By ROCCO MAGLIO, Cybersecurity Professional
A common problem is giving someone access to your home. A hidden key is a common and very insecure solution to this problem. Many homes are broken into with the key that is under the mat or in a potted plant. Another solution to the problem is a lock box that contains the key. Once someone knows the combination to the lock box they can come to the house and get the key.
An interesting solution to this problem was developed by a Swedish company, Phoniro. There are over a 100,000 Phoniro locks in use. One of the locks Phoniro uses fits over the existing lock on the inside of the door, so there are no new keys.
The locks allow medical professionals to open the locks remotely using a mobile phone app. The app allows the unlocking of the front door once it has verified the credentials of the individual trying to open the door. It also records when the door was unlocked, creating a timestamp when the individual enters and exits the home.
This is comforting to family members of elderly individuals as they can be assured of who is coming and going in the care of their loved one.
Home Instead Senior Care of Hernando County is expecting to test approximately 20 of these Phoniro locking systems in Hernando County. Home Instead Senior Care will also be testing the locks in Hillsborough and Pasco. “For us here at Home Instead Senior Care, it’s essential that our clients and their families feel safe and secure. With the Phoniro Lock they don’t have to worry about a key left outside falling into the wrong hands or an uninvited guest entering if the door is left unlocked. This provides great peace of mind, for all members involved,” said Maureen Riser, Owner at Home Instead Senior Care.
This is a great use of technology. The locks allow authentication and tracking. It is a much better solution to the remote access problem for healthcare professionals. The innovations will make it safer and easier for the elderly to remain in their homes while family members are reassured their loved one is receiving the care they need.
