US morning television host Matt Lauer, recently fired from NBC's Today for sexually harassing women in terrible ways for years, had a door lock button under his desk. Who the hell installed that? we all wondered. But the answer may be: nobody. You can just buy one off Amazon.
An automatic firmware update broke LockState's internet-enabled "smart locks" for around 500 customers earlier this month, including around 200 Airbnb hosts who use the locks to remotely manage rental access. Customers have to replace their locks or ship them back for repairs. (The locks can still be operated with a physical key.)
Video: Most consumer-grade locks aren't that secure. To wit, if you ever need to open a basic padlock or combination lock without a key, all you need is a soft drink can, a boxcutter and a little precise cutting.
Padlocks have looked the same for almost 2000 years. But smartphone accessory company, Dog & Bone (rhyming slang for phone - get it?) has given the padlock a modern twist with a secure Bluetooth unlocking mechanism. They call it the LockSmart.
Whether you own a property or just rent it, the thought of a home invasion remains equally terrifying. According to government statistics, approximately one out of every 40 Australian houses will be burgled this year. That's pretty goddamn sobering. Thankfully, there are various measures you can take to vastly decrease the odds of your home being broken into. This infographic includes a breakdown of Australian burglary statistics and the most effective techniques to ward against invasion.
About a month ago, I picked up a training lockpick set. I've always been curious about how lock picking works and how difficult it really is. In the process of learning, I discovered not only how easy it was, but how to look beyond the lock when it comes to protecting my home.
Video: If you've lost the key to one of your old padlocks, and you don't have any way to cut it, you can get it open with just about any weighted object.
We've shown you a calculator that can help you crack a master combination lock before, but this device will do all the work for you in under 30 seconds.
You can learn the basics of lock picking from a GIF, but for a more nuanced look at the techniques required to actually get a lock open without the key, check out NightHawkInLight's latest tutorial where he uses nothing but a pair of strategically bent hairpins in the process.
Learning to pick locks is fun and educational -- and you don't need a lock picking set to do it. In addition to hairpins and bra underwire, two everyday objects you can turn into lock picks are paperclips and toothbrushes.
A decent bike lock can be the difference between cruising home and being forced to walk -- not to mention the blow a stolen can deal to your wallet. This bike lock will give you the most bang for your buck, and it's what seasoned bike thieves would use on their own rides.
Lock picking sets are incredibly handy to keep around, but nobody wants their pockets stuffed with too much gear. If you already carry around a multitool, Instructables user ksnewells shows off how to add in a lock pick set.
Deadbolt locks are the first line of defence in home security. Here is how to install a deadbolt lock in a steel exterior door for added security.
Hey Lifehacker, I've been looking at the new Bluetooth door locks but I am worried about my home insurance if the locks aren't standard. What are the insurance ramifications from installing a couple in my house?
Want to spice up your car's unlocking system? The Mercuino Project shows off how to unlock your doors with Bluetooth and an Arduino.
If you've ever accidentally locked yourself out of a room in your home that has a bathroom-style push-button or twist-privacy lock, you know it can be a pain to open them again. If you have a paper clip however, getting back in is no problem.
Maybe you often lock yourself out of your own house, or perhaps you just want to learn how to pick locks to get a better understanding of security. If you don't have a set of picks handy, Instructables user hailtothkngbby shows us how to make one using the underwire in a bra.
The only line of defence against bike thieves is a bike lock. If you're going to actively use your bicycle and leave it on the streets, you have to lock it properly. If you lock it, but not the right way, it will get stolen. If you lock it the right way, even still it could get stolen, but at least you tried your best!
If you ever forget the combination to your bike lock, here's how to open the lock -- without any tools required. A word to the wise: You might also consider getting a more secure kind of lock for your bike.
Ever stumbled back to a hotel room only to realise your roommates have already gone to bed and put the chain lock on the door? When no amount of knocking can get you in, you can release that chain lock with a piece of string or floss.
