FEBRUARY 2020 | 23
News
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
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 encryp-
tion 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 com-
promising 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 tech-
nology, 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 facto-
ry specified password hasn’t
been updated. For instance, if a
particular smart lock is compro-
mised, the danger is enormous
and could affect thousands of
properties
Unlike a traditional, mechani-
cal 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 proper-
ties 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 Brit-
ish Standards Institution BSI,
Police Forces across the country
and with insurance companies
to investigate ways of check-
ing 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