RFID deadbolt system also features remote browser control

Given all the crazy ways we've seen to get a door open, a simple RFID getup is pretty ho-hum, but this version goes above and beyond by adding in browser control, including a custom mobile browser control page. Alan Parekh created the system, which interfaces a standard keypad deadbolt to a Vista PC running the Phidget RFID software and a web server. Waving an RFID badge in front of the door will trigger the lock, as will a web app running on the machine. Pretty slick, but we'd be a little wary of having this setup ourselves -- entrusting the security of our sexy bachelor pad to IIS gives us the shivers.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 4:54PM]

Crackers can have even more fun now, lol...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 5:25PM]

Does anyone know of an RFID reader that is easy to use in Linux? I would love to set something like this up, but no way am I going to dedicate hardware capable of running Vista to opening my door.

[CubeGuy Posted Dec 13th 2007 5:41PM]

Entrusting the security of MY sexy bachelor pad to Vista scares the crap outta me.

Now go ahead and hate, I like it, but my computer's a lot less stable than it was on XP.

[Bamboo Posted Dec 13th 2007 6:25PM]

If you keep your mouth shut and don't tell people you have a RFID door lock, no one will know and try to hack in. Loose lips sink ships, and get your plasma stolen to boot.

I wouldn't mind having a lock like this since I would be the only one for hundreds of miles with one and no crook would think to try.

[Wwhat Posted Dec 14th 2007 4:02AM]

You don't think people would notice your waving a RFID to get in?
The beauty is that RFID's are most often badly secured so that's another vector to steal the key without the victim knowing.
Plus you can track people from a distance to check if they left the area.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 13th 2007 7:10PM]

It would be really handy for excepting deliveries in the morning, you wouldn't even have to get out of bed to open the door... could also work for late night visitors...

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 1:55AM]

If you're interested in this sort of lock, check out LochIsle.
http://www.lochisle.com
It allows remote control of access for yourself and others, including logs of who has been in and out. It also lets you use one "key" for all your locks.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 9:48AM]

Even better, just buy this:

http://www.mykey2300.com/

I've had this on my front door for over a year.

Over 1 Trillion possibilities using 40-bit encryption.

It's great. I have an RFID sticker on the back of my phone, plus a card in my wallet, plus there's a hidden keypad for entering a user-set entry code. There is no back-up keyhole, which is good.

It's so easy to live with and use, and I can never lock myself out. Even if the battery dies (over a year, and still kicking), you can take a 9V battery and give it a boost.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 9:49AM]

Oh, and the Mykey 2300 costs $199

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 14th 2007 1:28PM]

MyKey looks to be aimed squarely at low-security indoor locks and not a front door lock deadbolt systems. I looked over the install PDF and trying to install it on a metal front door seems impractical--it doesn't fit the conventional lock mechanism, rather is seems to supplant it requiring you to drill rather large holes in your door. Fine if you are trying to tech-up your bedroom door, not so cool on a front door.