Locks and Security News: your weekly locks and security industry news
25th January 2012 Issue no. 104
Your industry news - first
Use the general translation tool for other languages Click here
 International News
Products Two British security contractors arrested in Afghanistan over AK47s Two British nationals arrested in Afghanistan after being caught with 30 illegal Kalashnikov AK-47 assault rifles were working for private security firm GardaWorld, officials have announced. A spokesman for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: "We can confirm that two British nationals were detained by Afghan authorities in Kabul on January 3 2012. Full Story
CodeX Lite is a device programming and reading tool aimed at Automotive technicians and locksmiths, who require maximum device coverage and product reliability at a very competitive price. IP Video Door Station featuring all round view without blind spots and with worldwide connection
MOBOTIX' hemispheric camera technology enables the user to view Aussie businesses 'soft targets' for hackers, says security expert In its latest report, Dimension data subsidiary, Security-Assessment, warns that, unlike the United States where companies are required by law to disclose details of data security breaches, and the UK, where internet service providers and telecommunications companies are required by law to disclose data breaches under the current European Union data protection directive, no such legislation exists in Australia. "Currently the focus is on the clean-up of data security breaches rather than prevention. There has been no impetus for businesses to reveal data exposures and minimal fines imposed, which means there is limited incentive for businesses to comply with the PCI DSS," says Roger Greyling, a security consultant with Security-Assessment.com. One push solution Privacy Levers stocked by IronmongeryDirect
The high quality handles feature an unobtrusive push button which locks the lever. The door can be unlocked by simply depressing the lever. The unique design is ideal for people who have difficulty operating a standard privacy lock. Plus there is no need for extra modification to the door as a separate turn and release is not required. Breach at security firm Symantec One of the biggest security firms in the world may need to boost its own security: a hacker stole the source code behind Symantec's industry-leading antivirus program. The code theft from the security giant will not likely affect the average computer user or compromise his computer, an analyst told FoxNews.com -- but the breech is certainly to leave the Fortune 500 company red faced. Full StoryFacebook improves security after worm steals 45,000 passwords Facebook has improved its security settings after it was claimed a computer worm had stolen 45,000 log-in details from the social-networking giant. The sensitive information is believed to have been taken mainly from accounts in the UK and France by a piece of malware known as Ramnit. Security firm Seculert made the discovery and said in a blog post: 'We suspect that the attackers behind Ramnit are using the stolen credentials to log-in to victims' Facebook accounts and to transmit malicious links to their friends, thereby magnifying the malware's spread even further. Full Story |
Welcome to
Read by industry professionals nationwide - and beyond
Comment: Sad to hear the news that Avocet Hardware has entered into administration. While there may be several reasons why this has happened, the company has good products and built a very successful brand, and there is yet hope that it may be sold as a going concern, saving many jobs. We remember the forerunner to Avocet and saw the business grow to the point where arguably it overshadowed the parent. In other news we see that fingerprint checks at UK ports were waived in order to reduce tourist queues, while in the same week we hear that because of the Olympics many guns will be brought into the country - but perhaps not in the way one lady in the US did with a loaded revolver in her handbag! Although she was released without charge, we do wonder where she has been hiding herself for the past ten or more years. Presumably somewhere without radio, TV or newspapers! If you enjoy reading Locks and Security News so do others! If you have company news, stock clearances, distributor or product information tell us. Just email news  This Week's News
Avocet Hardware Ltd goes into administration Andrew Stoneman and Ben Wiles, both of the Global Restructuring Advisory practice at financial advisory and investment banking firm, Duff & Phelps, have been appointed (as of 23 January 2012) joint administrators of Avocet Hardware Limited. The company was established in 1978 and operates through three UK divisions: Builders Hardware, which supplies fixings, fasteners and general ironmongery to the UK DIY retail sector; a Door & Window Hardware division, manufacturing door and window hardware and a High Security Lock division, established in 2010 to market an 'innovative' high security door lock. Lockie dad furious over theft of son's memorial plaque By Sam Masters Metal thieves have struck again - this time stealing a memorial to a 22-year-old. After Kane Gorny's death in 2009, his family put a plaque on a bench at The Rookery in Streatham Common, which was one of his favourite places. But on or around Christmas Day, thieves snatched the plaque, which bore the words: "Gone too soon and missed so much". A nearby sundial was also stolen. Kane's dad Peter said this week he was almost sick with shock when he saw what had happened. Full StoryThe Pinks letterbox tool from Tradelocks
But what makes this tool extra appealing is that TradeLocks looked at all the current letterbox tools available on the market and discussed personally with users what they wanted in a letterbox tool. It really is a tool for professional locksmiths, by professional locksmiths. Security 'a top concern for 2012' Disrupted staffing, security and transport are big British businesses' top concerns about the London 2012 Games. Staffing could be a problem, according to 42% of companies, while 41% picked security as a concern and 32% were worried about potential transport chaos. The availability of staff could be a problem because of transport problems and the risk that large numbers of people will decide to take their holidays during the Games, according to research by Deloitte. Full StoryHeathrow airport security prepares for influx of olympic guns as busiest ever day looms Special measures are being put in place to deal with the "higher number" of guns that will be brought into Britain for the London Olympics, Heathrow officials said. A Heathrow document about preparations as host airport for the Games quoted by the Press Association reads: "All passengers will travel through the normal customs procedures when arriving at Heathrow. Full StoryVaronis Systems says latest NHS data leak highlights need for security automation Following the news that a former NHS care assistant has been convicted of obtaining the medical records of five members of her ex-husband's family in order to obtain their new phone numbers, Varonis Systems says this rogue employee incident shows why the automation of IT security enforcement is critical to organisations with large databases. According to the data governance specialist - while the case initially appears to be one of a rogue employee with access to the medical records of the patients concerned - the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has reported that the patients whose details had been compromised were not under the worker's direct care. A 'highly-troubling' string of communication failures led to the UK's border checks being relaxed too frequently, MPs said recently. The body charged with protecting Britain's borders came under fire last year when it emerged that vital checks for criminals and terrorists were abandoned over the summer to help prevent congestion for holidaymakers at airports. Full StorySecurity guard who stole valuables from a car involved in a fatal road crash has avoided jail Anthony Brown was working as a security guard and recovery agent at the time of the crash on the M25 on October 15 last year. Izabela Derbis, 27, from west London, was a rear-seat passenger in a friend's car when it collided with other vehicles. She died at the scene. Full StoryWoman passes airport security with gun in handbag A 65-year-old passenger was charged with a felony after boarding an American Airlines flight with a gun in her handbag and passing through security screening at the Dallas-Fort Worth airport in the US, authorities said. The loaded .38-calibre revolver was spotted during an X-ray check of the bag, Greg Soule, a spokesman for the Transportation Security Administration, said in an interview. The woman took the bag from the conveyor and left the security area before the TSA could notify police, he said. Soule declined to elaborate. Full StoryHard cheese for Swiss prisoners where there are more cameras than guards Milestone Systems' open platform IP video management software is the flexible basis for a customised solution in a new central prison in Switzerland, which has twice as many cameras as guards observing the life of those inside and outside the cells.
Approaching the 6 meter high wall of the new prison in Lenzburg, Switzerland, it is already clear at the revolving steel door entrance that those inside are not the only ones under surveillance. With 72 fixed and 8 pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) dome cameras from Panasonic, and XProtect video surveillance software from Milestone Systems, the Milestone Certified Partner Siaxma did not use its own products, but certainly a great deal of its own know-how. Locks and Security News Archive Search We keep an extensive archive of news stories and product information that have featured in past issues of Locks and Security News. If you would like to run a search of the Locks and Security News web site using the search tool below please just go ahead by entering in the name of the person, product or company or any other key words that you are looking for. News in Brief Personal safety phone company Geonovo has moved: the new address is now 268 Bath Road, Slough, Berks, SL1 4DX T. 01753 607403 F. 607404 How to contact us at Locks and Security News:
Newsdesk News If you would like Locks and Security News to feature your product information, case studies, or company news, just email as above. Ideally a Word doc + jpeg images. Remember, we can take copy up to 5pm on any Tuesday for Wednesday transmission. Want a link from Locks and Security News to your web site? Just ask for details. The views or claims expressed by contributors do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, the publisher accepts no liability for errors in this publication. Mick Friend John Austen Norman Setra
For security professionals at all levels the country's biggest specialist forum for those with an interest in locksmithing Professional Locksmiths Forum gives you a chance to air your opinions, introduce yourselves and exchange views with others in the industry. It is free to join and use and there is only a simple registration form to fill in; this will also verify your free subscription to the magazine: go to www.plf-uk.info or click the forum logo above. Every security professional is welcome. Join up and write - its for YOU! |
 REQUEST LOCKS AND SECURITY NEWS HERE Locks and Security News is broadcast every Wednesday. You may receive it FREE each week by clicking the link above. News
IFSEC International Security Industry Awards 2012 opens for entries The IFSEC International Security Industry Awards 2012 are now open for entry. To enter, simply go to www.ifsec.co.uk The deadline for entries is 9th March 2012. Produced in association with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA), the International Security Industry Awards acknowledge the people, products and technological advancements that have played a major part in the security industry over the past year.  London 2012 security exercise starts on Thames The Metropolitan Police and Royal Marines are beginning security exercises on London's River Thames ahead of the Olympic Games in July. Up to 44 police officers, 94 military personnel, 15 boats and helicopters will take part in the training sessions on the river until Friday 20th January. Full StoryLittlehampton leisure complex gets security fit with Mul-T-Lock
Inspire Leisure in Littlehampton offers a diversified range of facilities, activities and services to the local community. Recently as part of a security audit requirement, it needed to upgrade staff security systems in place to allow better monitoring and secure door entry. Two great shows in 2012 - dedicated to locksmiths 2012 sees two great shows for locksmiths. Both shows are free of charge to enter - but you must register! The Locksmiths Exhibition takes place at the East Midlands Conference Centre Nottingham on Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th March. Now in its third year, visitors will see the latest tools, products and services from over 60 of the locksmith industry's leading suppliers. There will also be a full programme of training classes. Free entry, free parking and full catering and bar service. STOP PRESS just 3 stands available. If you are interested in taking part in this popular and successful event, contact us now! We have received this letter from Richard Breslin: I'm very sorry I have to write to you all in this manner. As you may be aware, I'm very active on Twitter, social media and voice my concerns on fake training organisations. Over the last few months I, along with a few others, have directed our concerns at certain "Trainers" - the poor training, fake association, lack of support, duping public and honest people out of money, lack of ethics and false hopes. I have now been targeted by a very hateful, malicious and evil mail campaign. This is not the normal run of the mill but something that has a dark twist. This is a very disgusting and an unbelievable thing that no one would ever want to be accused of. Mul-T-Lock provides access to dedicated electromechanical seminars
Taking place at the purpose built training academy at ASSA ABLOY headquarters, Mul-T-Lock has developed a seminar program dedicated to the newly introduced CLiQ Remote and CLiQ key concepts, Smartair all-in-one wirefree access control system and Code-It electronic door handle. Pseudo Neighbourhood/Home Watch Network Information has been received from the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network, concerning a website purporting to be Neighbourhood Watch. The website is called www.nhwo.co.uk and was launched on 14th December 2011. The website is not supported by nor has links to the Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network. The marketing of the site is pitched to NhW members to register their scheme and obtain membership resources. They are marketing a 'co-ordinators pack' at £39.99 which includes 2 street signs, stickers and a high visibility vest with Neighbourhood Watch Co-ordinator on the back. There is no mention of good practice; partnership working with the local police service or insurances. |
