors

Weighing 200-300 pounds, steel doors can certainly be a deterrent to any would-be thieves that might otherwise be tempted to try and kick their way in.  When people think of stainless steel doors, they may think of big solid silver slabs that, while secure, don't exactly look inviting or particularly appealing.  However, there are manufacturers out there making custom-designed residential steel doors.  Visit Jaroff Custom Entryways, Inc. to get an idea of what's out there.

High Tech Door Locks

High tech door locks, once the domain of big commercial buildings, are growing in popularity among homeowners.  According to This Old House article "Keys? Who Needs 'Em! High-tech Locks Open with the Touch of a Button," plummeting prices are encouraging the growth of high tech locks in the residential industry.  "First adopted in the 1980s by hotels and other security-minded businesses, keyless locks — such as digital keypads, magnetic cards, and remote-controlled deadbolts — have lately exploded onto the home market."  Convenience (no need for keys) and price are the main reasons for their popularity.  Where commercial systems once ran $20,000, "Now you can get good residential models for $400."

Smarthome offers a full range of High Tech Door Locks

Stainless Steel Doors

Stainless steel doors got a mention on the Home and Garden channel yesterday (yes, I admit to watching this channel... I'm trying to remodel my kitchen, leave me alone).  That was the first I'd heard them mention stainless steel inso far as housing trends unless it was about appliances.  Apparently, doors made of the sturdy stuff are becoming popular both for the look and for their security (just try and kick down a steel door, eh?). 

Here's a company that does stainless steel doors for residences; the pictures up on their site look pretty good.

If you're more interested in cool locks for your doors, Smarthome offers a full range of Access Control Security Products.

Lockpicking 101

There are a number of interesting lockpicking sites on the Internet. I think one of the the best ways to protect yourself in matters of home security is by understanding the vulnerabilities of doors and windows, including the locking mechanisms. If you want to know which locks are the most difficult to pick (and the best ones to install for that reason) or you're just curious about lockpicking basics, here are a few resources for you:

Lock Picking (Nice pictures, plus a forum where you can ask questions)
How Lock Picking Works How Stuff Works always does a thorough job with their articles, and this is no exception.
Lock Picking 101 An active forum on the subject.
Lockpicking Basics A manual that starts at the beginning and provides diagrams.

Door Lock Alternatives

Are you somebody who frequently misplaces your keys?  Or do you just like the idea of having a high tech door lock system to confound the nosey in-laws? Technology is bringing new alternatives to traditional door locks in residential housing. A couple of these options are:

• Digital Keypad Door Locks
• Card Readers
• Fingerprint Door Locks (Biometric Readers)
• Electric or Magnetic Door Strikes

See also: Smarthome's Access Control Security Products

For more information on some of these systems, the following articles might be helpful:

• Residential Fingerprint Door Locks
• High Tech Locks open with the Touch of a Button

Air Conditioners

You've secured your windows with locks and maybe even tempered glass, but did you remember the air conditioner? According to The Personal Security Handbook, many people overlook window-mounted air conditioners when coming up with a home security plan. To make sure the unit cannot be removed from the outside, you should bolt it securely to the house. Also make sure the window can't be raised above the air conditioner.

Security & Windows in the House

Gosh, thanks to Bill Gates, it's hard to find information on securing windows at home(i.e. the kinds with glass that you look through). I was looking for stuff on what kind of windows are naturally the most secure, but ended up finding tons and tons of pages on Microsoft's OS.  A Yahoo! page about tips for securing your home did offer this for windows: "Key locks are available for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured simply by "pinning" the upper and lower frames together with a nail, which can be removed from the inside. For windows at street level, consider iron grates or grilles. For windows opening onto a fire escape, metal accordion gates can be installed on the inside."

I'll come back to this subject later when I have more time to refine a search and hunt through the results, but in the meantime, you may want to check out the complete article: Home Security Basics

Electronic Deadbolts

Deadbolts aren't something that you necessarily think of when you think new advances in home security, however electronic keyless entry deadbolt locks are available today with motion detectors that illuminate the keyhole when it's dark out.  There is a tiny computer chip in the electronic deadbolt that can be programmed to lock the door after someone leaves the house (in case the kids have a tendency to forget to lock the door). The keyless locks can also be handy when you come hold carrying an armful of bags. Rolling codes keep the deadbolts from being hacked.

Browse electronic lock & deadbolt options:
Digital Mechanical Keyless Pushbutton Lock
Fingerprint Door Lock
Keyless Entry Electronic Deadbolt Door Lock

Source: Deadbolt Locks - Electronic Locks are Nifty