Is your garage door a security risk?

Making sense out of the technical jargon ….

Can a bystander get your code, or use a similar remote and try it till it works?

The older remote control codes were relatively easy to break; it was even possible that you could open a neighbor or someone else’s garage door with your remote, or that someone could use a code reader and record it for later use when you are not looking.

Newer technology uses a “rolling” code, making it more difficult … but still, remotes left in cars will not protect you irrespective the technology used. And – if you leave for a long time, consider other means of locking the garage.

Article above posted 20130207; see http://www.citiprotection.co.za/blog/index.php/is-your-garage-door-or-security-gate-remote-a-security-risk/

WHY DO PEOPLE AUTOMATE THEIR GATES?

On the website http://www.centsys.co.za/ I came upon a poll asking the question: “What is the reason for automating your gate?” The results were as follows (Wednesday morning 20130515):

According to this poll, about 66% (2/3) of gates are automated for security reasons. Convenience is however still a too large percentage though (more than 26%): People in comfort zones will open the gates too easily; or not even notice if someone enters – and that someone can put the neighbourhood at risk L

VIGILANCE

I adapt the following from an article also on the http://www.centsys.co.za/ website.

Vigilance is the key and can be summed up as K N O W:

Keep an eye out for suspicious activity.

Notify CPF/police immediately if you suspect something is amiss.

Only open the door/gate for people you know. And please keep security gates locked at all times!

Watch. Know your neighbours; know your neighbourhood; and make turns in patrolling the area.

A WARNING FROM VODACOM

(Sent by Francois Groenewald; Specialist: Investigator at Vodacom)

“BANKING SCAM:

You will receive a SMS from a number similar as the one that you get bank notifications from. The SMS will indicate a problem on your account and a “consultant” will contact you.

When the “consultant” contacts you he/she will start confirming all your details: account number and then ask you what kind of a phone you are using. The fraudsters will then contact your cell phone provider and perform a SIM Swap. The fraudsters will then be able to receive OTP’s (One Time Pins) and/or RVN’s (Random Verification Numbers) from your bank and have access to your bank accounts.

By the time you realize that your cell number is not working your money will be out of your account.”

Also confirmed with “The Mercury” 15 February 2013 – following:

http://www.iol.co.za/mercury/sim-swops-used-to-access-accounts-1.1234565#.UZNQf7IaKpo :

WHOM TO NOTIFY IN CASE OF FRAUD VIA CELL PHONE NETWORK

“Should you receive an SMS notifying you of a SIM swop you did not request, or suspect any other incidence of fraud committed via your cell phone network, use one of the following numbers:

For Cell C users: dial 140 or 084 140.

For MTN users: dial 083 123 7867.

For Telkom/8ta users: dial 080 012 4000.

For Vodacom users: 082 111.”

Vodacom’s Whistle Blowing Line: 0800 11 YEBO (9326)

HOW (NOT TO J ) DRAW A SKETCH FOR YOUR INSURANCE CLAIM