Take hiding a spare key at your residence, for example. 

Many people hide a spare key under a mat or in a fake rock at their homes. But is this a good idea in today’s technology-enriched world? Was it ever a good idea? As a professional locksmith company, we have our opinion on the matter.

A Tradition of Convenience

First, let’s briefly discuss why someone would hide a spare key at their residence. Homeowners have been doing this for years, hiding them under doormats, inside fake rocks and even beneath flower pots. This was a convenient practice in the event of getting locked out of the house, as an extra key was always close by. But this comes with risks as well. 

The Security Risks

While many people have hidden a spare key without any consequences, there are more than a couple of problems here when it comes to your home’s security:

• Predictability: Burglars these days are well aware of the classic hiding spots. In fact, one of the first places they’ll check is under the doormat or in any obviously fake decor. 
• Lack of innovation: There are more advanced solutions to the spare key, so not using today’s technology keeps your security in the past. This makes it easier for intruders to gain access to your home.
• Increased vulnerability: When you have a spare key close to an entry point, it makes your home a target. It’s difficult to have peace of mind when you know that unrestricted access to your home is just a found key away. This is even worse if you don’t have an alarm system.

Better Options

There are a few modern alternatives to the hidden spare key these days. Whether it’s a small or big change, however, upgrading the security of your home is always a wise strategy if you can budget for it. Here are some modern solutions to consider:

• Smart locks: These let you enter your home with a code, fingerprint or smartphone app instead of a physical key.
• Key safes: These are secure, combination-locked boxes that can be mounted outside your home, offering similar benefits as spare keys but without the risks.
• Home security systems: Modern systems include features like remote access, meaning you can unlock your doors using a smartphone app, even when you’re not home.

If you have any other questions about home security, don’t hesitate to call A-1 Locksmith or visit one of our Dallas-Fort Worth-area locations today.

Let’s take a look at a few movies out there that can actually give you some great ideas for improving the security of your home, business or automobile.

     1. Home Alone (1990)

This classic movie is full of great security ideas (as well as a few we probably wouldn’t recommend). For example, you shouldn’t let anyone in your house without the proper credentials or ID. Many criminals will pose as professional service providers to enter your home, hoping you won’t look too closely at their vehicle, uniforms or identification. 

Another security improvement inspired by this movie is putting your lights on timers to make it appear like someone is at home. (No cardboard cutouts needed, however.) 

     2. Jurassic Park (1993)

Here’s a movie where we can learn from a security breach instead of an improvement. The plot involves an IT professional who is bribed by competitors to steal dinosaur samples, which involves all sorts of unrecommended security techniques (installed malware, disabled security systems, etc.). For commercial environments in particular, this shows the importance of keeping digital information secure and only giving security control to people you trust. A master key system, for example, could be a security improvement inspired by this movie.

     3. The Imitation Game (2014)

This film centered around a brilliant mathematician and early computers, but it also set the stage for modern cybersecurity measures and automated response. Thanks to the work of Alan Turin and his team, we can now enjoy things like monitored surveillance systems, doorbell cameras and fast responses from surveillance companies. 

     4. Fast & Furious Series

Lots of lessons can be learned from this uber-popular movie series. There are so many heists, capers, missions and explosions that it can make your head spin. But the series does center around cars and offers some valuable tips for automobile security. In particular, it shows the importance of locking doors and keeping valuables secure, even if the car is moving. But there are also reminders about the benefits of key fobs, alarm systems and other security add-ons.

     5. Any Horror Film

Want to learn what NOT to do? Watch your typical horror movie with characters who make poor decisions. These security improvements go back to the basics, stressing the importance of closing and locking doors behind you, checking for risks before entering an unknown space and calling emergency professionals if you’re in an unsafe situation. 

If you’re interested in additional security improvements you can make, contact A-1 Locksmith today at (972) 284-7500.