Tag Archives: security

LapLok protects your laptop when you work on-the-go @ CES 2023

January 25, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Computers, Securityces2023, gadgets, laptop, security, travel, workspacePLUGHITZ Live

LapLok Tech Security If you travel as often as our team does, you know there are a number of issues that pop up regularly. For example, one day you could be working in a hotel office and the next you’re sitting at a table in a coffee bar. But, one thing always remains the same – how do you secure your computer? There are Kensington-style locks, but so many laptops today don’t have a lock port (including the one I’m using to write this). This is the space that LapLok is looking to fill.

What is LapLok?

LapLok is a near pocket-sized security system for anyone who uses their laptop out in public. This could be writers who need to be seen writing at Starbucks or travelers trying to get work done at the airport. Wherever you are, so long as you’ve got a flat surface, you can secure your laptop.

The device works fairly simply. You attach a mounting bracket to the back of your laptop, ideally before you go out. The bracket goes on with a strong 3M adhesive that will hold it in place in nearly all situations. Then, when you’re ready to lock the computer, you attach the base to the bracket and clamp it to the table. Once locked in place, it will only open with the PIN you’ve programmed.

In addition to the base locking system, there are other security accessories that can be added. The most prominent add-on that we saw was to also secure your purse or laptop bag to the underside of the table. Now, with a single device, you can deter the casual grab-and-go thief.

But, what happens if someone does grab the laptop and tries to get away? The LapLok has a built-in alarm that sounds. The alarm is loud and annoying enough that they didn’t want to demonstrate it at the show. Obviously, the idea of the alarm is to deter the theft, but also to alert everyone around in the event it happens.

Who is LapLok for?

With the increase in work-from-home and work-from-anywhere mentality, many people are working while out of the office. Because of this, companies have been issuing laptops to employees who previously may not have had one. So, with working from anywhere growing in popularity, the LapLok is really for anyone.

The most common use case is for people who travel a lot. Travelers often find themselves working in strange places. But, these days, many of us do. Even around town, I find myself working from restaurants and coffee shops – even gaming centers. Being able to secure your laptop to go to the bathroom is a great ability, but securing it while you’re sitting there is just as important – possibly more important.

Summary

LapLok is in a late prototype phase and TechLok, the company behind the product, is taking pre-orders now. The expected retail price of the device is $80, but in pre-order, you can get the whole productivity bundle for $7, though quantities are limited. To learn more or pre-order your own, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Sedimentum brings privacy, safety and security to your home @ CES 2023

January 22, 2023CES 2023, Gadgets, Healthaging, ces2023, gadgets, privacy, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Sedimentum Private Aging in Place As we get older, it gets more difficult to live on our own. In addition to actual hazards, family concerns can make it even more difficult – for us and our families. Making sure our siblings and children are comfortable and safe can add stress to someone trying to live their lives as normally as possible. Fortunately, thanks to Sedimentum, we’ve now got technology that can take both of those stresses off of the aging population to allow them to live on their own longer than before.

What is Sedimentum?

Sedimentum is a company dedicated to making it easier for the aging population to live on their own longer without having to give up their safety and comfort. The company makes a platform that allows an individual to age in place while providing themselves with safety and their families with security. They are not the first to offer these abilities, but they do appear to be the first to place a large focus on the individual’s privacy, as well as their safety.

The platform itself is designed to be able to monitor a home with only a few small devices around the house. In fact, to be able to track and monitor the inhabitants and to learn their schedules, the system does not even require that there be a device in every room – only the ones that are most frequented. The company will help design the system for the house and then install the entire setup for you – no need to understand any of the more detailed aspects of the system.

Using these devices and the technology within, the system is able to put together a profile of the people living in the house. Using that data, it is able to look for breaches of the patterns. These changes can indicate a number of things, including injury, illness, and more. It can also detect falls and other physical differences.

Once a change is detected, different responses can happen. The person can indicate that all is clear, and nothing will happen. Otherwise, a call can be made, either to emergency services or a local family member. From there, someone can check in on the person in trouble.

How is the Sedimentum system private?

Unlike most systems like this, Sedimentum does not power its learning and monitoring system on cameras. Instead, it does it with other, less obtrusive sensors. This allows people to live their lives normally without fear that family, friends, or strangers might see them. Also, they needn’t worry about someone looking in on them visually when they are at their most vulnerable.

While this might seem like it would hinder the ability of the system to learn and detect patterns and behaviors, the company says that they are just as capable of making sure your loved one is safe and secure without the cameras.

Summary

Sedimentum technology is available in parts of Europe now and will be launching in the US soon. To learn more about the system and how to get signed up for yourself, you can check out the company’s website.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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SECURAM Systems: Wi-Fi-enabled biometric home smart lock @ CES 2022

March 4, 2022Cameras, CES 2022, Homebiometric, ces2022, connected device, connected home, gadgets, lock, security, smarthomePLUGHITZ Live

SECURAM Systems smart security Every aspect of our lives is getting smarter. From our cars to our lightbulbs, we have the ability to turn things on and off, lock and unlock devices, and open and close our doors. One company that is getting serious about connecting one of the most high-profile aspects of our homes, our door locks, is SECURAM Systems, which has introduced a new smart lock for the home.

Who is SECURAM Systems?

SECURAM Systems, Inc., a leading supplier of safe locks, announced that it has won the Mark of Excellence Award from the Consumer Technology Association for its EOS Smart Home Lock. The touch-to-open lock can be controlled with your smartphone and comes with a host of features to make your home more secure, including Wi-Fi connectivity and a built-in alarm.

The company’s products are designed to give you peace of mind and security in your home, whether you’re there or not. The company’s commitment to quality has earned it the trust of major banks and financial institutions around the world, which rely on SECURAM’s safe locks to protect their valuables.

What does the SECURAM Smart Home Lock offer?

The SECURAM EOS Smart Home Lock is a touch-to-open lock that can be controlled with your smartphone. The Wi-Fi-enabled lock comes with a built-in alarm and is designed to make your home more secure. It contains a number of features that we have come to expect from connected locks, such as a keypad and biometric sensor. But, it adds some features that are missing on other products.

First, it is a fully connected lock. That means that you can access the state of the lock remotely. This is important for a couple of reasons. First, you can verify that you have locked your door even after you’ve left the house. If you forgot, you can fix it remotely, as well. Plus, you can unlock it if someone is there and is having trouble getting in.

Most interestingly, the company has directly addressed the lack of a physical key. Normally, the key is a backup in the event the battery fails or the sensors stop functioning correctly. In the case of this lock, the company has added a hidden 9-volt battery contact on the outside. With that, you can power the lock for a short burst in order to get in. The biggest drawback is that no one carries a 9-volt battery, and most people don’t have one at all (outside of a smoke detector).

What are some other features of SECURAM’s home security suite?

In addition to the SECURAM Smart Home Lock, the company also offers a line of new products in its home security suite, including a garage door controller, a smart light switch, and a siren that detects intrusions. These products are designed to give you peace of mind and security in your home, whether you’re there or not.

The SECURAM Garage Door Controller lets you control your garage door from your smartphone. The controller is Wi-Fi-enabled and comes with an app that allows you to open and close your garage door from anywhere in the world. You can also set up alerts so that you’re notified when someone opens or closes your garage door.

The SECURAM Smart Light Switch gives you the ability to turn on and off your lights remotely. The switch is Wi-Fi-enabled and can be controlled with your smartphone. You can also set up schedules so that your lights turn on and off at certain times of the day.

The SECURAM Siren is a battery-operated device that detects intrusions and sounds an alarm. The siren is designed to alert you to potential danger, whether you’re home or away. The siren can be placed anywhere in your home, and it comes with an app that allows you to control it remotely.

Summary

SECURAM Systems is dedicated to making our homes smarter and more secure. With its new line of home security products, they are helping us do just that. To learn more about SECURAM Systems’ EOS Smart Home Lock or any of its other products, visit the company’s website or Amazon store.

Interview by Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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Everykey: The device that replaces your keys and passwords @ CES 2022

March 2, 2022CES 2022, Computers, Gadgets, Mobilebluetooth, ces2022, gadgets, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Everykey multi-platform security Do you ever feel like you’re carrying around a bag of bricks when you have to bring your house keys, car keys, and wallet with you everywhere you go? What about all of the passwords that you’re required to remember? And worst of all, they’re constantly changing because your company wants you to change it every 45 days. And they’re getting longer! How in the world are we supposed to keep track of all of these things? Everykey is here to help eliminate as many of these issues as possible.

What is Everykey?

Everykey is a Bluetooth device that replaces all of those items! Using military-grade security, it unlocks your phone, laptop, tablet, house door, car door, and other access-controlled devices when you are nearby, then locks them back down when you walk away. The system also generates secure passwords for your website accounts, then automatically logs you in when you visit a website. If you lose your Everykey, don’t worry! You can remotely freeze it so no one else can use it.

The Everykey team was started by a group of graduates from Case Western Reserve University. They were inspired to create the product after they saw how much time and hassle people go through every day just to keep track of their keys and passwords. Everykey is their solution to this problem!

How does Everykey work?

Everykey uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to communicate with the devices that you’ve authorized it to unlock. When you’re in range of a compatible device, it will automatically unlock. When you walk away, Everykey will automatically lock it again. It also uses 128-bit AES encryption to keep your passwords safe and secure.

To get started with your device, all you need to do is download the app and create an account. Then, just pair your Everykey with your devices and start using it! It’s that simple.

How does Everykey compare to its competitors?

Everykey is the only Bluetooth device that can unlock your house, car, and other access-controlled devices. It also has the added security of password generation and website login automation. Other competitors include key fobs, RFID tags, and passwords stored on phones or computers.

Key fobs are small plastic devices that you carry with you to unlock your car or house door. They’re often used in place of a traditional key and are available from a variety of brands such as Yale, Kwikset, and Schlage. However, they can be easily lost or stolen, and some models require you to remove them from your keyring in order to use them.

RFID tags are similar to key fobs but don’t have any physical form. They can be attached to your keyring, placed in a wallet, or worn around your neck on a lanyard. RFID tags use radio waves to unlock devices and are available from brands such as Mastercard, Visa, and American Express. However, they can be easily scanned by anyone who is close enough, and some models require you to have the tag within inches of the device in order to unlock it.

Passwords stored on phones or computers are vulnerable to hacking and theft. If someone gets access to your phone or computer, they can see all of your passwords without having to crack any encryption codes. Everykey eliminates this vulnerability by using military-grade security that is impossible for hackers to penetrate.

Who is Everykey for?

Everykey is for those of us who have trouble remembering passwords. With its 2 factor authentication, you can eliminate the need to remember your passwords. Instead, you can simply use the key. It is also for those whose passwords change all the time. When your password changes for work, or your email, you’re still protected and your workflow doesn’t have to change. But, Everykey is also for those who carry too many keys. The device is designed to be able to help secure your home, car, and more, with partnerships with other security products.

Summary

Everykey is available now on the company’s website. To learn more about the company or the key, or to purchase your own, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central and Christopher Jordan of The Talking Sound.

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BenjiLock: Biometrics to secure the things you care about @ CES 2022

February 9, 2022CES 2022, Gadgets, Homebenjilock, biometric, ces2022, gadgets, lock, securityPLUGHITZ Live

BenjiLock biometric locks What if you could protect your belongings with the touch of a finger? It would mean not having to carry a key at the gym or pool. It would mean not having to copy your house key every time you have guests over. BenjiLock has made all of this and more possible, with its innovative fingerprint technology that can be used to secure everything from bikes to closets.

What is BenjiLock?

BenjiLock was featured on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank, and through its partnership with Hampton Products International, the brand has expanded rapidly. With 30+ years of experience in security and hardware innovations, Hampton Products International has helped the company take its fingerprint technology to new heights. Today, they are expanding into a portfolio of products, including locks for your bikes, drawers, closets, lockers, and home.

How BenjiLock Works

BenjiLock uses fingerprint technology to protect the things you love. Simply program your lock with up to ten fingerprints, and unlock it by placing any of those fingers on the lock’s sensor. Most BenjiLock devices also allow you to lock or unlock your belongings using a standard key or combination code (numbers 0-99).

BenjiLock’s fingerprint sensor can be used in wet or dry conditions, making it ideal for use at the gym pool, beach, etc. It also includes an automatic locking mechanism that will lock after five seconds if left unlocked manually. The light on the front will change from green (locked) to red (unlocked), letting you know at a glance if your belongings are secure.

BenjiLock’s fingerprint sensor is highly accurate, but is not foolproof – it needs a clear reading of at least three ridges (or whorls) to unlock. This is another reason why most of the devices include a key. It is not recommended for use on electronic devices, such as laptops or tablets.

Different BenjiLock devices

The different devices are for different purposes and use different locking mechanisms. BenjiLock Bike and padlocks use a hardened steel shackle that attaches to the object you wish to secure. The bike lock is obviously designed to protect your bike but can be used on a scooter or motorcycle, as well. The padlock is the most versatile, as it is designed to go anywhere a traditional padlock would go: a locker, cabinet, shed, and more.

BenjiLock Door allows you to replace your old deadbolt lock without additional tools; simply remove your old deadbolt from inside of the door and install the lock using the included template in under five minutes (no drilling required). It can be used on any door, though it is designed for exterior use. It runs on 4 AA batteries and can last 6 months or longer, depending on how often it is used. It also pairs perfectly with the Brinks Push-Pull-Rotate doorknobs.

This large variety of lock types gives you the ability to determine what is most important to you and protect it with a lock you know will keep it safe.

Summary

The BenjiLock products are available from a variety of courses, including the company’s website, Walmart, Home Depot, Lowes, Ace Hardware, and Amazon.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Karamba Security is preventing hacking into the IoT @ CES 2021

February 21, 2021CES 2021, Gadgets, Homeces2021, connected device, gadgets, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Karamba Security IoT protection Securing the Internet of Things is a complicated task. We’ve seen small and large companies, as well as small and large devices, get hacked. Sometimes the hacks happen on the cloud side, but too often they come from the device side. Not too long ago we covered a scenario where DVRs, cameras, and more, were all being used as part of a botnet to create attacks against other networks. Karamba Security focuses on protecting those devices.

The hacker’s main objective is to gain control over the device. Once compromised, the intention of the device can be changed. The new intention could be as part of a botnet, like mentioned above, or even more sinister. Take, for example, a connected camera. The intended usage is for the camera to stream video directly to a cloud server, where you can then login and view the video. But, a hacker might have the intention of seeing your camera, either for anti-security or anti-privacy purposes. Being able to get in the middle and prevent that attack in the first place is where Karamba Security fits in.

Too many companies don’t think about security as an important aspect of the product design lifecycle. Either there are no experts within the company or no time resources dedicated to the project. That’s where security controls and systems from experts fit in. In the engineering world, we tend to want to let experts on a particular topic handle those complicated topics. Security is, by far, the most important and the most useful to let security experts handle.

Currently, Karamba Security is working with a number of clients to integrate their technology into over 12 million connected devices. To learn more about their technology, or to engage the company about integrating it into your own project, head over to the Karamba Security website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Learning the key to a more simple life with Everykey @ CES 2021

February 14, 2021CES 2021, Gadgets, Mobilebluetooth, ces2021, connected device, gadgets, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Everykey unlock everything Everyday life is so busy. There are so many things, every day, that we are accountable for. We’re so busy running around all over the place and trying to keep up with everything. It’s so easy to get lost in our routines. I, for one, seem to constantly be misplacing even the most basic items… my hairbrush, my wallet, my keys. And don’t even get me started on how many passwords I have, all with different criteria. This site needs a minimum of 8 characters, another one needs a mixture of special characters while yet another one wants no special characters at all. So confusing and frustrating. That’s why this interview with Chris from Everykey was so refreshing and couldn’t have come along at a better time.

I’ll admit that the mere name of this product begs certain questions right off the bat. What exactly is this and is it even safe? Excellent questions! First of all, Everykey is made using military-grade security with extra safety features right at your fingertips, so you can rest assured that it is safe. It is a Bluetooth device that replaces some of the most important items in your life, like your keys and your passwords. You will use Everykey to unlock your phone, laptop, tablet, house door, car door, and other access-controlled devices. And it will do so automatically. Whenever you are nearby, your devices will unlock and then they will lock back down again when you walk away. Everykey can also generate secure passwords for your various website accounts. This is great because it allows you to automatically log in when you visit a website.

You’ll be able to set up and customize your Everykey with their easy-to-use mobile application. The app assists you with pairing to all of your devices and managing things like the range settings. It will also allow you to receive the latest over-the-air software updates to your Everykey so you can stay up to date on new features and security standards. Best of all, you have the ability to freeze it when needed. In the event that you lose your Everykey, you can remotely freeze it via the App or by a quick call to the company, to ensure that no one else can use it if they get a hold of it.

Pricing starts at $59 when purchasing multiples and they have accessories that start at $5. To find out more, please make sure to watch the video in its entirety and also check out there website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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BenjiLock is protecting many aspects of your daily life @ CES 2021

January 29, 2021CES 2021, Gadgets, Homebenjilock, biometric, ces2021, gadgets, securityPLUGHITZ Live

BenjiLock biometric locks Since its first outing at CES 2017, Robbie Cabral, founder of BenjiLock, has consistently worked to bring his vision of a more convenient and more secure world to reality. Our team has had the privilege of following his journey, from concept to Shark Tank and Hampton Products to today.

Last year, just before the world came to a halt, Robbie stopped by our studio to discuss upcoming products. While 2020 took a toll on the timeline of these new products, Robbie and the team at Hampton Products have managed to bring all of these products to market for 2021.

Our favorite new product last year was the BenjiLock Door Lock. In fact, we liked it so much, we secure our office and studio with one. We were in good company, as the product received a CES Innovation Award last year. This product merges the best of both companies, with BenjiLock’s fingerprint reading technology combined with the long history of security products made by Hampton Products. Honestly, we have really enjoyed the convenience of the fingerprint reader for entrance by our team. We added to it the Hampton Push-Pull-Rotate doorknob, so even with our hands full of equipment, we can open the door.

Coming at a close second was the new bike lock. When exercising, I always try to carry as little as possible, and that includes my keys. Being able to lock a bicycle while out without the need for a key is ideal for my experience. It seems like I cannot be the exception, but likely closer to the rule. Anyone wearing proper cycling gear will find it difficult to store a key for any lock, let alone their bike.

The BenjiLock Bike Lock is available for $79.99 and the Door Lock is available for $159.99. To find out what colors are available, to make a purchase, or to learn more about the BenjiLock product line, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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TROVA has it locked up tight, for hiding things in plain sight @ CES 2021

January 22, 2021Accessories, CES 2021, Gadgets, Mobileces2021, connected device, gadgets, mobile, privacy, securityPLUGHITZ Live

TROVA privacy boxes Privacy for certain things is important these days. Who wants to have a secure place to store things that screams out that there is something of value inside it? Scott from TROVA has brought a sleek secure storage box that is cleverly designed as a decorative accent piece for your home.

TROVA is a personal biometric safe used for secure storage “out in the open.” It is wirelessly connected through Bluetooth and secured with your phone’s biometrics. To open the box and access the contents inside, open the app on the connected phone and sign in using fingerprint, facial recognition, etc. Some of the models offer the ability to unlock with the multi-function button but that severely limits the security.

It’s made of aluminum alloy that is very strong. TROVA offers a few ways to physically secure the box. For simple installation, you can use the Kensington lock to connect it to your desk or table. For a stronger lock, it has internal bolts that are hidden from both the inside and the outside of the box. It is also able to send alerts based on different events. For example, if your TROVA gets too far from your phone, you can get an alert on your phone. You can also get a warning if the box is left open or it’s been moved.

The HOME offers a few added benefits. You can be notified if another user unlocks the device. There is an internal organization with a clever sliding shelf system that allows storage of several layers of items. It also offers Wi-Fi and NFC which gives more options for unlocking it.

TROVA GO and TROVA GO plus are available now for $199 and $229 respectively. The TROVA HOME is available for pre-order for $549. For more information go to their website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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Arculus looks to secure cryptocurrency assets from theft @ CES 2021

January 22, 2021CES 2021, Mobileces2021, cryptocurrency, encryption, gadgets, mobile, securityPLUGHITZ Live

Arculus cryptocurrency cold storage In the past few weeks, the value of several cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin and Ethereum, has skyrocketed. This change has caused a lot of new people to get involved in investing in these currencies in an attempt to make some quick cash. However, unlike owning a few shares of Microsoft or Apple, there are inherent insecurities in owning cryptocurrencies. Most notably, having a public, or hot, wallet on an exchange holding your coins, is just asking for trouble. In fact, billions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency have been stolen in recent years. However, Arculus has a new solution to the problem.

The basis of cryptocurrency security is in making the wallet that holds those coins unavailable to hackers. This process is called cold storage, or storage that is not accessed regularly, compared to hot storage, which is accessed often. This could mean keeping it on a flash drive or a portable hard drive that is kept disconnected from a computer. However, Arculus’ new process adds a number of layers of security that the normal process is lacking.

In particular, this process has three-factor authentication. You must have something you know, which is your PIN, something you are, which is your biometric lock on your phone, and something you have, which is the Arculus card. This means that, without you, the value of your wallet is zero. In addition, the currency is maintained in an air-gapped state, meaning that it is not connected to the internet – preventing external hackers from stealing from you.

The company has built this technology on the back of its security expertise. They produce metal credit cards for several companies, as well as governmental access badges. With that background, they have produced what could be the most secure way to store and transfer your cryptocurrency assets. The Arculus card should be available soon. To learn more and sign up to be notified of the launch, head to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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