Clearview National February 2020 - Issue 219 | Page 63

HARDWARE
from walls, floors and ceilings
causing signal failure has previously
affected the reliability of wireless
home security, but these problems
are far less frequent. To combat
these problems, each wireless sensor
now has its own battery back-up.
The MLA recommends regular
testing and charging of batteries to
ensure the system operates at peak
performance and not to chance a
DIY installation. Home security
is too important and should be
installed and managed by trained
and licensed professionals. All
MLA members are licensed, and
vetted giving customers confidence
that their home security is in safe
hands.
CAR TRACKER
In the same way as the
FindmyPhone app or Snapchat’s
SnapMaps works to identify a
person’s location via GPS, the
MLA has seen an increase in
the use of “Connected Car”
technology that tracks, monitors
and safeguards vehicles. The
technology is factory fitted and
often includes extra options such
as being able to remotely unlock
the vehicle via an app.
SAFETY OF SECURITY
TECHNOLOGY ITSELF
Issues with the security of
the technology itself will be
a major theme for 2020 with
encryption becoming a huge
focus. Consumers are increasingly
concerned about the security
of the actual technology they
are using. Many are reluctant
to introduce Smart technology
into their homes to avoid
compromising security. Fears that
Alexa, Google Home and other
smart devices are listening in and
recording conversations and data
are fuelling concerns as well as
the risks of mobile apps being
interfered with and mobile signals
intercepted and used illicitly.
When people invest in
technology, especially security
technology, they want to know
it is not having the reverse effect
and compromising their safety.
Wireless signals and routers
can be hacked, keyless cars for
instance are an easy target with
devices that pick up the signal
from key fobs allowing cars to
be driven off in minutes. Similar
problems can affect remote
unencrypted security devices or
devices where the factory specified
password hasn’t been updated.
For instance, if a particular smart
lock is compromised, the danger
is enormous and could affect
thousands of properties
Unlike a traditional,
mechanical lock where only
one property is affected if the
key is copied or compromised,
in the case of smart locks if a
bypass/hack or vulnerability of a
particular smart lock is discovered
then every property with this type
of lock is vulnerable.
Imagine if a housing estate
was developed with all properties
fitted with the same make and
model of smart lock, if a hack
was discovered then every house
on the development would
be at risk because each lock
could be opened. The MLA
continues to work with the
British Standards Institution BSI,
Police Forces across the country
and with insurance companies
to investigate ways of checking
and certifying that security
provided by smart products is at
least equivalent to traditional,
mechanical security devices.
The Master Locksmiths
Association has over 1,400
business members operating
across the UK installing and
repairing locks in homes and
business premises. MLA
locksmiths can conduct security
audits and offer advice on
the best security solutions for
individual properties.
Find your local MLA locksmith
at www.locksmiths.co.uk
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