Cybersecurity researchers at the University of Michigan were able to hack into the leading "smart home" automation system and essentially get the PIN code to a home's front door.To get more news about biometric safe locks, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

Their "lock-pick malware app" was one of four attacks that the cybersecurity researchers leveled at an experimental set-up of Samsung's SmartThings, a top-selling Internet of Things platform for consumers. The work is believed to be the first platform-wide study of a real-world connected home system. The researchers didn't like what they saw.At least today, with the one public IoT software platform we looked at, which has been around for several years, there are significant design vulnerabilities from a security perspective," said Atul Prakash, U-M professor of computer science and engineering. "I would say it's okay to use as a hobby right now, but I wouldn't use it where security is paramount."

Earlence Fernandes, a doctoral student in computer science and engineering who led the study, said that "letting it control your window shades is probably fine."

"One way to think about it is if you'd hand over control of the connected devices in your home to someone you don't trust and then imagine the worst they could do with that and consider whether you're okay with someone having that level of control," he said.

Regardless of how safe individual devices are or claim to be, new vulnerabilities form when hardware like electronic locks, thermostats, ovens, sprinklers, lights and motion sensors are networked and set up to be controlled remotely. That's the convenience these systems offer. And consumers are interested in that.

As a testament to SmartThings' growing use, its Android companion app that lets you manage your connected home devices remotely has been downloaded more than 100,000 times. SmartThings' app store, where third-party developers can contribute SmartApps that run in the platform's cloud and let users customize functions, holds more than 500 apps.

The researchers performed a security analysis of the SmartThings' programming framework and to show the impact of the flaws they found, they conducted four successful proof-of-concept attacks.How is all this possible? The security loopholes the researchers uncovered fall into a few categories. One common problem is that the platform grants its SmartApps too much access to devices and to the messages those devices generate. The researchers call this "over-privilege."

"The access SmartThings grants by default is at a full device level, rather than any narrower," Prakash said. "As an analogy, say you give someone permission to change the lightbulb in your office, but the person also ends up getting access to your entire office, including the contents of your filing cabinets."

More than 40 percent of the nearly 500 apps they examined were granted capabilities the developers did not specify in their code. That's how the researchers could eavesdrop on setting of lock PIN codes.

The researchers also found that it is possible for app developers to deploy an authentication method called OAuth incorrectly. This flaw, in combination with SmartApps being over-privileged, allowed the hackers to program their own PIN code into the lock-to make their own secret spare key.

Finally, the "event subsystem" on the platform is insecure. This is the stream of messages devices generate as they're programmed and carry out those instructions. The researchers were able to inject erroneous events to trick devices. That's how they managed the fire alarm and flipped the switch on vacation mode.

Having previously focussed on boosting the external security of your home with its smart devices, Yale is now turning to the inside of your home with two new products: the Smart Safe and the Smart Cabinet Lock.To get more news about biometric safe locks, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

It's the Smart Cabinet Lock that's, perhaps, the most interesting. Designed to fit into an existing cupboard, this battery-powered lock is built to prevent unauthorised access. For example, if you've got kids and you want to keep them out of the drinks cabinet or medicine cupboard.

The Smart Cabinet Lock comes as two parts: the main lock fits into the cupboard and locks automatically when the door catch engages. The lock is Bluetooth powered and can be controlled directly from your smartphone when it's in range. You can also connect the lock to Apple HomeKit, which should mean that you can remote control the lock if you have a Bluetooth-enabled home hub in range, such as a HomePod or Apple TV. You can also connect the Smart Cabinet Lock to the Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge, controlling it remotely from the Yale Access app.When the lock starts to run out of battery, you're sent plenty of warnings. Should you choose to ignore them, there's no override option for this lock, as the entire device is hidden in a cupboard. However, we have been told that if you put more than 40kg of pressure on the lock, the door catch will snap, giving you access: this is the cheap bit to replace, leaving the lock intact.

Yale has also thought about what would happen if a child were to lock themselves in a cupboard, and the Cabinet Lock lights up when it's dark to highlight the push-to-unlock button on top. We're told that the Cabinet Lock will go on sale in Q2 for €70 (around £60).

Joining the Cabinet Lock is the Smart Safe, which is exactly what you think it is. This model can be controlled from the smartphone app or connected to the Yale Connect Wi-Fi Bridge for remote control.

As with Yale's other safes, the Smart Safe has keypad entry on the front. If the batteries run out, the safe can be temporarily powered via a 9V battery, in much the same way as the company's smart locks, such as the Yale Conexis L1. There's also a physical key to override the safe door.

The Smart Safe will also be available in Q2, priced at €200 (around £170). We'll bring you reviews of both when samples are available.

Most consumers are accustomed to the idea of smart devices and may already integrate their home technology stack with an Amazon Alexa or Google Home system. The shift toward digitization of basic household needs comes as a growing number of digital natives age and begin to have their own homes and disposable income. Interestingly, the socioeconomic status of participants was evenly distributed across the household income ranges provided by the survey-makers. This shows that the idea of need for digitized security is pervasive no matter the income level.To get more news about biometric safe locks, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

Unsurprisingly, the features within a smart lock are deciding factors. The study found that while different age groups prefer different colors of locks, the main request within a lock is for it to be as secure as possible. This is followed by durability, price and smart features. The younger crowd was interested in voice command capabilities. Overall, battery life, remote lock/unlock, security key override in case of battery failure, and the ability to allow for multiple users are most important to the group; while female consumers consider fingerprint much more important than male consumers.
The biggest overarching concerns are mostly about the reliability of the technology and the more expensive price perception. The majority of users said that they would be willing to pay between $100-$199 for a smart lock. Female consumers expressed bigger concerns about how to use the devices and the lack of familiarity of the benefits.

One leader in the home security industry is SECURAM Smart. It is an offshoot of SecuRam Systems, Inc., the brand best known for bank vault security systems. A recent review by TechHive's Christopher Null, said the following about the SECURAM Touch, a smart home lock that has the ability to unlock with either a fingerprint using RF technology, or a custom code for up to thirty users: " its beefy, circular construction (both interior and exterior) has a reassuring appearance that reminds one of a bank-vault entrance."

This need for a true sense of security from consumers who want to be reassured that their technology is working for them bodes well for tech and security companies who are on the forefront of this shift in the industry.

Securam Systems Inc. CEO, Chunlei Zhou said, "It makes sense that as the world gets more and more connected, people are growing more concerned with the security of their smart devices. We were not surprised to learn that people want their homes to be connected AND secure. We will continue to leverage our expertise to stay ahead of the curve and keep bringing high-security options to smart home owners."

I reviewed the Lockly Secure Plus smart lock late last year. It integrated a fingerprint reader into its hardware, ostensibly providing a dramatic upgrade to the security level of the system. One thing was missing from the package: Any kind of significant "smart" features that let you tie the Lockly system into the rest of your home. (The lock only supports Bluetooth out of the box.) Recently, Lockly addressed that issue by introducing the Lockly Secure Pro, which adds a Wi-Fi bridge to the system, enabling a few additional capabilities.To get more news about biometric safe locks, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

Sounds like a plan, but first, some semantics. Notably, the Lockly Secure Pro is not actually a new product of its own. Rather, it is a bundle of the existing Lockly Secure Plus hardware along with the new Lockly Secure Link WiFi Hub, which connects the lock to your Wi-Fi network. If you already have a Lockly Secure Plus lock, you can buy the Secure Link WiFi Hub separately for $80, instead of shelling out $300 (or $330 the Latch model that replaces your entry handset) for the bundle. Buying either lock and the hub as a bundle will save you $30 compared to buying the components separately. Since I still had the lock on hand from my previous review, Lockly sent just the WiFi Hub for this story; I tested it with the same Secure Plus hardware I reviewed previously.

The good news is that setting up the Secure Link WiFi Hub is considerably simpler than setting up the lock hardware. In fact, it's downright easy, thanks to clear enough instructions both within the Lockly app and in the full-color, printed manual. The hub consists of two pieces: A small USB device about the size of a thumb drive, plus a standard USB wall wart. To connect, simply put these two items together and plug the combo into an AC outlet. Note that the plug must be within 10 feet of the lock, however, which could be a problem for homes that don't have outlets near their door.

After a quick firmware upgrade to the lock, the two devices were ready to pair, and they then easily connected to my home Wi-Fi network. I had no trouble with any of this, and within a few minutes my Lockly system was live on Wi-Fi.

A standard magnetic door sensor is also included in this kit. After installing it on the door, you pair it with the Lockly app, which then lets the app do double duty, informing you whether the door is open or closed as well as whether it's locked or unlocked.

With all of this set up, well, now what do you do with it? The primary function of the Secure Link WiFi Hub is that it gives you go-anywhere access to the lock, instead of being limited to Bluetooth range. If the kids are locked out and have forgotten their key, access code, or just can't get their mittens off to use the fingerprint reader, you can open the door for them remotely. You also have access to a real-time status of the door and the lock; in other words, it does exactly what any "smart" lock ought to be do right out of the box.

Interestingly, once the hub is installed, the app adds a new toggle switch to the upper left corner that lets you switch between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth access to the lock. Now if your Wi-Fi network goes down or there's a blackout, you can still use your phone to open the lock (locally, that is, and provided the lock has sufficient battery). The onboard Bluetooth radio relies on the lock's battery to operate, unlike your Wi-Fi router and broadband gateway (unless you have those devices plugged into an uninterruptible power supply, that is).

The addition of Wi-Fi connectivity also lets you connect Lockly to Alexa and Google Assistant. Once I installed the skill, I was able to use Alexa to tell me the status of the lock and to unlock it via voice. (Note that Alexa voice-unlock is disabled by default for security reasons. To enable it, you'll need to create a four-digit PIN that you'll recite to open the deadbolt.

The bad news should be obvious if you've read my earlier coverage of the Lockly Secure Plus: This deadbolt is still a bear to deal with from a physical standpoint. The installation process hasn't changed, obviously, and mounting it to the door remains challenging due to the requirement of carefully placing a peculiar metal bar between to connect the interior and exterior escutcheons. I've installed this hardware before and could feel my stomach sinking when I took it out of the box again to write this review. Had I been in charge of this product, I would have redesigned all of that before I bothered adding Wi-Fi to the mix.

Many people prefer to stay in rental properties over hotels for both short and long-term visits. Rental properties give visitors the opportunity to live like a local, while offering privacy and comfortable accommodations.To get more news about biometric safe locks, you can visit securamsys.com official website.

To make things as convenient as possible, many rental property owners are equipping their homes with smart locks. This allows for automated self check-in, which negates the need to coordinate times to meet up to gain access to the property.

At Level, we've designed our products to put people before technology and home before smart. Level locks exceed industry standards and are globally recognized for quality and product design - making them the right choice for your rental property.

Keep reading to learn more about how smart locks can benefit your rental.
What Is a Smart Lock?
Smart locks are a way to secure your home or business and control who has access, where, and when. These locks are often battery-operated and offer high-level security capabilities. When you install a smart lock, the struggle of getting keys made and hiding them under the mat is over -- keyless entry is the wave of the future.

What Are Level Locks?
Unlike many bulky, heavy-looking smart locks, Level locks hide technology on the inside of the door.

Level Bolt invisibly transforms your existing deadbolt, making your current lock smart while maintaining the design of your home. Features like auto-lock and unlock, activity tracking, and access sharing provide convenience and safety. Plus, since you are keeping the outer housing of your lock, you can always use your existing keys as a backup.

Level Lock and Level Lock - Touch Edition build upon Level Bolt and are complete replacements for your lock.

All Level locks give you the convenience of using your phone, voice, or even a plain old key to enter your home. Level Lock - Touch Edition includes even more technology so you can also access your home with touch and key cards (NFC).

In some cases, a smart lock can also be accompanied by a keypad, which is a particularly smart investment for a rental property. Keypads offer phone-free visitor access through unique shareable key codes. With the ability to control the duration a code can be used, a rental property owner can provide temporary access to visitors.

Pumping technology continues to evolve, with more and more specialized pump systems available for specific applications. Centrifugal pumps have been the standard for many industries for many years. However, more and more operators are looking for screw pumps to handle certain materials.To get more news about MONO pump Accessories, you can visit hw-screwpump.com official website.

Differences Between Centrifugal and Screw Pumps
Centrifugal pumps utilize an impeller design that is great for high-transfer applications and water-like fluids that need to be pumped through piping networks with variable flow rates. With their engineering principals, it's easy to understand why so many operators depend on centrifugal pumps for a variety of common fluid processing applications. Yet, we all know that different pumps are often better for different jobs.

Screw pumps are becoming increasingly popular in certain industries where standard centrifugal pumps just aren't providing the desired flow rates and energy efficiency, or they are having trouble handling high-viscosity liquids and other materials that tend to hinder performance capabilities.

Twin screw pumps and triple screw pumps feature a positive displacement design that has proven to be more versatile and reliable for certain applications-especially in industries like chemical processing, petrochemicals and oil and gas, where viscosity is often a problem for centrifugal pumps.
Disadvantages of Centrifugal Pumps
Operators often lean on centrifugal pumps because of familiarity. These are the pumps they are used to working with and they find ways to adapt them for different performance requirements. They know how centrifugal pumps operate and have adapted their processes to pump what they need to pump. We often see oil processing plants who will blend or heat the crude oil in order to reduce viscosity before it goes through the centrifugal pump system. This is a common practice, but it may be an unnecessary step. What if you could eliminate the heating or blending stage by simply installing a pump system that will better handle the viscous raw fluids?

The truth is, centrifugal pumps rarely operate at their Best Efficiency Point (BEP) because they are being adapted, adjusted and used for applications for which they may not be ideally suited. Meanwhile, screw pumps might provide the desired performance for high-viscosity fluid transfer without having to make these other sacrifices.
Screw pumps contain multiple screws that engage with one another as rotated to form a sealed cavity within the pump casing. As the screw drives turn, the fluid shifts steadily and constantly through the pump. It creates a volumetrically consistent flow rate that is unaffected by pumping pressure or viscosity that might slow down a centrifugal pump.

DXP Cortech works with some of the world's leading manufacturers of screw pumps. We have great screw pumps from companies like INOXPA and Circor IMO. These screw pumps can be utilized for a wide variety of fluid applications, so it is important to find the right pump for your specific fluid transfer needs.

Contact DXP Cortech today to learn more about the advantages of screw pumps and to see if one is the right solution for your industrial operation. Let us help you select, install and maintain the best pump for the job!

Ampco Pumps is proud to partner with Bornemann on the SLH Series of sanitary twin screw pumps. As the leader in twin screw pump technology, Bornemann designed the first model nearly 100 years ago. Ampco has joined forces with Bornemann to offer this industry-leading hygienic twin screw technology to the U.S. market. The partnership brings a tremendous level of product inventory to North America and provides the support, service and delivery you have come to rely on from Ampco Pumps.To get more news about Screw Pump, you can visit hw-screwpump.com official website.

The SLH models are offered in two configurations: SLH-4U standard model and the SLH-4G premium design. Both models are 3A and EHEDG certified for sanitary standards and provide tremendous capabilities. Product handling features include a maximum viscosity of 1 million cP, pressure rated over 360PSI/25bar, flow rates over 1300 GPM/300m³/hr and particle sizes as large as 2.3"/58mm.

Designed for the gentle handling of soft solids and viscous products, the SLH is virtually pulsation-free. Being capable of processing and CIP (clean-in-place) without additional pump requirements makes the SLH a dual duty pump.
Ampco Pumps has decades of experience working with customers and understands
food processing, pharmaceutical and industrial applications. The wide range of twin screw models offered by Bornemann makes matching applications with the right equipment a cost-effective and precise proposition.

Contact the Ampco application engineering team to discuss the many positive displacement pump solutions offered by Ampco today!
The SLH-4G premium design offers all the advantages of a hygienic twin-screw pump with a number of customized features and options. This provides the best solution for a wide range of applications.

Looking for a more affordable option with many of the benefits provided with twin screw pump technology? The SLH-4U was developed as a cost effective alternative to the SLH-4G.