Full House Lottery Suffers its Third Security Mishap this Year

The 23,000 customers who purchased digital lottery tickets from Edmonton’s Full House Lottery from February 23rd to May 2nd are being warned that the names and addresses on their credit cards may have been stolen by hackers who infiltrated the website.

Not only are these ticket buyers affected, but the over 5000 that purchased house raffle tickets are also at risk. This occurrence followed a similar credit card information exposure on February 22nd, and nearly one month before that, a separate incident allowed hackers to see a digital list of past ticket buyers.

Taking preventive measures, Full House Lottery temporarily stopped their digital ticket counter and transferred the transactions to a safe server. Soon afterward, the police force got involved, and all customers received apology emails.

It’s possible that hackers collected all information from several cards, including each code and expiration date. Buyers who have detected suspicious activity related to their bank accounts should notify their branch as soon as possible to prevent further financial abuse.

Most affected consumers were patient and understanding upon discovering their personal information had been compromised, though lottery officials are wondering how it will affect ticket sales, the money from which is donated to health organizations in need.

Full House Lottery and its loyalists should exercise caution going forward, and the foundation should look into protecting both itself and the people it serves.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/80-full-house-lottery-suffers-its-third-security-mishap-this-year.html

Home Security could be Forever Changed with an all-seeing Box

Cognitive Systems, a Waterloo-based security company founded in 2014, has recently developed something that could revolutionize the way we protect our homes. The device is called Aura, and it detects intruders by monitoring the movements of the beings inside the house.

Before this, only cameras, sensors, and a few microphones were available to the public for domicile security, but they need to be strategically placed, and even the newest ones aren’t all that advanced. What separates Aura from other products is the way in which it senses motion. You can install it in your bathroom and have no privacy concerns.

Developing a product that wirelessly picks up movement has been an ongoing process for several firms. While some of these products get a glimpse behind opaque walls and respond to voice commands, Cognitive Systems’ Aura is made of two stationaries, one main and one collaborator. The collaborator alerts the homeowner through an app about any movement in the house and the frequency of that movement.

Categorizing motion is an accomplishment Aura has yet to achieve, though it is programmed to filter out inanimate objects falling or swaying in the wind as well as pet movement. The device also struggles with converting movement into visual information, settling for a line graph setup for the time being.

Because Aura has not yet been tested in a home, it’s hard to say whether or not it’s ideal for the safety-conscious homeowner. Considering it’s equipped with a radio chip that can detect signals up to 4Ghz and can separate exterior movements from interior ones, Cognitive Systems expects Aura to aid in both home security and spectrum.

The importance of spectrum in particular is growing at a rapid rate, meaning Aura’s chip could contribute to the wireless network market as well. For now, the device will tackle home security only, selling for $684.77 CAD.

Although the product is expensive and the target audience is small, Cognitive Systems is confident that Aura will appeal to both homeowners and associate companies willing to pay the price.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/78-home-security-could-be-forever-changed-with-an-all-seeing-box.html

Home Safety for Senior Citizens

Senior citizens often prefer to maintain their independence for as long as possible, but living alone can put them in a dangerous spot if an emergency occurs. A great way to ensure your senior family member’s safety is to set up an automatic security system for their home.

Some security systems can detect empty rooms and switch off lights or running devices, keeping the residence safe and energy-conservative. They can also notify homeowners when there are potential threats outside the house or when guests exit the building.

Surveillance cameras are extremely useful for checking on the home, inside and out. They can be connected to your smartphone so you can see the footage remotely and ensure the seniors in your life are safe.

Certain home security systems can call 9-1-1 in emergency situations, as the home’s senior residents may not be able to do so. Additionally, if a break-and-enter is attempted on the home, the alarms go off and the security company receives an automatic update. Better yet, if your senior family member wishes to move into a new home, most security companies will aid in transporting the system to the designated location.

With simple ways of keeping your senior family member safe while still granting them their autonomy, home security systems are the way to go. Feel free to contact us to learn about our various available options!

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/77-home-safety-for-senior-citizens.html

How to Lock your Bike the Right Way

The majority of bike thefts unsurprisingly occur in public places, and you could be the next victim. To protect your bike, follow these locking tips to ensure your bike’s security every time.

Register your bike with your city as soon as you can. You’ll receive a labelled sticker to attach to the frame, which helps ward off potential thieves and distinguish your bike from others if it ever goes missing.

When you go to park your bike, choose a safe location with good lighting; bike racks and grounded posts near stores are good options. Make sure to bring the bike’s frame the nearest it can get to the post you’re locking it to. Secure your bike with at least two locks, preferably a cable lock and a small U-lock, for added protection. Picking one lock is hard enough, so it’s unlikely someone will try to pick two.

Station and lock your bike correctly. Feed your U-lock through the triangular part of the frame, the back wheel, and the section of the post you’re locking it to before clamping it shut. Remove and store any easily stolen saddles, lights, or bags. Now you’re good to go.

Whenever you need to lock your bike, avoid securing any single part of the bike on its own. Locking only your frame leaves your wheels up for grabs, just as securing only your wheels leaves your frame unprotected. Don’t lock just your seat, either – it can be removed and left behind with the lock, releasing your bike from its previously secured position.

If your bike still goes missing despite following these rules, notify your local police station immediately. But if you’re playing it safe, there’s no need to worry.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/76-how-to-lock-your-bike-the-right-way.html

Beloved Locksmith and Practical Joker Dies at 83

After decades of cracking codes and cracking jokes, Phil “Drill Bits” Hobbs died in his hometown of Meriden. He dedicated his life to picking locks, making people smile, and teaching them about religion, having started Phil’s Lockshop and joining the First Assembly of God.

Born in the town of Maine, he went to Farmington High School and broke the state’s pole vault record, maintaining his status for over a decade. He wasn’t limited to just track and field, however, playing football and softball before eventually serving in the army. Post-war, Hobbs finally turned his focus to locksmithing.

Hobbs opened many a vault during his lifetime, including a notoriously tricky one dubbed the Mosler Monster in a loan services location. When he wasn’t dealing with locks, he enjoyed using humourous devices like false needles, jumpscare pop-up books, and coins nailed to the floor that confused unsuspecting victims.

Additionally, Hobbs began a Royal Rangers program for boys of the Assembly of God churches, reaching out to all corners of Southern New England. He had many roles with the church, and even helped construct the building upon his arrival to the city.

Phil Hobbs is survived by his wife Barbara, along with their children and grandchildren. The Hobbs family has maintained ownership of Phil’s Lockshop, and are still running the store today.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/75-beloved-locksmith-and-practical-joker-dies-at-83.html

How to Avoid being Scammed by a Fake Locksmith

Imagine this Situation: Locked out of your home or car, you are in a pickle and call the first locksmith you come across in a google search. But this could be both a bad and expensive idea.

In fact, you could have just called a rogue locksmith and there’s no way of knowing that until they show up.

It has unfortunately happened where homeowners or car owners are taken advantage of and have had to pay hundreds to access their home.

The Lesson? Beware of prices that look too good to be true. What may happen is a locksmith will inform you that the price has gone up because it will take longer than expected.

Normally, this is not the case and getting into your car should not cost you hundreds of dollars. To protect yourself, make sure your locksmith has a uniform and a car marked with company logos. They are more likely to be trustworthy. You can also check reputations online, make sure you drill them about the cost and even better, check to see if they are part of an association of locksmiths or from a reputable company. Membership requires following a certain set of ethics.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/73-how-to-avoid-being-scammed-by-a-fake-locksmith.html

Finding the Best Locksmith for You

When you’re locked out of your house, the last thing you’re thinking about is how much a locksmith will cost. But if you’re charged more than you expect after the fact, you won’t be too pleased. So how do you know which locksmith to hire to make sure you get good service without breaking the bank?

First, get a quote or two. Be sure to ask the locksmith what the price will cover – many customers are surprised to find that the charge only covers the service, not the parts used, and are charged more than anticipated. If you’re short on time, ask for the names of the company representatives as well as all terms and conditions before signing anything.

While discussing the price of the job you want to be completed, get an idea of any additional charges that could be added should something go wrong. If you’re still satisfied with the price after learning about potential extra fees, see if the company has insurance in case of property damage. It’s also a good idea to evaluate the quality of service by looking for official company vehicles, positive customer input, and good overall business maintenance.

Request the locksmith’s ID and business card when they arrive, and in turn, offer them your own; mutual trust is important, even in short-term business transactions. Ask questions whenever necessary once the locksmith has evaluated the situation and proposed a solution, only agreeing to what you’re comfortable with.

If you have a bad experience with a typically well-praised locksmith, be more thorough in your future searches. Look for one with certifications including formal training, standardized test completion, and an ethics code they must abide by.

Follow all of the above suggestions and you’ll drastically increase your chances of finding a great locksmith for a reasonable price, even if you’re in a rush.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/72-finding-the-best-locksmith-for-you.html

Germans Lose Faith in Banks

Retail customers can expect charges from many German savings banks and institutions of finance just for holding their money in the aftermath of an announcement from the CEO of Deutsche Bank, John Cryan. Cryan stated what many interpret to be an early warning sign of monetary repression across Europe. It isn’t spelled out any clearer than “fatal consequences” for savers, to use his terms exactly.

German cooperative savings bank, Raiffeneisen Gmund am Tegernsee, located in a small Bavarian village was the first to make the announcement to customers that merely holding their cash will come at a charge. Consequently, home safes are rising as a popular alternative to risky savings accounts at negative interest rates. German savers seem to be wasting no time to put their savings in something more secure than grandma’s shoebox and not as risky as the bank.

As interest-rates plunge to abysmally negative depths, Germans are the first to follow in the footsteps blazed by the Japanese just over a year ago. Japanese consumers started stashing their cash at home upon the introduction of negative interest rates there.

Following the wisdom of basic mathematics, which proves zero is greater in value than a negative, home safes are looking more attractive than negative interest rates with additional charges for the mere safekeeping of cash — taxes added.

Cue a 25 per cent spike in safe sales from the largest safe manufacturer in Burg-Waechter KG. Increases are pushing manufacturers to limit. There are now waiting lists for safe-deposit boxes in many of Germany’s metropolises. And it’s not your average cast of tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy theorists acting contrary to the European Central Bank’s policies, but the banks themselves.

It is reported that financial institutions such as the retail, savings and other investment banks are hoarding more cash along with some gold bars in preparation for an unclear economic future. The fallout of bankers announcing negative interest rates shows no end in near sight, and those with their eyes to the horizon are noting the benefits of stocking their savings in a place more secure than under their mattresses.

Some are opting to keep it in a safe-deposit box at the bank for extra security, but fees for this service can be avoided by investing in a quality home safe. Paying to save at a retail bank is nothing less than ridiculous according to one Munich-based entrepreneur. Many citizens echoed his sentiments when asked about the new bank charges for holding savings.

In contrast to an array of European and North American nations where credit cards are often taken for granted as another form of cash, regardless of a negative balance, Germans are adhering to the old tried and true adage of their elders that, “Only cash is real.”

And they seem to mean it, at almost a 2:1 ratio of cash transactions comprising 80 per cent compared to U.S citizens.

Maybe we can learn from their foresight.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/70-germans-lose-faith-in-banks.html

Truck & Locksmith Tools taken by Thief

The Calgary Police Service and the RCMP are asking for public assistance in tracking down a person who stole a locksmith truck from Airdrie and then stole equipment that is used in making keys for properties managed by the City of Calgary.

Owned by Locksmith ABOE, who is a contractor with the Calgary Housing Company, the truck was taken from a parking lot in southwest Airdrie Monday night.

While the truck was found Tuesday morning on Township Road 264 in Balzac, a number of items were missing from the vehicle, including some equipment and tools that can be used to manufacture keys. In addition, a number of sensitive documents about several CHC buildings were also taken.

Fortunately, the missing documents do not contain any personal information such as tenant names, according to City of Calgary officials. However, the documents and the equipment create the possibility the culprits could manufacture keys for specific CHC properties.

Because of this danger, tenants are being notified about what happened.

“Above all else, we are focusing on the security and safety of our tenants,” said Calgary Housing Company President Sarah Woodgate. “Currently we are partnering with law enforcement, neighbourhoods, the Fire Department and other partners to reach out to tenants and offer support. We want to make sure that there is no risk to their safety and take precautions prevent future breaches like these.

According to the CHC, this is the first time such a theft has occurred. The CHC currently manages 7,300 units with 25,000 in about 211 properties scattered throughout the city. Officials aren’t sure about the number of tenants that would be impacted by the breach, but are working to change the locks on many of them.

They don’t have any estimate on how many units are in need of having the locks changed, but the work should last six weeks. There are also no details about where the money for the work will come from.

And for the time being, authorities are also boosting the number of security on CHC properties to help keep residents safe and they are working closely with tenants who have raised specific security concerns.

Officials have also declared their intention to start working more with contractors about their processes for storing and handling information.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/69-truck-locksmith-tools-taken-by-thief.html

The Safest Places to Travel Solo to

Ever have wanderlust? You’re not alone! If you’ve been itching to get away and to do it solo, you’re in luck! Thanks to various statistical sources, we’ve compiled a list of the top safest places in the world to travel to alone. Find yourself, reflect, or have an adventure in one of these destinations:

1) Auckland, New Zealand

Last year, this country was rated as the #4 most peaceful country worldwide and with good reason. Danger here is slim to none due to how open-minded everyone is along with the fact that their police force is one of the most trusted in the world. Basically, less corruption = less danger. Take a ride on the ferry to an island close by and see the youngest volcanos of the area.

2) Sydney, Australia

Isn’t it funny that a place that used to house criminals was named #5 safest place in the world in 2015? Sydney is unapologetically unique—walk along the Sydney Harbour and visit the Sydney Opera House. Soak up the sun on Bondi beach and be dazzled by the serene waves.

3) Osaka, Japan

Although Tokyo was named the #1safest place in the world, Osaka was #3 when it came to safe travels. Japan is both safe to live in and travel to. If you’re in Japan, you’ll probably notice that many women feel comfortable traveling alone late at night in the subway. Locals will often leave their belongings unattended in a coffee shop for example, without a care in the world. Sumiyoshi-taisha, one of Japan’s most ancient shrines is testament to this type of atmosphere. It features 3 gods as the Deities of Borders, who are believed to protect travelers!

4) Barcelona, Spain

Spain’s romantic culture, delicious foods, and stunning architecture are a draw for any travel buff. Gaudi’s famous Sagrada Familia cathedral is a must-see! Although the country was only ranked #15 in terms of safety, when traveling, pickpocketing is essentially the biggest threat.

5) Amsterdam, Netherlands

The #5 safest city in the world is also where drugs and prostitution are legal and many have argued whether this contributes to its safety. Take in the colourful architecture while biking and discover Van Gogh masterpieces while visiting the Rembrandt museum.

Source: http://www.actionlocksmiths.ca/blog/68-the-safest-places-to-travel-solo-to.html