Job Perspectives For Locksmiths

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job perspectives for locksmiths are promising nowadays. With the advanced development of security systems and technologies, however, the role, duties and skills of locksmiths have notably changed. They do not only replace, install or repair mechanical locks and keys, but also deal with modern electronic security devices used in residential buildings, commercial establishments and public facilities. 

To be capable of handling such a versatile assortment of security problems, locksmiths have to be well-trained, certified, experienced and properly equipped. These are the main requirements for the representatives of this profession today.

It is expected that the demand for locksmiths will increase during the next several years. By the end of 2018, their number is likely to exceed 25000 in the US only, which is an almost 12% growth. This is how specialists explain this prognosis:

• ·    Extensive construction of residential and commercial buildings (residences, apartments, private businesses, commercial establishments, medical and social facilities, government agencies etc.)

• ·     The increased rate of economic and business development, as well as replacement needs.

• ·    Technological advancement and development of security devices.

• ·   High retirement rate, which increases the demand for qualified specialists to fill vacant positions.

It is reported that the highest percentage of industry employment for skilled locksmiths is observed in security and investigation services, while the second highest index is registered in business facilities support. Actually, locksmiths are needed everywhere nowadays. 

The profession is popular in such industries as universities and colleges, secondary and elementary schools, security services, scientific research establishments, traveler accommodations, commercial wholesalers, as well as federal, state and local government agencies.

According to the report published by The Freedonia Group (a top international business research company), the demand for locksmiths is going to increase not only in the United States, but in India, China, Turkey and South Africa as well. This is explained by the extensive construction of new commercial and residential establishments, increase in the gross domestic product and growth of population in these countries.

What About Electronic Security Systems?

The growing need for the implementation of high-tech residential and commercial electronic security systems is one of the basic reasons for the increased employment perspectives for professional locksmiths all around the world. According to The Freedonia Group report, the global demand for quality security equipment will increase 7% annually, to reach $117 billion value in 2016.

That is why there is a necessity for all locksmiths to improve their professional skills by attending training courses, such as Certified Alarm Technician course, provided by the Electronic Security Association. This will help locksmiths to keep up with the advanced computerized and electronic security requirements.  

Mistakes You Should Avoid When Securing Your Premises

Office and house break-ins have become widespread nowadays. Although some people believe that this is the result of the criminal situation and installation of poor quality locks, there are still several mistakes homeowners make when securing their premises. Listed below are the most frequent mistakes that make your house or office subjected to burglaries.

1.    Purchasing Locks from Indecent Manufacturers

What is the first thing you do when you are hungry? You surely visit one of the most trustworthy cafés or restaurants in your location. What do you do when you need to get a new car? The answer is nearly the same: you choose a reliable car manufacturer or go to a showroom that is worth your attention. Why then people frequently decide to buy locks from indecent sellers right on the street or in a general hardware store with sellers who lack knowledge and experience in this area?

The conclusion is obvious: if you wish to secure your premises from burglaries, it makes sense to buy locks from a trustworthy company that specializes in selling locks and other accessories.

2.    Entrusting Your Keys with Many People

When the police try to figure out the details of burglaries, they often find out that owners of the premises that were burglarized shared their keys with too many people. This doesn’t only makes it almost impossible to solve the crime, but also explains why your premises are subjected to break-ins. The more people have your keys, the easier it is for potential criminals to duplicate them.

There is even no need to steal a key, because experienced burglars can take the one from people you trust and then put it back so that they wouldn’t even notice that. So, try NOT to entrust your keys with too many people!

3.    Absence of Adequate Research

There are numerous situations, when people do not have time or desire to shop around for a trustworthy manufacturer. Some of them may even ask their builders or technicians to buy locks for their houses or offices. Indecent technicians may take advantage over the situation and get cheap locks instead of quality ones just to pocket the money.

Meanwhile, the importance of this step should not be underestimated, because profound research may help you choose a quality lock.  If you really don’t have time, you can search for reputable lock manufacturers online.

4.   Lack of Desire to Invest Into Secure and Quality Locks/Padlocks

Quality locks or padlocks are expensive, but they are really worth the investment. The fact is that this is not the purchase you do every day. Even if you don’t have desire to invest into a good lock, just think about the potential risks you face. A quality lock will not only secure your premises from being burglarized, but will also make you feel safe about your hard-earned belongings. Think about that when making your final choice!

Modern cars are more vulnerable to hacking

We live in a hasty world, where many devices are controlled via the Internet. Although this is a huge benefit, which helps people to save their time and effort, this may sometimes pose danger.

According to recent investigations, modern cars become more vulnerable to hacking. Luckily, hackers have not managed to crash a car until nowadays, but this may become a reality in the nearest future.

What Makes Cars Subjected to Hacking?

Experts point out that car makers do not do enough to ensure ultimate security to modern cars. Taking into consideration that new cars with wireless connection keep emerging at the market each year, this disappointing perspective may become a fact soon. They say that cars connected and operated via the Internet resemble giant computers or smartphones. If hackers can crash computer systems, why can’t they crash a car?

The thing is that even the most reputable auto makers admit that they cannot guarantee 100% privacy and security to your vehicle. Most of them save information related to your cars in special databases that can be hacked and no preventative measures have been undertaken until this day.

According to recent research, 100% of modern cars are connected by hi-tech wireless technology, which allows their owners gain easy access to their steering wheels, engines, security systems etc. On the one hand, it is definitely a benefit, which makes it possible for car owners to take control of their functions and security from any place.  

On the other hand, security is under the question here, because hackers can use this information to take control over your car, just like you do! Isn’t that a threat to your car safety? Definitely, it is!

What Can Be Done to Prevent Car Hacking?

Being concerned with the current situation on the roads, the US government has decided to equip all modern cars with the vehicle-to-vehicle communication (V2V) – advanced life-saving computer software that will help to prevent car accidents. 

Vehicles equipped with this technology will be able to sense traffic up ahead and automatically hit the brakes to prevent the potential collision. According to some estimations, the software can help avoid over 80% of car accidents, saving more than 20000 lives each year.

This innovation, however, has one substantial drawback. Security experts warn that wireless communication technology with its advanced core controls, offers more options to hackers as well. They do not only make it possible to control a car from a distance, but also make it easier to track and record all the instructions, car movements, location, speed and other information. This driving information is further transmitted to computer servers, which, again, can be hacked!

                     

Experts underline that there may be two potential ways out of this situation: disabling driving history collection (or deleting it from computer servers) and changing the way the system works. Thus, cars with V2V software should not rely on incoming car-to-car messages, but use video camera or on-board radar data to prevent accidents. 

This will reduce the necessity to install wireless connection between cars, thus protecting them from being hacked. Unfortunately, no consensus has been achieved in this question yet. 

Anti Theft Locking Devices

The security of a vehicle always remains a priority for each car owner, because no one can guarantee that your car will never be attacked. The only reasonable solution in this situation is to invest in anti-theft locking devices. Listed below are the most popular and effective options.

1.   Mechanical Car Immobilizers

Regardless the comparatively low cost of these devices and their ability to restrict either the movement of your car or access to it, it is easy to notice them. This may deter inexperienced thieves, but will hardly become a serious hinder to a pro. A wise solution to the problem is to combine several security products, such as:

·  Hood Lock

This device is used to block the battery accessibility, thus protecting your car from being stolen by thieves, who sell vehicles for parts. The price of the device ranges between $20 and $50.

·  Steering-Wheel Lock

This device is an ordinary lock that is installed on a steering-wheel and does not allow anyone to start and drive a car until it is removed. The device will not cost you much: a standard price ranges between $25 and $100.

·  Car Tire Lock

Locks of this type are extremely visible and it takes time to get them off. So, if you have to leave your vehicle at a parking lot for quite a long period of time, it makes sense to purchase this device. However, if you use the car on a daily basis and drive from one place to another during the day, you won’t have time to attach and remove the tire lock that often.

2.   Electronic Car Immobilizers

These devices are more advanced and ensure a higher car security level. Many of them are available with car fobs and keys, which enhance the protection of your car, by means of using built-in electronic immobilizers. These are small invisible chips and transponders that send signals to the fuel-pump and car ignition systems, making it impossible to steal a car. Some of the most popular products of this type include:

·  Kill Switch

Kill Switch devices are used to shut down one of the parts of the electrical system of your car engine, via a remote wireless transmitter. Some cars come with these systems installed by default, while others require manual installation. They are activated when you lock the car and can’t be deactivated until you perform a series of actions. The price ranges between $10 and $200.

·  Car Alarm Systems

This is the most popular car theft deterrent device, which has electronic sensors that react to any attempt to attack a vehicle. If anyone tries to steal a car or break into it, the alarm system will let you know about that, through a loud signal.

·   Car Tracking Systems

These systems help track the location of your car if it has been stolen. In more advanced models, this is ensured by GPS systems. This guarantees a 90% return rate of reported stolen vehicles.  The price, however, may reach as much as $1400.