HARDWARE & SECURITY
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
JAN/FEB 2020
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