Andy's Locksmith

By Evan Javier – June 8, 2019 Gates are important structures in a building and other entrance areas. Impressive gates often help to wow the entrants for the first time. With modern technology taking hold on several matters, gates are not left far behind. Among the different varieties of gates, automatic gates have become very popular. Automatic gates are usually used in corporate buildings, shopping malls, public parks and amusement centers, hotels and resorts, and other big places. But if you want to install an automatic gate at your home then it is quite feasible. So, if you are planning to install an automatic gate then, here is a small overview related to the gates and its benefits along with how it works. About Automatic Gates Automatic gates are usually made of two related factors. One is the gate itself. The gate can be moved manually as well if it has the option. But mostly as these gates are used in secured areas, it is operated by machines. The...

Home automation systems. What’s not to love about automatically controlling sprinkler systems, coordinating outlets, managing security systems, and turning appliances on and off while away? Although these devices are certainly not new to the market, many systems have become much more affordable in the past few years, and the use of home automation is now more widespread than it has ever been before. But is it right for you? Here are a few pros and cons to help answer that question. The Pros 1. Energy Savings Home automation systems have definitely proven themselves in the arena of energy efficiency. Automated thermostats allow you to pre-program temperatures based on the time of day and the day of the week. And some even adjust to your behaviors, learning and adapting to your temperature preferences without your ever inputting a pre-selected schedule. Traditional or behavior-based automation can also be applied to virtually every gadget that can be remotely cont...

Your Home in the Age of Technology The smartphones we carry around in our pockets are powerful tools that make life easier, and every advancement in technology enhances their impressive capabilities. The next big step forward for this type of “smart” technology is into our homes. Utilizing integrated technological systems in your home is one of the most significant new trends in digital innovation. Right now is the best time to start reaping the benefits of these capabilities. Transitioning to a smarter home can improve your control over every aspect of how your house operates, and increase the safety and accessibility of it as well. Additionally, you can reap the benefits of a more efficient home, leading to savings in your energy and upkeep costs! Control at Your Fingertips By installing appliances in your house, such as a smart oven, you can now use apps on your mobile device to enjoy complete control of your home’s functions from anywhere in the world. Did y...

So-called smart homes take advantage of automation technology and modern building techniques to give homeowners a new level of control. Smart homes may be built from scratch with automation as a key design goal, or constructed from existing homes during a major renovation. In both cases, smart homes offer several advantages over conventional homes. Convenience Convenience is one of the biggest reasons that people build and purchase smart homes. These homes give users remote access to systems including heating and cooling systems, intercoms, music and multimedia devices throughout the home. Integrated hard drives allow homeowners to watch video or listen to audio in any room; video intercoms make it easy to communicate with others in the home or visitors at the door. All of these smart home technologies streamline common tasks. Security Smart homes include advanced security systems with cameras, motion sensors and a link to the local police station or a private ...

In Home Security by Jody 11/02/2014 Guard dogs – A bit of a mixed bag Alright, I know that most of you that are reading this probably already love dogs, are biased, and will defend their effectiveness to your grave. So, I’m going to throw you a bone. I think that dogs CAN be effective deterrents to criminals. On the other hand, I’m going to tell you why they aren’t fool proof. Don’t have false illusions the the effectiveness of your dog as a home security solution (AKA guard dog). After all, their effectiveness can be a mixed bag. I picked this up in just a few minutes of reading “Ask me anything” (AMA) posts from former burglars. In response to a question about how a person could keep their things secure, he responded, Get a dog. Houses with dogs don’t get robbed. Dogs are loud, hard to spot, and bite. Doesn’t have to be an attack dog – just a barking dog. Thieves would rather save the hassle and hit the next house. On the other ha...

Last Updated on February 6, 2019 Roughly around 325,000 homes across the US are broken into every year, usually in plain view. Altogether there are about 2.5 million burglaries reported and 66% of those are in homes. Most break-ins happen during the day when people are most likely to be out and about. There are certain things you can do to protect your home in order not to become a statistic. We’ve rounded up 4 tips to protect your home, your family, and belongings better. 1. Keep valuables out of sight It’s not difficult for anyone to just walk up and take a peek through one of your windows and see what you have lying around if you don’t have thick curtains or forgot to close them on your way out. While some items are not really meant to be moved around, like a TV screen, others are easier to move and keep out of view. Laptops, mobiles, all other small devices, purses, and wallets can all be put away when you’re out of the house. Even if your purse or wallet is ...

According to the FBI’s there were over 1 million home burglaries reported in 2015. That’s a rate of one burglary for every 134 homes making home security more important than ever. At the most basic level, making your home more secure is preventing a would-be burglar from entering your home. This can be accomplished by following a few basic rules and by employing security solutions that are effective and realistic. We’ve compiled a few tips to help guide you on your path to a more safe and secure home. Securing Exterior Doors Securing Windows Garage Doors Make Your Home Look Occupied Keep Burglars at a Distance Securing Exterior Doors Exterior doors are the most used point of entry for burglars. There are several points of potential weakness on a typical door such as: the handle and lockset, hinges and their mounting screws, strength of the door itself, and the door jamb or frame. Sliding patio doors and French doors present a whole new set of weaknesses. Her...

Davey Winder  Senior Contributor Cybersecurity I report and analyse breaking cybersecurity and privacy stories  A team of self-styled “hacktivist” security researchers, with an impressive track record of exposing breach after breach as part of a web-mapping project that searches for vulnerabilities within online databases, has disclosed one of the biggest to date. The researchers in question, Noam Rotem and Ran Locar from vpnMentor, found that a user database belonging to a Chinese company called Orvibo, which runs an Internet of Things (IoT) management platform, had been left exposed to the Internet without any password to protect it. So far, so appalling. But it gets even worse when you discover that the database includes more than 2 billion logs containing everything from user passwords to account reset codes and even a “smart” camera recorded conversation. Who is Orvibo? Orvibo is a Chinese company based in Shenzhen, from where it operates a sm...

By Paul Walton March 13, 2019 Internet Did you hear about the FaceTime bug that allowed users to eavesdrop on one another? How about the US family convinced by their Nest Camera that a nuclear attack was imminent? IoT devices are now a top target for brazen cyber criminals eager to take advantage of anything in order to get their hands on someone else’s personal details. Yet despite the dramatic headlines, there’s no need to unplug altogether. Instead, there are several simple and easy hacks that you can do to add an extra layer of security to your smart home devices. Here’s our top 10 tips on how: Smart homes at greater security risk than ever Protecting your data in the age of smart homes 6 ways to secure your home Wi-Fi 1. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) For most devices, there is usually an option to set up 2FA. With 2FA you’re asked to enter a secondary form of verification after submitting your username and password. This second layer of security...

October 9, 2018 | By Patrick Sinclair, All Home Robotics While the use of smart home devices is on the rise, experts predict there will be over 20 billion connected devices in the world by 2020, with more than half of them being in our homes, according to Gartner, Inc. If you think about it, it’s not hard to envision. How many smart devices are in your home? Smart assistant? Yep. Smart thermostat? Check. Smart lights? Of course. When we talk about smart home devices, we often refer to them as IoT, or Internet of Things. IoT devices are essentially any device that connects to the Internet, such as smart thermostats, cameras and locks. Unfortunately, IoT users may potentially face security vulnerabilities — from a lack of authorization to privacy concerns. These vulnerabilities exist in a wide range of devices as well, from children’s toys to smart appliances and security alarms. The best thing you can do is arm yourself ...

By Special Guest Christy Matte, Special Correspondent / September 18, 2018 Smart home technology is on the rise, both in terms of product availability and popularity. But, much like other new tech developments, many people perceive it as a frivolous add-on or a luxury option. In truth, smart home tech offers quite a few benefits, even beyond saving money. Caregiving and Independence For those who have children, aging parents, or disabled family members in their care, smart home technology can provide peace of mind. Voice-activated devices – Voice-activated devices allow those with disabilities or health issues to control household devices even when they’re out of reach. Likewise, someone who is fallen and can’t get to a phone can make phone calls or connect with family using voice commands. Video intercom systems – Video intercoms (some with voice activation), can connect family members who aren’t in the same room, or even in the same house. You...

Andy’s Locksmith can expertly service your auto locks and keys like no other! We offer affordable, convenient mobile service direct to your vehicle’s location. This might be on the street, in a parking lot, at home, or at work; the location doesn’t matter, all that does is that you call the right locksmith! In Oak Forest that can only mean Andy’s Locksmith! We offer 24-hour emergency help, fast response times and experienced, fully certified automotive locksmith technicians that are always ready to help! Price quotes are free and so are additional details so don’t wait; call now! Call Us: (708) 231-0974 Working with an automotive locksmith is not hard; all you do is call! Our helpful staff will come to your aid at home, at your workplace or wherever your car happens to be. With round the clock protection and really affordable rates, what are you waiting for? Just call Andy’s Locksmith and one of our automotive lock professionals is on his way to you! Call Now: ...

Alarm systems are becoming more and more important in today’s world. Whether they are guarding you against break-ins or helping the elderly when they fall, personal alarm systems are something that everyone can use. This article explores five personal alarm systems and how they will help your family stay safe. A Wearable Alarm with Emergency Calling The first alarm system we are going to look at is called the  Lifeline Vi Alarm Unit . This unit not only has a home base unit, but it also has a panic button that you can wear on your person. This alarm has many features including a loudspeaker, a microphone, a button to cancel an emergency call if you accidentally hit your emergency call button, and a backup battery with a 40-hour battery life. The awesome thing about this alarm is that there is always someone there to help you 24/7, whether they are just calling your family or they have to alert emergency personnel. The next alarm is called...

Nancy Trejos, USA TODAY Published 5:40 p.m. ET Sept. 10, 2018 | Updated 1:18 p.m. ET Sept. 11, 2018 Tens of thousands of employees at more than 18,00 US hotels will soon carry panic buttons help protect them from harassment and assault. More than a dozen big hotel chains said they will provide personal safety devices to all employees by 2020. (Sept. 6) AP More hotel companies have pledged to equip their employees with personal safety devices they can use to get help if they feel they are in danger. G6 Hospitality, parent company of Motel 6 and Studio 6, has promised to provide the devices to all its employees at its corporate-owned and managed hotels by the end of March 2019.  The company will begin distributing the devices this fall. The devices will emit a dual-siren alarm when activated. Employees can use them if they or any guests they encounter feel they are being sexually harassed or assaulted in any way.  G6 is the first company ...

Ms Simpson awoke to find the two boys ransacking her property. (9News) By Tegan Sapwell • Reporter A Perth great-grandmother has used a personal safety alarm to call for help during a terrifying home invasion. Jean Simpson was alone in her home when she woke to find a stranger in her bedroom rummaging through her drawer last month. Two boys had broken into her house and began ransacking the rooms while she slept. “I said, ‘What are you doing here?’, and he got such a fright,” she told 9News. But the 93-year-old great-grandmother kept her wits about her and made a run for it. “I thought what if they come and bash me up? I’m getting out of here. So I went out the front door,” she said. One of the intruders pushed her against a wall as they ran past her, injuring her hand. Bleeding, Jean Simpson then went inside and used a personal alarm to call for help. Operators in a call centre for not-for-profit aged care service, Silver Chain, kept her on the line while they c...

Many people operate under the assumption that concerns for personal safety apply only to someone who is away from the comfort of his or her home. A person should not take anything for granted when it comes to their safety. IT’S IMPORTANT TO BE AWARE OF YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY IN ALL SITUATIONS, INCLUDING THE HOME • Keep doors and windows secure at all times. • Only open the door when it is safe to do so. SERVICE AND DELIVERY PEOPLE • Place a peephole in the door. • Verify person’s reason for attendance. • Ask for proper identification. • Consider contacting the organization/company to confirm/verify delivery time. • Consider contacting the organization/company to schedule an appointment. • Be sure to utilize reputable and reliable companies. STRANGERS AT THE DOOR • It is common practice for a burglar to knock first to see if anyone is home. • Verify the persons reason for attendance. • If you are uncomfortable with their attendance, stay calm and tell them to leave...

In this series, we’ve taken on topics of Food Storage, Personal Safety, Water Storage, and Sanitation.  Today, we have yet another topic.  When many people start preparing, they either are convinced that the world is going to end or they are looking into how to protect their family from the winter power outage or maybe from the potential of losing a job.  It’s the same with home security.  People either think the world is going to end and their house should be more secure than the FBI headquarters or they simply want to deter current potential burglars. If you, like so many people, just want to provide your family with security against “everyday” potential problems, then this article is for you.  And if that is the case, I just want to point out that you don’t have to make your home a veritable Fort Knox.  Believe it or not, all you need to do is to make your house look like a less attractive option than houses around you....