20 most recent innovations in security

Reusable Zip-Tie Lock

Mon, 24 Apr 2017 00:00:00 Z

Hailed as the first reusable zip-tie style lock, the lightweight yet strong Z Lok from Hiplok can be carried in a pocket.

Resembling a basic zip-tie, the Z Lok was created as a ‘café lock,’ to secure a bike while sitting nearby. The lock’s stainless steel core will resist cutting, and it can be unlocked with the included two-pronged key. As well as securing bikes nearby, the Z Lok can also be used to attach accessories securely, such as helmets or other gear.

Textile Bike Lock

Thu, 09 Feb 2017 00:00:00 Z

The textile-based tex-lock promises to be both more resilient and lighter than conventional bike locks.

Created by a team of German designers, the tex-lock consists of five different materials braided together to provide different sorts of protection: saw resistance, cut resistance, and fire resistance, and as well as waterproofing and dirt repelling. The unique makeup of the tex-lock also makes it lighter and more flexible, so it is easier to use.

Use Gestures To Log In

Fri, 07 Aug 2015 00:00:00 Z

Microsoft is proposing an alternative to passwords with a system that authorizes the user by recognizing hard-to-mimic gestures.

According to a patent filed by Microsoft, the system would allow users to create an authorization gesture that is easy for the user to perform but very difficult for would-be thieves to reproduce. This is achieved by the company’s patented technology that is able to identify biometric specific such as finger length, finger position, and even the angle between the fingers—aspects that are unique to each user and cannot be replicated simply by watching the gesture being performed.

According to the company, the system could work on devices of all sizes, from smartphones to the Xbox One with Kinect.

Wheel-Locking Wheel Nuts

Fri, 06 Mar 2015 00:00:00 Z

The Kryoptonite Security WheelNutz can only be removed when the bike is turned upside down, bringing an extra level of protection to urban bikers.

Developed with city bikers in mind, the Security WheelNutz were created to secure the front wheel of the bike without the biker needing to carry an extra lock. The WheelNutz fit on the axle of the front wheel, replacing the existing nuts, and can only be released when the bike is upside down—something that is nearly impossible to do when the bike is locked to a sturdy object.

Explosives Detecting Stickers

Tue, 03 Mar 2015 00:00:00 Z

A global economy brings many benefits, but it also makes international terrorism extremely difficult to combat. With more goods passing through the world's shipping terminals and airports than ever before, hunting explosives with large, static detectors or teams of inspectors armed with detecting devices and reagents is a bottleneck that increases the chances of evasion. To help US counterterrorism efforts, GE has developed RFID stickers that act as wireless, battery-free explosives detectors that can be placed almost anywhere.

Based on previous GE research on self-contained RFID sensor tags, the new explosives detectors were developed by GE Global Research and partners in the US government and industry. Costing 5 to 50 US cents per sensor, depending on configuration, they're designed to be cheap, ubiquitous, and easy to use.

Though inexpensive to produce, they have the ability to wirelessly detect and measure very low concentrations of explosives, oxidizers, and other chemicals in real-time. According to GE, they require no batteries; can operate continuously in areas with heavy, multiple sources of interference; and can be read with a device the size and portability of a mobile phone.

The sensors consist of a flexible substrate produced by roll-to-roll fabrication, with each sensor the size of a US penny. The sensor proper is made of a material that changes its electrical properties when an explosive or oxidizer is in the immediate vicinity. The tags can be stuck on cargo containers, packages, walls, and other surfaces, and when a contraband chemical is detected, the RFID sends a signal to an in-range handheld detector.

"In airports today, bulky, stationary desktop systems typically screen for explosives," says Radislav Potyrailo of GE Global Research. "Suspicious surfaces are swabbed and separately analyzed, consuming substantial time, space and power. Compared to a conventional desktop detector, our system is 300 times smaller, and reduces weight and power use 100 fold. To achieve needed accuracy, GE’s approach simplifies detection by using an individual sensor rather than relying on arrays of multiple sensors."

GE sees the sensor technology as having applications beyond security. Because of their inexpensiveness and ability to be stuck just about anywhere, the company says that they could also be used to look out for gas leaks, degrading electrical insulation, and bacteria and mold growth, as well as determining if surfaces in healthcare facilities have been properly sanitized.

New Captcha Can Tell You're Human From A Single Click

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 00:00:00 Z

It's almost a given at this point that robots will one day attempt to destroy the human race - even Stephen Hawking thinks so - and currently only one thing stands in their way: the Captcha.

These internet puzzles, which ask users to decipher some visual code or enter certain words or characters, are designed to tell the differences between human and computer users.

These riddles keep getting more and more complicated, but Google now says it has a better, simpler and more effective solution: a single click.

Google will replace many of its Captchas around the web with a checkbox next to the statement "I'm not a robot," the company announced today. But it's not the act of clicking on the checkbox that tells Google you're a real, homegrown human; it's the way you do it.

Google Captcha team Product Manager Vinay Shet told Wired that the new Captcha system uses "a whole bag of cues," including the way you move the cursor, your IP addresses and cookies, and more, to tell you're human.

Bicycle Frame Lock

Wed, 20 Aug 2014 00:00:00 Z

Developed by three Chilean engineer students; Juan José Monsalve, Andrés Roi and Cristóbal Cabello, the ‘yerka‘ project maintains the design of an urban bike yet incorporates a closing frame device to improve security. To thieves, every lock can be broken whilst leaving the bicycle intact, the creators have a strong clamp out of the velocipede’s frame. This means that the only way to steal it is to break the lock and thus the two-wheeler completely. No more will you have to carry around a padlock as the yerka tech uses the bike’s body as the securing measure, taking less than 20 seconds to set-up.

‘We are 3 engineering students, that being victims of the theft of our bicycles, decided to develop a technology that prevents this.’ said Juan, Andres and Cristobal, ‘Today we continue to develop this project, which we believe will be a huge help for all of you, bike enthusiasts.’ as the ‘yerka’ project has done, using the frame as a locking mechanism makes for a safer and more secure cycling experience.

KeyMe, your house key in the cloud

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 00:00:00 Z

KeyMe is a startup that wants to make sure you never get locked out of your home or office again. In a partnership with 7-Eleven, the company has installed KeyMe kiosks in Manhattan which allow users to scan and store key creation information in the cloud. Storing your key is completely free, but printing off a replacement copy after losing the original will cost the user approximately $20. In order to bring up the digital copy of a key, the user must scan their fingerprints.

While getting a duplicate key made at a typical hardware store costs about $2 to $5, that requires the original key in order to make a duplicate. Compared to a locksmith, KeyMe provides a significantly cheaper option for anyone that misplaces the original. In New York City, a typical locksmith could charge anywhere from $100 to $200 to break into a home and replace the door lock.

Regarding security, KeyMe doesn’t store any information about where a user lives or even their name. Besides an email address, the only piece of information that’s tied to the digital key file is the fingerprint of the user.

helmet / lock

Tue, 08 Oct 2013 00:00:00 Z

Ever run into the store and have to leave your helmet behind? Lazer came up with a security solution. It's an easy to use combo lock integrated into the helmet strap.

Envelope X Ray Spray

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Z

Envelope X-RAY Spray turns opaque paper temporarily translucent, allowing the user to view the contents of an envelope without ever opening it. 30 seconds after the application, the envelope will return to its original state, leaving absolutely no markings, discoloration, or other indications of use. Each can treats several hundred square inches. Non-conductive and non-photochemically reactive. Environmentally-friendly

BikeSpike, a bicycle GPS tracker

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Z

Bicycles are a notoriously easy target for thieves, but technology is here to help in the form of a new device that promises to help cyclists safeguard their property and recover it if stolen. Currently seeking funds on KickStarter, the Chicago-based BikeSpike team has designed a new bicycle GPS tracker.

The BikeSpike isn't meant to replace a locking system, but rather add another layer of security, one that can be disguised with a custom water bottle cage. After physically locking their bike in the normal way, the cyclist can then "digitally lock" their vehicle by arming the device via a web, iOS, or Android app. If the bike moves out of a predefined boundary, the user receives an alert telling them the bike is on the move.

Besides security, BikeSpike can also act as a safety device. A collision detection system that makes use of the device's three-axis accelerometer can alert people in a contact list and share the location of an accident. The accelerometer sensor can also monitor road quality by looking at the vibrations detected, while parents can use the BikeSpike to monitor their kids while they are out on a ride.

BikeSpike will ship with security fasteners and a special installation tool to make it harder for the system to be removed. Even if the thief were aware of the hidden BikeSpike device and had the special security installation tool, the designers say it would still take some time to get the job done, at the risk of damaging the frame.

Each BikeSpike will ship with an AC wall charger, with the team estimating that a once-a-month recharge will be enough for casual riders. They can also get notifications of when the battery is running low.

Power plug lock

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Z

Keep everything safe with a StoPower Power Plug Lock. This small lock fits on top of any (US) plug. No key, no electricity. Use it to keep children from dangerous power tools or lock up the TV until they’re no longer grounded.

Titanium escape ring

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 Z

A useful tool for covert and undercover operators, those that travel abroad in unstable countries, or anyone at risk of being held unlawfully.

Unlike all other rings, this one contains a saw and handcuff shim pick combination tool which is completely hidden from view when worn. Located on a finger, its always in the exact area needed to quickly access and deploy, even when handcuffed.

The shim can be used to open single-locked handcuffs, while the saw can cut zip-ties, disposable handcuffs, duct tape, rope, and other non-metallic materials.

DNA bullet marks suspects for arrest

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Z

SelectDNA, a UK company, has created a non-lethal high-velocity projectile that will leave a DNA marker on a suspect so that he or she can be identified at a later time. At first, it may sound like the projectile marks the suspect’s DNA, but that’s not the case. It’s just that the marker has a DNA nature to make sure that it is unique. That’s not the case for color markers that are in use today.

The goal of the system is to 1/delay the apprehension of suspects when a situation is “less confrontational” 2/ allow an fairly accurate identification of a person. For example, you can imagine that during a riot, it can be extremely volatile to charge and arrest troublemakers and bystanders or peaceful demonstrators can be hurt in the process. Instead, the Police can use pistol or rifle version of SelectDNA to “tag” agitators, and arrest them later.

The pistol looks like an orange plastic toy pistol, but can fire accurately at up to 30-40m. Each projectile weighs less than 1g and a pack of 14 pellet will be encoded with the same unique DNA marker, so it’s may not be used to uniquely identify a single person, but the Police can establish their presence on the scene.

Tiny X-ray Source Uses Piezoelectricity to Generate Radiation

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Z

Producing X-rays inside small devices is normally difficult because of high power electronics and vacuum tubes involved. Engineers at University of Missouri have developed a brand new way of generating X-rays using the piezolectric effect. It involves exciting a lithium niobate crystal using 10 volts of electricity and then releasing bursts of 100,000 volts of output that are converted into X-ray flashes.

The team believes that this technology may provide the opportunity for poorer regions of the world to have access to small and cheap X-ray devices, be a safer alternative in certain situations where medical radioisotopes are used, and maybe even lead to new dental X-ray scanners that are placed inside the mouth to fire the radiation outward.

ShareKey a smartphone (NFC) opperated door lock

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 00:00:00 Z

Mobile phones have already swallowed up the average Joe's diary, compact camera, watch and Walkman. They're working on replacing the wallet as well – so the next logical step is to go hunting for the last remaining pocket-dwelling device they can gobble up in their mad fury of convergence – your keyring. Smart and secure door access apps and hardware have already sprung up using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi – now there's ShareKey, which uses NFC (near field communication) and aims to be the most secure of all systems.

Sadeghi has developed a system called ShareKey, which is effectively an Android app that communicates with smart door locks via NFC to open and close them simply by waving the phone near the lock. Unlike similar systems from Lockitron and UniKey, which use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to send instructions, you need to have the phone very physically close to the lock for ShareKey to operate, which makes it harder for hackers to intercept a signal.

The system makes it easy to assign or revoke access to each door in a flexible manner. Any smartphone user can be granted access to a door or group of doors for a defined period – so you can give your houseguests unrestricted access for a week, or give your temporary employees access in work hours.

A combination lock to prevent blood transfusion errors

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 00:00:00 Z

Medical errors can have serious consequences, but mistakes during blood transfusions are particularly unacceptable. Though such errors are rare, they do still occur, and Typenex Medical, a Chicago, Illinois company, has created a solution that pretty much eliminates the possibility for errors.

The system utilizes a combination lock on the blood bag that will only open using a code printed on the patient’s armband. If a clinician accidentally attempts to open the bag using another patient’s code, it will stay closed and the transfusion will not happen.

Packing tape rip cord

Mon, 11 Jun 2012 00:00:00 Z

If you've ever marveled at how easy it is to open a padded shipping envelope thanks to its built-in rip cord that tears through the material, you'll instantly understand why this enhanced roll of packing tape is pure genius.

The aptly-named Rip Cord tape has a thin plastic strip running down the middle that can be used to easily split it in half, freeing you from having to use scissors, or even a sharp knife that has the potential to also slice through to what's inside the box. The tape also comes with a special dispenser that includes a perforated cutting edge that leaves a tab at the sliced edge so it's easy to grab and yank the cord. So here's to hoping that Quirky can make this concept a reality, and soon.

Riot Shield

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 00:00:00 Z

It’s unfortunate that there’s a need for this at all, but I guess there’s also something to be said for a peaceful protest! This riot shield design provides multidirectional protection from incoming projectiles whether directly ahead or above. When counterattacks are necessary, nonlethal weapons like tasers & defense spray are built into the shield & can be operated by a triggered handle. The real goal here: providing a deepened sense of security to defense personnel in hopes that nervousness doesn’t escalate violence. Inspired by the armadillo’s natural shell, the design incorporates a layered visor into the shield for size adjustment.

4th amendment wear

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 Z

Now there's a way to protest those intrusive TSA X-ray body scanners without saying a word. Underclothes printed with the 4th Amendment in Metallic Ink. Let them know they're spying at the privates of a private citizen. The 4th Amendment to the US Constitution is readable on TSA body scanners.

4th Amendment Wear made a statement without having to say a word. It's what we considered 'technological Judo' - it used the very act of invading someone's privacy to communicate a message that questioned how far Americans were willing sacrifice that sense of privacy. It didn't outright condemn the search - it just raised questions. It gave the wearer a sense of individual liberty to be able to express their concerns, while not causing a disturbance.