Wireless Key Fob Attacks on the Rise: Here’s How to Protect Yourself (Video Below)
Wireless Grand Theft Auto: Does it sound like a game you’d play? While it may sound futuristic and space-age, the fact is that this process is becoming much more common. While it’s been on the rise in many parts of the world, one such theft was recently caught on camera in the UK. In just over a minute, two thieves pulled up to a home, used radio devices to gain remote entry to a Mercedes-Benz, and drove off with it without anyone being the wiser. TLDR; Smart Car jacking is on the rise, wrap your fob in tin foil and 3 other easy tips below. How to Protect Yourself While it’s true that remote attacks are on the rise, it’s also true that protecting yourself from them is not only possible but pretty straightforward. Here are some fast tips: Wrap Keys in aluminum foil: If you don’t want to invest in an RFID-blocking sleeve, simply wrap your key in metal to block transmission. A metal box will do the trick, as will simply wrapping your key fob in aluminum foil. Even if they could open the car, they could never drive it. Wal-mart sells them for $10 here.. Keep Your Key Fob in a Safe Place:”] Although the wireless key fob hacking seems advanced, it relies on one major contingency: for the hacker’s radio device to relay the signal and open the car; it needs to be able to bounce off the actual fob, which is presumably located somewhere nearby — either in an office building or a home. If you can block the real fob’s radio transmissions, you can stop such attacks. Today, there are several brands on the market engineering RFID-blocking products designed to shield your fob’s signals (one such brand is Faraday). Lock Your car in the Garage: Keeping your keys in the freezer doesn’t sound great? You could also, of course, lock your car in the garage, if you have one. Not only does this prevent remote break-ins, but it’ll also keep your car safe from tampering and vandalism of all types. The Rise of Wireless Car Jackings In April of 2017, Wired published a piece titled “Just a Pair of These $11 Radio Gadgets Can Steal a Car.” The title was alarming, but it was also true. In wireless key fob carjackings, a hacker uses a wireless device to imitate the signal from a car’s wireless key fob to the vehicle itself. This phony signal opens the car’s doors and, in some cases, can even start the engine, making it absurdly easy for the thieves to just drive away. While it may seem like this is a level of technology only the most advanced hackers could pull off, it’s relatively simple. In fact, a Beijing-based security firm recently tested the process and managed to “steal” a car with a setup they built for just $22. What’s more, these wireless hacking devices are ultra-effective and have a long range. In some cases, they’re ample enough to open and steal cars parked more than 1,000 feet from the imitation key fob device. So give our locksmiths a call anytime to make sure your security is up to date.
Apple Homekit & Keyless Smart Locks Showoff at CES 2018
I’ve never been to anything like #CES2018 in my life. It was MASSIVE; everybody who was anybody in the tech world was there to show off their new toys. Strangely, there was one company missing… Apple. The Google room/booth/display (idk what to call it) was HUGE, and LG’s and Samsung’s were even bigger, but not even pipsqueak from Apple! Probably because they have nothing to show strangely. Well I wanted to write about the new Apple Homekit and the Smart security gadgets that integrate with it, but although Apple didn’t show up, the smart home tech that will use Apple Homekit was there, and that’s what I’m here to share. (WARNING: I use the word “integrate” like ten times. Also click on the photos of the devices to see other Amazon reviews. Be an informed consumer) 1. Apple Homepod Ok I know this isn’t a smart lock, but this is why some critics say Apple Home is better than Google Home and Alexa. It has FAR superior sounds quality. Subwoofers, an amp, the whole shebang. Mr. Cook said it’s going to “blow your mind”. Six microphones inside. She hears everything anywhere. Platform is pretty closed of course, but still can integrate with other smart devices (though not as much as Alexa). BIG: Uses anonymous encryption to keep keep all your data private! Alexa and Google use it to advertise to you. Sooooo, that’s awesome. 2. Kwikset Premis This is the best selling smart lock that integrates with Apple home, in fact, Android users need not apply, it only work with apple home. Never worry if the house is locked again, it comes with an app that can lock your doors no matter where you are in the world. Give friends a family access codes and revoke them if you get in an argument. Siri voice activated. Some say the app is buggy, eats AA batteries fast, and the touch screen can be unresponsive? Even if the app is buggy, it’s the only one that has an app, and for that, this might just be the smartest lock on the market. 3. Pin Genie The un-hackable, peep proof lock with a hidden camera. Would be the best… if it only linked with alexa or apple home. 🙁 Shuffles around numbers so no one could ever guess the pin if they saw you enter it. (Patented) Great customer service Has a home security feature that blasts a siren if someone tries to break in. Sleek and sexy design, to be honest it’s my favorite design. Can use Bluetooth, but doesn’t have an app Has a hidden camera and it sends pictures of people who come to your door. Lol 4. The Obsidian It’s just a square, but it’s affordable, sleek and aesthetically pleasing. No gimmicks here. Integrates with…. NOTHING, this this is just a straight up lock. No extras. Ideal for Airbnb hosts More affordable than other key-less entry options 5. Yale Key Free Touchscreen Deadbolt A bit more expensive, and oh so aesthetically pleasing. This is my favorite smart lock on the market and let me show you why! 250 unique pin codes, more than any other product It can’t be picked, it’s purley electronic. Every other smart lock still has a keyhole Integrates with every big smart home system. “It’s so cool that my Kids want to lock the door now” – random amazon guy The most responsive touchscreen Welp that’s it! If you guys want to see a video review of some other Smart Locks this one is pretty solid. And if you need help installing, give our Professional locksmiths a call. We are available 24 hours a day.
The Irrational Reality of Locksmithing in Portland Oregon
Our newest locksmith Aaron just moved from California to Portland to find out just how weird people here are… ___________________________________________________________ How different is Portland, really? It’s not just a bumper sticker… It’s not just a banner, Or a rumor, Or written everywhere just for humor. Portland IS weird. Portland posses great attributes, most of which are a bit wacky or hard to understand. Portland is its own greatest muse; It’s a multi personalities culture that’s been fostered and strengthened into great strangeness. Locksmiths in the area get the brunt end of Portland weirdness, and it’s not because of the hip places to stay, or because of the intriguing choice of music, or because of the summer specials offered on weed. Locksmiths experience the weirdness of Portland through the weirdness of its people. People in Portland are weird, yo. Don’t believe it? Keep reading. Personal Memoirs that keep Portland weird: “I’m sorry, but we can’t accept rocks instead of money, ma’am.” – Aaron Locksmith Plus inc, locksmith. “This is better than money,” she says. The confused locksmith looks down at the ladies’ carefully painted rocks that read “Jesus” across the top of them. He waits a moment, and replies hesitantly, attempting to explain that rocks cannot be accepted as payment for their services. “Your hand painted rocks are lovely, and I’m sorry, but we can’t accept rocks instead of money, ma’am.” Finally, after further persuasion, the lady made a real payment, and the locksmith walked away scratching his head. This is a true story from the life of a Locksmith at Locksmith Plus Inc, Portland OR. __________________________________________________________________________ “I only have 20 dollars for payment right now, but I just bought steaks at the store, and I’d be happy to pay with those as well.” – Anonymous LPI customer The humored locksmith tells his story… “This lady called because she locked herself out of her car, and when I got there she explained her situation, asking for grace and promising to pay the rest at a later time. She offered to give her number, but when she offered her steaks as well, I couldn’t help but think about how lovely a steak dinner would be! (insert sarcasm here). I took the steaks and 20 dollars, unlocked her car, and then sent her on her way. There was no use in getting a phone number, this is just how it goes here in Portland. The steaks were pretty good though!” – Locksmith Plus Inc, locksmith __________________________________________________________________________ “Did you pick up your RV early sir? I wasn’t finished with impressing your key.” – Locksmith Plus Inc, locksmith Two hours later! In two hours a 30 foot RV was stolen. Welcome to Portland. The locksmith shares his story… “I got a call from a man who needed a new key for his RV. I came by to pick up his lock, then headed back to the shop for a couple of hours. When I got back, his RV was gone. I was confused so I called the man and asked him if he moved his RV. Our conversation went something like this… He replied saying, “No I didn’t move it.” I responded, “It’s not here sir.” He came back to his house to meet with me, and as he was walking down the street he realized that someone had taken his RV in the short time I was making a key for it. He was ticked but didn’t seem surprised. Portland is a rare… gem. I felt bad for the guy so I didn’t charge him for the service. Some people in Portland are so unaware, but then so aware at the same time. Someone had to be watching and waiting the entire time I was removing the lock.” -Locksmith Plus Inc, locksmith __________________________________________________________________________ “How green would you like your tip, sir?” “Yup, even people at weed dispensaries in Portland need locksmithing services, and they always tip very well.” At the end of the day, all we have to say is we love our city!
The Rich History of the Locksmith Trade
Imagine this: An oversized wooden key on a ring around your fingers, as a display of nobility and great wealth. What’s the story behind the locksmithing trade? In ancient times locks were few and far between, used only by individuals with power and authority. The history of locksmithing is said to date back 4000 years ago, beginning in Egypt and Babylon. It’s believed by some that locks were used to secure items from thieves along traveling roads during ancient times. This is a myth. Locks were not a common possession. In ancient times locks were much different than what we see and use today. Locks were oversized and made of wood, accompanied by an enormous wooden key. The wooden key was typically worn on a ring around the finger of its owner, to publically display the significance of the individual. In that time having a key meant you had items worth securing, symbolizing an abundance of wealth. With this status came great honor and importance among the people. While older locks were extremely large and made of different materials than what is used today, they do not function so differently. The oldest lock was found in the ruins of the Assyrian empire and is believed to have been created in 704 BC. This lock functioned by way of a pin mechanism, and its key appeared like an oversized toothbrush. The key was created to push the pin inside of its lock upwards, releasing its hold. Modern keys have advanced significantly since then but still, require a similar mechanism. Wooden locks and keys were used for centuries and were not evolved much until metal locks began appearing in Europe around 870 AD. These locks were made of iron or brass, and were seen stretching from Europe clear into China. They operated by metal keys that were twisted, pushed or screwed into the lock. Metal locks and keys remained the same for a long time, until the days of the industrial revolution in the 18th Century. Starting in this time we see immense growth in the locksmithing profession. A paned window into history: In 1778 Robert Barron perfected the Lever Tumbler Lock. This lock required the lever (inside of the lock) to be lifted at a specific height in order to be released. In 1817 there was a burglary in the Portsmouth Dockyard. In this time, the British government announced a competition, and it was won by a man named Jeremiah Chubb, who created the Chubb Detector Lock. This lock was difficult to pick but also gave an indication to its owner when someone tampered with it. Locks and keys were heavily tested by many individuals (of different abilities and social status) before a champion was announced, and the system was utilized. Jeremiah and his brother, Charles Chubb, began their own locksmithing business following the victory of Jeremiah’s success. In 1848 Linus Yale perfected the double-acting pin tumbler lock. This lock was designed using a pin of different lengths, created to stop the lock from being opened without the proper key. In 1861 Linus Yale invented a smaller key with serrated edges. His designed locks and keys are still used today. And if you ever need a Locksmith in Eugene OR, give us a call!