Professional locks are the best way to secure your home, vehicles, and valuables. But, if you’re like many other people, you may have trouble finding your keys on the way out the door, remembering your computer password after you’ve changed it, and keeping track of your safe passcode without making it easy for thieves to find.
Having a spare key made, and hiding it well, is a good starting place. But if you still struggle to keep your keys and passcodes safe and accessible, these 4 tools can help.
Passcodes
It can be tough to remember multiple complex passcodes. These may include your laptop password, safe code, electronic access code, and bank site passwords. Unfortunately, writing them down can make it easy for your important passcodes to fall into the wrong hands. These 2 tools can help you make your passwords stronger and more secure.
1. Password Keeper
With the amount of social media accounts it can take to connect with your extended family alone, it can be difficult to keep track of all your passwords. Experts recommend using a distinct password for any account that stores personal information, including email accounts.
A password keeper can store all your passwords so you never have to worry about being locked out of an account, whether it’s Facebook or online tax preparation. Many password keeper services are free. If you have a smartphone, you likely already have access to an Apple or Android keeper, or you can download an app.
If you are concerned about keeping that information on your phone or don’t have a smartphone, you may opt for a keeper on your home computer. Consider using an encrypted online service, such as Clipperz, to get access wherever you are. Or, rely on a multi-platform solution, such as KeePass, for online and offline access.
2. Password Generator
Coming up with unique, secure passwords can be almost as difficult as keeping track of them. Even replacing e’s with 3s and i’s with 1s may not make a difference if the password is too simple. Numbers, symbols, and mixed letter cases can strengthen your password.
But, to save yourself time and ensure your password is tough to crack, you may decide to use a password generator, like this bookmarklet. You can also test the strength of your password using an online tester like Kaspersky Lab.
However, you should not ever use an exact generated password or enter your actual password into a site as this may be tracked.
To keep your passwords safe, avoid things that could be easily guessed. This includes sequential numbers, the name of a family pet, and the birthdates of family members.
Keys
Physical keys can be just as difficult to keep track of as number sequences you have to memorize. It may help to assign a designated spot for your keys (such as a hook by the front door). But if you still have difficulty finding your key fob, these three types of key trackers may help.
1. Wireless Tracker
A range of wireless trackers are available to help you keep track of valuables, keys, and even your child or pet. Most of these trackers depend on smartphone apps via Bluetooth connection.
These trackers make use of radio frequencies to alert your phone to the location of the chip imbedded in a key fob. The range and accuracy of these devices varies. Some, like the Tile app, have ranges as large as 45 meters.
These trackers use a correlating smartphone app to trigger an alarm or provide location information.
2. Locator
If you don’t want to or can’t rely on your smartphone when you’re looking for your keys, opt for a locator. These locators can come with as many as 25 fobs to attach to easily-lost items, such as your keys or wallet. The range of these locators varies from device to device and may depend on the amount of fobs included.
Consider the following locators or similar devices:
This locator comes with 25 coloured fobs and has a range of 30 meters.
This monitor is ideal if you lose things outside. The locator attaches to a jacket pull or belt. It sends out an alert when you get too far from the fobs. The range is adjustable between 10 to 30 meters.
Smart Keys: These keys use radio waves to set off an alarm that can help you find lost keys.
You may also find it useful to have each of your keys stamped by your Markham locksmith. This makes it easy to sort keys onto multiple rings and identify any missing keys quickly.
It may take some time to get used to a new system, but it will be well worth it in the long run. Use these 4 tools so you can feel confident that when you need to access your safe, start your car, or unlock a new electronic device, you’ll be able to do so easily.
If you're in need of locksmith services in the Markham area, key cutting in the Scarborough area, or a locksmith in the Aurora area, do not hesitate to contact Affordable Lock.
Affordable Lock is a locksmith in Markham serving the Greater Toronto Area, including Scarborough, Aurora, North York, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan and Stouffville. With over 30 years of experience, we pride ourselves on looking after your commercial or residential locksmith needs. Affordable Lock’s showroom in Markham showcases a wide selection of keys, locks and an assortment of other security products for your home or business. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home or business’s security, or solve security issues, Affordable Lock Services Inc. in Markham is here for you! Give us a call today.