The better the security electronic door locks on your home’s doors, the more difficult it is for an intruder to get inside.
That’s say, how important to choose the right security electronic door locks, especially there are so many door locks suppliers, and so many lock items from them, with different types, different functions, different technical, different lock system, it will be not easy to choose your right door lock.
And the more likely he or she is to move on down the block to find an easier target.
Make them have to work hard to enter your home by have tough door locks, and chances are they’ll turn their sights elsewhere for that easy payday.
Since it all begins with the right security electronic door locks on your doors and windows, here’s some tips on how to choose the right electronic door locks for your home.

1. Security Electronic door locks on entry doors.
Your home’s front door security device should have deadbolts in addition to a keyed door set. Look for deadbolts with a 1-inch (2.5cm) throw bolt and an interlocking frame.
If your door has a window or a glass panel, secure it with a decorative grille that has non-removable screws.Or, install a break-resistant plastic panel over the window itself.
This is especially important if the window or glass is within an arm’s length of the door handle, which could allow an intruder to break the glass in the window and reach inside to let himself in.
Cover the window with a curtain or shade to keep prying eyes out.
Always draw all the shades or close the blinds at night to prevent intruders from looking inside to determine what you are doing, whether you are alone – or whether anyone is home.

2. Knock knock: who’s there?
Can you see the person on your doorstep before you open the door?
If you don’t already have a peephole in your front door, a professional can easily install one when he or she comes to install your new dead bolt.
If you’re handy, buy a peephole and install it yourself. Choose the type with a fish-eye lens.
Its wide-angle view allows you to see almost everything – and everyone – on your doorstep before you throw open that dead bolt and the front door.
Make sure your porch light is at least 40 watts to properly illuminate nighttime visitors.
Secure gate latches and garage and shed doors with sturdy padlocks that are designed to withstand rain and freezing temperatures.

3. Security devices defined.

Single-cylinder deadbolts:
• Open with a key on the outside and a thumb-turn on the inside.

Dual-cylinder:
• A bolt device that has a key for both inside and outside. Replace it with a safer, single-cylinder device.

Privacy:
• Commonly used inside homes, it has a push button or thumb turn on the inside, with a hole on the outside that allows someone to open the door with either a special key or a straightened paper clip.

In one of the security electronic door locks supplier called ASTC Locks, most all the electronic door locks these days, come together with the 5 mortise lock, and with the deadbolt inside, this will improve the security level. All the locks be tested before shipping, with strictly QC system. And there are so many lock items to choose, many new items be design timely, and they offer 2 years warranty on all the lock items, with competitive price, be a nice competitor.

For your security, please do choose the right electronic door locks for you home. Let’s start with ASTC.

Hotel safe box, hotel room safe, in most all the hotel guest rooms, for guests use, to keep the valuables, as safe and security.

Most travel safety tips suggest that you should always remember to leave your valuables in the hotel safe box. But just how “safe” is it? A new video posted by consultant skyrangerpro suggests that your hotel safe may not be as secure as you think.

Posted while skyranger was on travel in Markham, Ontario (hotel name not specified), the electronic hotel room safe that allow you to program your own four digit codes opened with the default code of all zeroes, usually 0000. This standard hotel room safe looks just like most of the ones we’ve found in our hotels across the country.

It’s a valuable lesson for travelers who think they are being secure with their valuables – check to make sure this password isn’t your default setting before storing goods in your safe. If it is, opt to check your goodies at the front desk (where another safety box is usually available).
Our intrepid gear reporter Scott Carmichael wrote about the hotel room safe issue back in 2009, and suggested a worthwhile but expensive alternative – a personalized locking device. Sean McLachlan suggested ways to hide valuables around your hotel room.

Tell us, which tactic would you take?

Happy Thanksgiving Day!

Dear ASTC Locks customers.

Warm wishes to you and your family!

ASTC is so glad to cooperate with you in the past years and very honored to be able to become friends with many customers.

ASTC will continue to focus on security door locks. Constantly improve and enhance.

Now we are in the Christmas promotion period to thank customers.We believe that we can continue to give you the best service.

Thanks again.

Good news,Good news,Good news.

————–Most important things,repeat 3 times.

 

Dear customs,really goods news coming:

In order to Thank you all for your great support with our door locks in 2015,and expect better relation-ship in 2016,we decide to make you great offer for this Christmas holiday.

Our ASTC security door locks,include the:Hotel electronic door locks,Fingerprint door lock,Keypad door lock,Remote door lock,Cabinet locks,all the lock items,we will make you special promotion till Christmas holiday.

Different Lock items,lock types,different customs,new clients,old clients,will have different discount during this time,till Dec.25th,2015.

SO Action now,contact us for more details.

We will make you THE BEST now and future,we promise.

*Best quality door locks.
*Best competitive price.
*Best service.

We will grow fast together with you.

 

Merry Christmas And Hapyy New Year.

———————————ASTC Sales team———————————

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST DOOR LOCK

What door lock has the best safety and security features? How do I know I’m choosing a quality door lock?

These are common questions when you’re shopping for a door lock and rightfully so. Door locks serve as the first level of protection against an intruder.

Thankfully the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and various European Standard Organizations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI) have collaborated and created a cohesive system for measuring which door locks provide the best quality, durability and ultimate security.

Using a simple and easy to follow three grading system, these organizations have created a way for consumers and manufacturers alike to choose the best door lock.

GRADE-1 DOOR LOCK
A Grade-1 door lock is the highest-grade security available, meets both commercial and residential standards via deadbolt. Unfortunately, Grade-1 rated door locks are not available via standard knobs or mortise locks, and can only be used in the form of the lever handle.

To meet Grade-1 standards, a lock must past intensive testing. For example: A lock must be able to pass a 360-pound weight test as well as 800,000 cycles under extreme stress. Deadbolts must be able to withstand 10 door strikes with a hammer (Hammer Test) and a separate 250,000 cycles under pressure. The level of durability and security is outstanding. If security is your number one priority, a Grade- 1 rated door lock is your best bet. Average price: $150 USD.

GRADE-2 DOOR LOCK
A Grade-2 lock meets light commercial building requirements and exceeds any residential requirements consumers may face. For example: A standard knob must be able to withstand 400,000 cycles under extreme stress on top of passing a 250-pound weight resistance test. For residential buildings, Grade-2 is the way to go. It provides high quality of security and won’t break the budget. Most units can be found for an average price of $85 USD.

GRADE-3 DOOR LOCK
Although sufficient for most uses, a Grade-3 lock only provides minimal residential requirements and is the lowest standard of locks available on the market. For example: A standard, Grade-2 rated door lock must be able to withstand 200,000 cycles under normal pressure and a minimum of 2 strikes with a hammer (Hammer Test). Weight standards are measured at a minimum of 150-pounds of pressure, the lowest on the market. Grade-3 locks can be found for as low as $35 USD.

Some extra features to look out for:

DEADLATCH STRIKE PLATE
A deadlatch strike plate is a metal plate attached to the doorjamb with holes for the bolt, replacing the standard minimum-quality installed plate, improving security substantially.

DOOR SECURITY GUARD
Installed on the interior, and only accessible from the inside, this quick security fix provides a great deal of extra security at a low cost to the consumer.

WHAT IS A ‘SMART LOCK’?

At ASTC, we love how technology has advanced home security. The increase in technology is ever present and in recent years it’s started to penetrate the security market, not just in terms of security cameras, but also in the form of techy door locks. For example, a company called Goji has created a “smart lock” with a built in camera, that enables the owner of the lock to take a picture of anyone activating the lock and immediately send a photo the user’s mobile device and/or email.

In recent years, the technology of keyless door locks has increased considerably and many feel it’s the next wave of commercial/residential security. As an example, itouchless has created a stainless steel biometric fingerprint deadbolt, rated by ANSI at Grade-1. You’ll never worry about losing a key again, iTouchless uses the latest biometric technology and installation is extremely simple. Some of the features include programming access up to 150 different users and up to 78 pass codes. Perhaps most importantly, you will feel like James Bond as you use your fingerprint instead of a boring old key!

Another great example is the August Smart Lock. This device uses the consumer’s smartphone to unlock the door. You can even program an invite to be sent to friends, allowing them to access your business or home during a set time slot.

Most locks we have mentioned can be found at your general hardware store such as Home Depot (US), B&Q (UK) or Bunnings (Australia). Purchasing through online marketplaces like Amazon, you’ll not only receive a nice discount but also have access to reviews and customer testimonials.

When choosing a door lock, just remember to consider how and where the lock will be used and what level of security you require. As a general rule of thumb, its recommended you choose Grade-1 locks for exterior doors, and Grade-2 for interior doors, depending on your needs.

——————————————–ASTC Security locks.

Note:
For ASTC Series locks, Door Thickness best be 38mm-60mm.
For other thickness, need to adjust the Square shaft and Fixing Screws

1. Make the Drilling hole in the door.
In the suitable place of the door, make the Holes follow hotel lock dimension drawing.

2. Install the hotel lock Lockbody and Cylinder.
After the Drilling holes finished as 1, confirm whether the lockbody’s direction (by latch) is the same as the direction of door. Then hold the lockbody fix into the hole, and fix with the 2 respective screws. Leave the Electronic Link Cable in the upside place , for the further connection. Don’t leave the cable inside the door hole.Then fix the Striking plate (Decorative plate) with 2 FM4*6 screws.Fix the Cylinder to the mechanical lock hole, and fix with 2 3*6 Soket head cap screws.Test by the Mechanical key to open, if it works normally.

3.Install the hotel Lock Front panel and Back Panel
Before hotel card lock installation, please check the spring inside the handle hole still there. Then insert the Handle Square Shaft into the lockbody hole of .The arrows should crosswise point. (This is very important) Fix 4 piece of AA alkaline battery into the battery box.
Connect the 8P Cable to the Front panel PCB port, and then fix the other side of Handle Square Shaft to the front panel handle hole. Then connect the 2P cable to the Battery box connector in the lock back side panel, color match. You will hear 2“Beeps”from the lock.

If there is no “Beeps”, please check:
1). If the 4 AA battery be new and under well working?
2). If the Plus and Minus of a battery fix in correct?
3). If the Battery cable connect well to the 2P Cable?
Then fix Deadbolt to the right hole in the lockbody, and fix the 2 panels with 4 piece of FM5*55 screws, and adjust the panel position to be artistic.

4.Install the hotel lock system Doorframe Buckle and Plastic Groove
Fix the Doorframe Buckle and Plastic Groove according to the Lockbody place, use 2 piece of FA4*25 screws.

P.S. Battery change operation.
When you change new battery, you don’t need to strike the whole lockset. Back out the 2 screws in the striking plate, and then pull out the battery box to change.
Pay attention to protect the electronic lines.

Making the right home security locks choice for you and your family is easy, once you know what to consider. Use the basic home security tips and checklist below to start creating your security plan.

1. Look at your most frequently used points of entry.
Often times the doors that we use most often—like a kitchen or garage door—are the least secure. These entry points deserve Grade 1 deadbolts for maximum security.

2. Consider who is accessing your entry doors.
Do your children come and go with their own set of keys?
Do you have additional family members, babysitters or dog walkers who need access to your home? If so, an electronic lock home security system is a great option.

3. Think about your personal schedule.
Families who travel often or have hectic schedules typically prefer the ease of remote security to maintain control, even on the go.

Home Security Options
Deadbolts
Schlage Deadbolts lock come with the largest adjustable bolt available and an ANSI Grade 1 rating—the highest residential security rating on the market. That’s why when choosing a electronic lock for your high-traffic zones, you can always be confident choosing Schlage.

Electronic locks Security
With no keys to hide, lose or forget, you and your family can come and go without thinking twice. A basic electronic home security solution is great for today’s families on the go—but it’s more than that, too:

• When you’re out of town and need someone to check on your home while you’re away, a keypad deadbolt allows you to add, change or delete user codes in seconds—meaning you won’t have to worry about swapping keys or changing electronic door locks.
• Have a tool shed that needs to stay locked but you’re tired of searching for the key every time you need to get in? A keypad entry door lock is the simple home security option.

Schlage’s Home Security locks Checklist
How safe is your home?
Review this checklist to discover home security options for keeping you and your property safe:

• Entry doors and other frequently used doors (like the one linking your garage to your house) should be secured with a Schlage Grade 1 deadbolt.
• Make sure your windows are secured with quality door locks.
• Keep your landscaping trimmed to avoid hedges and shrubs blocking your windows.
• Ensure your property is well lit at night.
• When you go away on vacation, use interior light timers.
• Avoid hiding spare keys outside.
• Consider a home alarm system.
• Equip all of your exterior doors with a wide-angle eye viewer that allows you to identity visitors.
• Consider your perimeter security. Walk around your yard at different times of the day. Think about your schedule and how you enter and exit the home from different doorways.
• Plant thorny or prickly shrubbery near windows.
• Install motion sensors to control your exterior lighting.
• Do not leave your home unlocked for a child coming home from school. Consider an electronic Schlage keypad lock instead.
• Never leave ground level windows open or ajar when you’re not home.
• Make sure all of your sliding glass doors have at least one of the following:
o Track lock
o Hinged door bar
o Insertion pin lock
o Metal or wood dowel in track

When the security issue first was reported, it caught the attention of Rosen Hotels and Resorts in Orlando, Fla. Rosen Hotels has over 7,000 rooms and knew that it had to be proactive in its resolution of the problem.
Given the impact of the initial media reports and the subsequent negative press on the industry responses, the company knew that it had to move quickly. The company had received notification from several meeting planners that it had to guarantee the replacement of the current door locks prior to the arrival of their groups if Rosen was to secure the business.
Once Rosen made the determination that it needed to replace its locking systems, the company engaged Karen Faircloth with the Millennium Technology Group (a subsidiary of Rosen Hotels and Resorts) to head up the overall project management and RFP process. The company took the unique approach of involving all aspects and personnel of the hotels and resorts. Its was realized that in order to get the entire organization behind the initiative, the company needed to involve all departments in the decision making. Additionally, Rosen realized that each area of its operations had unique requirements and demands for the system. Therefore, the best people to conduct the overall due diligence on the products would be the operational personnel themselves.

Every department attended meetings with the potential solution providers. Representatives from the front desk, engineering, sales, housekeeping, IT and even the general manager were asked to participate in the meetings, and effectively all aspects of the systems were evaluated from the ground up, regarding operational needs and requirements. Each department was asked to validate the solution providers’ references. The staff had a vested interest in how the product actually worked and would also know the correct questions to ask from a functionality standpoint. The front desk staff contacted the front desk staff of the other hotels, engineering contacted other engineering departments, IT contacted IT, and so on. The reference checks were compiled together and distributed to all of the Rosen staff.
Additionally, Rosen pulled the Dun and Bradstreet reports on each company to establish if they were financially stable and what the outlook was for the long-term support of the products. Rosen also examined the companies’ insurance coverage and what coverage they had to sustain large claims.
The final selection process came down to a shoot-out. Rosen hired a certified master locksmith with experience in the hospitality industry, but who was not affiliated with any of the companies. Rosen installed the test locks then asked the locksmith to break into locks and automatic deadbolts. The locksmith also reviewed how the locks were manufactured and was asked to comment on their components and quality. Finally the locksmith was asked to put the locks back together to see how long it would take and what was involved. The test proved to be extremely informative.
The hotels’ staff voted on the system that they would prefer to see installed at their properties. The voting came back overwhelmingly in favor of one solution. Faircloth confirmed that Rosen has just completed the installation of its first hotel which went smoothly, and that the company is on track to meet the necessary installation deadlines. Along the way, Rosen discovered features and functionality in the newer system that will allow the company to become more efficient and provide better controls and services to both its guests and staff.

Security
TIPS
In the wake of the recent electronic door locking breach, many hotels have implemented a proactive security program to enforce operational security protocols and educate guests on key security basics. While these security procedures may not address the direct issues affecting the electronic door locks, they represent a proactive approach to overall guest security and ensuring the safety of the traveling public.
Use of Deadbolts Doors are easier to kick in than outwards. Most hotel room doors open into the room. This is usually due to code requirements that prevent a door opening out into the hallway. As such, it’s important to remember to deadbolt the doors, and where possible, install and have guests use a serviceable security latch. While it may not stop someone who is trying to break into a room, it will delay them and potentially provide enough time for a guest to call for help.
Educate and Train Staff on Security Practices Many hotels have reduced or eliminated the number of security staff due to budget constraints. As such, it’s important to train all staff to maintain a presence throughout the property. Security and ensuring guest’s safety should be the responsibility of all staff members. Criminals do not like to work in active areas and a strong staff presence particularly in guestroom hallways and other quiet areas of the property will limit the potential for theft.
Check the Security of the Adjoining Doors Both staff and guests should be encouraged to check that the dead-bolts for adjoining doors are secured. While the adjoining doors may not be used, frequently the locks are not adequately secured on one of the doors, resulting in potential entry from the other room.
Monitor Security Cameras Many hotels that do not have full-time security staff do not monitor the CCTV cameras consistently. In these instances, monitors should be placed in administrative areas, such as the front office, where staff can be trained to scan and keep a look out for suspicious activity.
Upgrade the Security Camera System Many camera systems are outdated and do not provide effective visibility of the property, especially the key areas of safety such as the entrance and exit access locations to guestroom areas. Properties should evaluate existing systems to determine if they should be either upgraded or replaced.
Proactively Review Security Protocols Undertake regular evaluations of the security protocols for systems including but not limited t network access, password rotation, staff access levels and application updates and revisions. It is recommended when practical to have outside security specialists evaluate systems and run scans and penetration tests to gain an understanding of potential areas of weakness.

What Did the Vendors Say?
Response from the Electronic Locking Vendors
In an effort to obtain input on the subject we asked a number of the well-known electronic door locking system providers for feedback on the issue. Some declined to comment, and, for the most part, the responses we received were somewhat limited due to the sensitive nature of the subject.
ASTC
The company provided the following statement: “ASTC places the highest priority on the safety and security provided by its products. We will continue to support and augment our customers’ security strategies. Immediately following a hacker’s public presentation of illegal methods of breaking into hotel rooms, ASTC engineers developed both mechanical and technical solutions, which have been tested and validated by two independent security firms. These solutions began shipping to customers worldwide in August 2012, (and to date we have) shipped 4 million solutions to hotels worldwide.”
That said, there have been a number of criticisms regarding ASTC’s purported fixes, which in many cases consisted of mechanical caps and security screws that block the physical access to the lock ports that hackers have used to illegally break into hotel rooms. Criticisms include the plugs and screws can be circumvented by hackers, but in some cases can prevent hotel staff from interrogating the lock; additionally the plugs can create a short in the batteries that power the lock; and many of the HT24 and HT28 locks use control boards that cannot be upgraded and have to be replaced.
VingCard Elsafe
VingCard Elsafe offered the following insight: “There is no question that the exposure of a security flaw in a specific brand of hotel door locks has created a crisis for the industry, due to the widespread use of these locks around the world. It has also created an unwelcomed expense and risk for hoteliers, as they grapple with various fixes that have been offered by the manufacturer and other third-party suppliers. In addition, due to mass media coverage of the situation, hoteliers are now faced with reassuring their guests that they are indeed secure in their guestrooms.

“On a more positive note, it has also forced increased awareness of hotel security, which will ultimately lead to better security. Since the most reliable fix for affected properties is to upgrade their locking systems by replacing them entirely, ultimately, hotels and their guests come out ahead by benefitting from the most up-to-date and advanced security systems.”
Kaba
When asked about the enhancements that the company was looking to implement to stay ahead of hackers, the company responded: “Kaba constantly evaluates current security technology and implements continuous improvements to its products and generates best practices for clients and in-house development.”
Salto Systems
Salto provided the following: Electronic door locking systems should no longer be a hardware spec product, but instead should be considered as a security access control system. Hotel owners, management companies, IT, engineering and security departments should be reviewing and specifying the locking systems that go onto the doors of their hotels. Salto said it can see what has happened in the industry because locks became a commodity based on the lowest price where the focus was not on a security system. “Most of the hotels that Salto has been installed in have chosen our products because of their superior secure access control features and the commercial grade quality and reliability of our locks.”

Great Wolf Resorts
Great Wolf Resorts is the largest chain of indoor water parks in the world. Each of the waterparks is part of a larger resort, which also features specialty restaurants, arcades, spas, fitness rooms and children’s activity areas. The company focuses on providing a safe environment for traveling families with children, and it pays particular attention to the security at each resort. The resorts use an RFID wallet-on-your-wrist program at many of its properties to allow guests to use wrist band as a room key and to charge for goods and services purchased around the resort. Because Great Wolf Resorts has used this system for some time we contacted them to discuss how the recent security issue has affected the company.
CIO Rajiv Castellino said, “The issue has not affected our operations. We have a proactive approach to security at our properties. As such once the issue was raised we immediately followed up on the potential concerns and ensured that all of our properties had the latest security features installed on the locks. Most of our door locks are newer RFID locks that were not affected.”
Given the nature of the guests and families that come to Great Wolf resorts, security and safety has always been a priority. Castellino said, “Our security, IT and other departments, such as housekeeping, focus on being proactive and alert to possible threats that could affect the safety of guests. From an IT perspective, each resort has an IT manager onsite who directs and controls the security of the systems, applications and even physical access to each of the distribution frames where sensitive equipment is housed.”
Castellino said that his team is constantly evaluating other emerging technologies such as near-field communications (NFC) and is cautiously optimistic about its potential and also about using mobile solutions. They might introduce an NFC solution in the future but not without rigorous testing to ensure that the solution meets Great Wolf Resorts’ security standards.
According to Castellino, the industry needs to take the issue of security and breach incidents seriously and collaborate on ways to address the problem on an industry level. By sharing experiences and educating about possible solutions, the industry can be successful combating the problem.

The PCI compliance issue taught us that, as an industry, we are better off if we band together and fight the problem as an industry by sharing information, solutions and experiences rather than hoarding the information and trying to solve things individually. It was only when companies starting opening up about their breaches and sharing their experiences on how they secured their networks and data that we started to see a reduction in the number of breaches. We are not out of the woods on the issue, but we are certainly more aware of how to combat the problem than we were before. Perception is everything and a negative perception of the industry will hurt everyone if it is perceived that it’s not safe to travel.

Current Hacking Efforts
In doing research for this article, one of the most disturbing things that I discovered was the level of online efforts underway to help potential criminals manufacture devices to hack hotel electronic door locks. Probably the most offensive post that I found was that of a PEN tester from a well-known data security company that is involved with the industry. The security consultant can be seen posting detailed pictures, wiring diagrams and instructions on how to manufacture the homemade devices that can fit into the standard Sharpie marker case to look like a felt tipped marker. In addition, there are posts from the would-be hackers asking for additional instructions and an actual video so that they can see exactly how this is put together. It even goes so far as to ask if the device can be made even smaller. The posts further elaborate how they are buying used ASTC locks on eBay and from other sources so that they can test their devices and ensure that they work. While we cannot be sure that anyone has actually been successful in making the device or using it, one cannot help but wonder how it is that we have a data security expert with one of the data security companies helping potential criminals learn how to make a device to breach hotel locks. The point is that this is what we are up against and we need to develop security methods to address the problem and move ahead of it.

RFID vs. Magnetic Card Swipe
Most locking companies are moving to RFID solutions as they tend to offer better operational functionality than the more traditional magnetic swipe cards. This is not to say that the mag swipe cards are not good systems, but the biggest complaint is usually associated with guest service where the cards become demagnetized. That said, many people have raised concerns that RFID technology is not secure and that the encryption protocols are static, allowing for the cards or tags to be duplicated as guests come into close proximity with a potential hacker’s cloning device. This was highlighted by one HITEC session last year where speaker Josh Klein detailed a number of creative ways in which he has been able to duplicate RFID access cards. Proponents of RFID are quick to point out that there are various encryption levels of RFID, and as such, hotels are encouraged to deploy systems that take advantage of these higher encryption levels, and depending on the system, include read/write functionality, which usually offers a higher encryption level. Additionally, hotels are advised to review their technologies on a regular basis to ensure that the encryption levels are improved as newer technology becomes available.
Disney recently disclosed that it is even moving to a new RFID-based system MyMagic+ that will drastically change the way that it conducts business and markets its parks.

Near-field Communications (NFC)
The drive to deploy NFC devices is also focusing attention to the security of this technology and how it will be used in the future. NFC is typically dependent on the mobile operator or provider, and given that there are a number of providers worldwide, this could present a challenge to RFID door locking manufacturers to ensure that they are compatible with each solution. In addition, the standards are changing, meaning that existing RFID solutions will probably need to be upgraded to take advantage of the technology in the future.
Training

As the awareness of the locking system breach is coming to the forefront, locking companies are reporting an increase in the amount of additional supplemental system training that is being requested to address both staff and guest-related usage of their systems. Vingcard Elsafe released a statement that said, “We are starting to see more requests for information and in some cases retraining. Our onsite training and overall support mechanisms have always been focused on the proper use of the system, including the security features.”
Onsite System Reviews

Given that many of the locking systems have been installed for extensive periods of time, hotels are starting to require system reviews to ensure that their systems’ firmware and applications are up to date and on the latest revisions. Additionally, some are requesting outside reviews from security companies to ascertain risk as part of an overall system and property security initiative.

Salto Systems indicated that it notifies customers when it has software upgrades to keep the systems at peak performance.

OpenWays
There has been quite a bit of discussion on the potential use of OpenWays’ LOCKFIX to address the ASTC lock security issue. OpenWays specializes in mobile-based access management and security solutions. Its products target the use of mobile devices and audible encrypted sound to allow guests and staff the ability to use their smartphones to access their guestroom door locks. The solution purports a relatively inexpensive method of providing an effective way to secure the existing ASTC HT Series Lock. The OpenWays equipment is attached to the door lock, providing a way for the lock to be controlled wirelessly and allowing staff to communicate with the lock via a mobile device. This in turn means that the external PP communications port can be disconnected and the lock is therefore not susceptible to being breached via this exposed method.

OpenWays has offered to provide free licensing for LOCKFIX to address the ASTC lock problem, which would allow hotels to interrogate the locks. The components which reportedly cost about $55 per lock to install would still need to be accounted for as part of the security upgrade. The company also offers an upgrade pathway to its mobile staff and guest key solutions, which do require the purchase of additional licensing. OpenWays has proposed a security solution for Docomo Intertouch.

Critics of the solution point out that it typically requires effective cellular wireless coverage in the area of the locks to facilitate communication via a mobile device and the installation can be time consuming and fairly costly. Additional concerns point to the fact that the hotel now has two companies involved in the overall support and ongoing upgrades to the locking system.

The Issue of Liability
The approach that many hotels and lock manufacturers have taken appears to be primarily driven by the potential liability and risk. This is understandable given the situation and the potential responsibility that they may have to potential breaches. We reached out to various parties for comments on the situation and received limited responses, which under the circumstance is understandable. However, as previously mentioned there are lessons to be learned as a result of the early credit card breaches and PCI compliance efforts that have been underway these past few years. Initially when the breaches began, most effected hotels and companies were reluctant to share information on the incidents or how they resolved them. Most were concerned about the loss of potential business and that guests would not want to stay at the hotels for fear of having their credit card information and potential personnel data compromised. That changed when the industry got together and started to share information. What was disclosed helped formulate key approaches to addressing the problem and the information was dispersed through industry organizations like HFTP and HTNG, and the net result has been a dramatic reduction of the problem.

The industry is not out of the woods on the data security issue, and given the ongoing nature of the problem, never will be. But the point is that the industry collaborated on the issues and solutions were found, and for the most part, the public seems to be pleased that the data security issue continues to be addressed across the board.

This same kind of collaboration must occur with the locking system issue. The personal safety of the guests are at risk, and for this reason the industry needs to step outside of its comfort zone and really tackle this problem head on before we have a more serious incident. We realize that criminals now have easy access to online information that teaches them how to make inexpensive devices to break into hotel rooms. There needs to be a concerted effort from all parties to collaborate on the issue and come up with effective and affordable solutions to the problem. This effort not only needs to focus on new technology solutions, but there also needs to be a concerted effort to combat the challenges through effective training and education at the property level and throughout the industry. Additionally, this effort needs to focus not only on the hotels, but there also needs to be an effective communication program to reach out to the traveling public to assure the guests that the hotels are safe.

We should never lose sight of the fact that guest safety and security should always be the most important priority for hotels locks problem.

What is Different About Door Locking Systems and What Makes Them so Unique?

The recent breaches have also brought to the forefront a system that has up until now really avoided the spotlight in a hotel. What is different about a Door Locking Systems to other systems within a hotel and how have things changed over the recent years?

1 The way it is selected.
At an average cost of $200 to $300 (and upwards) per door just for the electronic hotel door lock, one can see how this can be considered as one of the primary system expenditures for the guestroom.

New hotel builds. Electronic door locking systems have traditionally been selected during the construction phase of the hotel. The reason for this is that the doors need to be ordered and prepped for the particular door locks well in advance of the opening of the hotel. Especially for new builds, many times the decision on which system and mifare card lock are chosen is made by the owner/developer and design/construction team. Most of the time the operational personnel who typically use the system (such as front desk, housekeeping, engineering, security and IT) are only brought on board closer to the opening of the hotel. As such, the input from these departments is not factored into the overall locking system selection process.

Renovations or retrofit projects. The other way that door locking systems are usually installed is during a time of a refresh or room upgrade. Due to the cost of the system it is usually incorporated as part of an overall renovation. Again the design team usually has a heavy hand on the overall decision making, and in most cases aesthetics and cost usually win over functionality and proposed security. However, there is the potential for operational, security and IT input into the overall decision making if the ownership group involves the property itself in the project.

2 Purchasing decisions.
There are a number of decisions that typically affect the selection of an electronic door locking system, some of which include:

How long does the ownership intend to own the asset?
A major factor involved in the decision of which locking system to purchase is often influenced by how long the owner intends to keep the property. If they intend to sell the property in the next few years, they may opt to install a less expensive system. If they intend to keep the hotel for the long term, they may be convinced to install a quality system that will last for a long time.
Longevity of the System. When the question is typically posed as to which system has longevity in a hotel, some people may be inclined to point to the PBX, or in some cases the POS system. However traditionally the guestroom electronic card locking system is the system that is replaced the least often. As such, until this recent breach, most hoteliers were not that concerned about having to replace the door locks, so long as they physically worked. That is changing and hotels need to be concerned about the upgradability of the keypad card lock in terms of its networkability and security protocols for integration to other systems.

Level of Security Encryption. One concern to be factored into the selection of locking systems is the level of encryption that the door lock has as part of its security features. Given the length of time hotels are keeping the locks, the hotel needs to be able to update the level of encryption on the locks and system. As was pointed out to me on a number of occasions in recent conversations, one should approach this the same way you update your antivirus software. The level of security needs to be updated regularly to ensure that the latest techniques and protocols are in operation. Given the physical security aspects that are at risk, IT personnel need to be vigilant in ensuring that these systems are equipped with the latest firmware and security encryption available in the marketplace. This should be factored into the overall decision making on the motel locking system of choice.

Integration to Other Systems. In the past, the primary concern was the interface to the PMS. However, door locking systems can also be linked to energy management and room automation systems, among others. As such, their ability to integrate, and in some cases share networks, can be reasons for the selection of a particular system.

Networkable Solutions. In the past, online systems typically meant having to hardwire the locks to the server. These days most card locking system providers offer networkable solutions either through their own proprietary wireless solutions or they are able to integrate into other wireless networks. While this has increased the features and functionality offered with the systems, it has also increased the susceptibility to possible security breaches and caused IT departments to focus on securing the networks and access to these systems. The primary concern being that if the locks can be breached, will this allow access to the hotels secure networks.

Code Requirements. Door locks should meet the fire rating code requirements. In most instances the doors need to be fire rated and the locks may impact the rating to the door. If the locks contain plastic components, the question arises as to whether they are susceptible to melting as a result of the heat and will this affect the ability of a person to open the door and potentially escape a fire. While this has not appeared to have been an issue up until this point in time and most of the locks appear to be code compliant, it may be worthwhile looking into this issue if the hotel is contemplating the replacement of the system.

3 The changing role of the engineering department.
Most of the traditional mechanical key locking systems were controlled by the engineering department. They serviced the locks, replaced the batteries, and in some cases interrogated the locks when required. They were able to do this as the locks were primarily stand-alone devices and had limited interaction with other systems. This has all changed. Today’s RFID networkable door locking systems interact with most key operational departments and are primarily the responsibility of the IT departments.

The result is that the system has become much more than just a locking system, and due to the fact that it typically resides on the hotel’s administrative data network, it means that the system needs to adhere to the same security protocols and requirements as the rest of the applications. For this reason, many locking manufacturers request that the security team, as well as the IT and engineering departments, be involved in the selection process. The question then arises as to whether the hotels are equipped to address the change in roles, given that many hotels no longer have dedicated IT staff onsite to assist with the support of the network and system.