Smarter Security, Seamless Access: Meet Everykey from Pop-A-Lock!

By anna | July 24, 2025 | No Comments

Don’t you just hate passwords, clunky logins and tradeoffs between security and convenience? As your trusted security experts, Pop-A-Lock is proud to introduce a solution that’s about to change the way you think about secure access.
Introducing Everykey, a next-generation proximity-based access control platform that will give you smarter security, seamless access and complete control with absolutely zero compromise.

Empower people and businesses with passwordless, touchless, automatically authenticating access control that just works. Say goodbye to passwords and hello to a future where frictionless access to your devices, accounts and even multi-factor authentication (MFA) can require zero clicks and no codes.

One Platform, Three Killer Products

Everykey is a flexible platform of proximity-based tools that can meet you where you are and deliver on your security and productivity goals. End the days of using more than one password manager or access control product to fill holes in your security stack. Everykey’s coverage is comprehensive:

1. Everykey Vault: Proximity-Based Password Manager

Everykey Vault is a next-generation password manager that’s been built with both convenience and security in mind. It stores your credentials securely and autofills them for you when you are present, and not a second sooner, rendering your credentials completely useless for attackers even if they are stolen.

Key Features:

Proximity-Based Autofill: Auto-fill, but with a layer of security that allows your credentials to be used only by an authorized user and only when they are physically present, using Bluetooth presence detection.
Syncs Across Devices, Browsers, and Platforms: Sync passwords across all of your devices, browsers and operating systems, for safe, secure and convenient access to your passwords wherever you need them.
Sharing & Role Management: Delegate access to individual passwords and accounts with ease and complete audit oversight.
Team Collaboration for Enterprises: Enterprise version of Everykey Vault features a centralized admin dashboard, team vaults and user permission management for secure and easy collaboration across your entire organization.
Avoids Breaches, Saves Time: Eliminate your organization’s exposure to password-related breaches and save time by eliminating the massive amount of time spent on risky workarounds and help desk calls.

2. Everykey Echo: Frictionless Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Echo is a Zero Trust MFA solution that’s reimagining modern authentication. Rather than codes, text messages or fingerprint/pin/biometric prompts, Echo uses proximity to provide truly invisible, frictionless access, automatically authenticating users when they’re present and walk-away locking them when they’re not.

Key Features:

Presence-Based Authentication: Forget PINs, push prompts and codes — Echo authenticates users automatically when their phone or wearable is in proximity to a registered device.
Continuous Trust Validation: Echo not only validates your presence at login, but continuously validates your presence for the entire session.
Works with Leading IAM Providers: Works with leading authentication and identity management providers like Microsoft Entra, Okta and Duo.
Phishing-Resistant MFA: Cut risk and human error by completely eliminating manual interaction with the login process.
Security That Moves at the Speed of Work: Scale your Zero Trust MFA and move fast without friction. Everykey’s solution can deliver true passwordless MFA at the scale of modern enterprise.

3. Everykey Unlock: Automatic Device Unlock & Lock On Walk Away

Everykey Unlock automatically locks and unlocks your workstations based on your proximity. No more passwords or smartcards, employees can walk into work and their computer automatically logs them in, and no more walking away from workstations with the concern of them being left unattended and accessible.

Key Features:

Auto-Unlock When You Arrive, Auto-Lock When You Leave: Echo detects your presence with Bluetooth and logs you in (or out) in an instant.
No More Hassle with Passwords, Texts, or Pins: End users are already walking and driving with their phones, so why shouldn’t your technology work that way too?
Supports Phones, Smartwatches, and Everykey Hardware: Echo works with your smartphone, smartwatch, or Everykey proximity hardware.
Zero Hardware Costs: Unlock requires no new biometric scanners or card readers to buy and deploy.
Easy for IT and End Users: Optimized to deliver a frictionless entry point into the workday for end users, while giving IT teams the tools they need to modernize security, prevent data breaches and increase productivity.

Built for IT Teams and End Users Alike

The Everykey platform has been designed from the ground up to work for both enterprise teams and end users, with a focus on rapid deployment, compatibility with existing infrastructure and massive help desk time and effort savings on everything from password resets to MFA lockouts. From healthcare and legal to manufacturing and finance, businesses of all types are turning to Everykey to help them modernize their security posture without sacrificing usability.

Ready to experience the future of proximity-based security and take control?

Start your free trial now through the link below. When customers sign up, it helps support System Forward America and strengthens the entire Pop-A-Lock network.

https://www.popalock.com/everykey/

Upgrade Your Fleet Management with Pop-A-Lock’s Preferred Partnership Program

By anna | April 17, 2024 | No Comments

Read time: 2 minutes

Managing a fleet of commercial vehicles comes with its fair share of challenges. From missing keys to unexpected breakdowns, these disruptions can put a significant dent in your business operations. Fortunately, our Preferred Partnership Program is designed to ensure that your fleet runs smoothly without any hiccups.

By partnering with Pop-A-Lock, you can say goodbye to unnecessary interruptions to your operations. Our program offers a comprehensive range of services designed to address all your fleet’s needs promptly and efficiently, minimizing downtime. Whether it’s a locked-out vehicle or a broken key, our team of professional locksmiths is equipped to handle it.

Our fleet management services include:

1. On-site repairs: Our team of experts is always ready to provide on-site repairs, ensuring that your vehicles are back on the road in no time.

2. Key/key fob duplication: Whether you need spare keys for your entire fleet or replacements for lost or damaged keys, we’ve got you covered.

3. Rekeying services: Ensure the security of your fleet by rekeying locks as needed, preventing unauthorized access to your vehicles.

4. Security audits: Identify and address potential security vulnerabilities in your shop or office with a security audit, minimizing the risk of break-ins or theft.

5. Electronic key cabinet systems: Keep your keys organized and secure with electronic key cabinet systems, streamlining your key management by eliminating the need for manual key management.

The bottom line:

Our Preferred Partnership Program was created to meet the needs of your fleet, providing you with the support and assistance you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Our team of professional locksmiths works tirelessly to deliver fast, reliable, and professional service whenever and wherever you need it to keep your fleet operating at 100%. To learn more about our Preferred Partnership Program or to make an appointment with one of our professional locksmiths, visit our website at popalock.com.

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Pop-A-Lock was founded in 1991 by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a mobile, on-site locksmith in their area. Since then, Pop-A-Lock has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, providing peace of mind to over 8,500 communities. In addition to automotive services, Pop-A-Lock also offers at-the-door residential and commercial services. To learn more, visit popalock.com.

7 Steps to Secure Your Home Before Going on Vacation

By anna | April 17, 2024 | No Comments

Read time: 3 minutes

Planning for a vacation is exciting, but ensuring your home’s security before you leave is crucial. Here are seven essential steps to prep your home before you leave for your well-deserved getaway.

1. Secure every entry point. Securing your home goes beyond locking the front door. Before leaving, thoroughly check and secure every entry point, including windows, exterior doors, garages, and sheds. Ensure all windows are locked, and any valuables in vehicles are out of sight and stashed away securely.

2. Sort out your spare keys. It’s important to know where any spare keys are and who has access to them, no matter what. If you aren’t 100% certain you know where every key is, you should consider rekeying your home for extra security. We recommend rekeying your locks every time you move, so if you haven’t done that already, now may be the time.

3. Stay in touch. Consider installing smart security devices like doorbell cameras, smart locks, and remote-controlled lights to stay in touch while you’re away. Doorbell cameras allow you to keep an eye on your home and receive alerts if movement is detected. Smart locks allow you to ensure that all doors are locked when they need to be. Additionally, remotely controlling lights can create the illusion of activity, deterring potential intruders.

4. Choose a trusted house sitter to check on your home. If you’re considering using a house sitter, make sure to choose somebody you trust. If you have smart locks installed, we recommend setting a separate passcode for your house sitter to use and then deleting it once you return. Otherwise, make sure there is a spare key available and that you receive it back when you return.

5. Enjoy the moment – your followers can wait. In today’s world that allows us to share anything in an instant, it can be challenging to remember to wait – but it’s important that you post about your trip after you return home. It can be exciting to post about your upcoming travels, but it’s better to wait – that way you can post pictures, too.

6. Notify trusted neighbors. Inform trusted neighbors about your vacation plans, asking them to keep an eye on your property. Request their assistance in collecting mail, newspapers, or packages to prevent signs of an unattended home.

7. Contact Pop-A-Lock for peace of mind. Before leaving for your vacation, reach out to Pop-A-Lock for any locksmith needs at home or on the road. Our expert services ensure your home’s security, allowing you to enjoy your vacation worry-free.

The bottom line:

Taking these proactive measures before you leave ensures your home remains safe and secure while you’re away. Remember that Pop-A-Lock is here to help with any of your locksmithing needs at home or on the road. For more information, or to get in touch with a local Pop-A-Lock locksmith in your area, visit our website at popalock.com.

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Proximity technology: is it worth it?

By anna | March 27, 2024 | No Comments

One of the benefits of the world that we live in is convenience. We can talk to home operating systems, we have hands-free calling, and we can program our homes and cars from a distance. But does that convenience come at a price?

One of the most common features of cars these days is keyless entry – made possible by proximity technology. Proximity technology allows the user to unlock the car and even start it without actually touching the key fob. As long as the fob is within a certain range of the vehicle, you can hop in and go. When the coded signal in the fob matches with the coded signal in the car’s internal computer, the vehicle’s systems activate, including the starter. This means that your keys can be buried in a pocket or at the bottom of a purse and you can still get into your car and go. Sounds like a win-win right?

As with anything in life, there are always drawbacks to consider like break-ins and theft, and proximity technology is no different.

The main step you can take to prevent theft is to block your fob’s signal from being duplicated or used by others. Key fobs with proximity technology use RFID or NFC signals to communicate between the fob and car door locks. This same technology is used in credit cards, garage door openers, and ID readers to communicate access through a signal. While it is not common, it is possible that this type of signal can be intercepted and even duplicated by thieves.

If you’ve ever heard of RFID-blocking wallets that protect your credit card chip signal from being duplicated, there are key boxes and pouches on the market with similar signal-blocking technology that prevent the signal from your keys from being emitted. You may want to consider keeping your key fobs in an RFID-blocking box when you’re at home and putting them in an RFID-blocking pouch while you’re out and about.

Certain fobs may also have helpful options to prevent keyless theft, so keep an eye out for these features in your manual. A few helpful features include a motion sensor fob which automatically stops sending out a signal if a key remains idle in one place or a setting to manually power the signal on and off. Having these features makes it easier to be in control of when the key is emitting the signal without the need for an external product to block it.

The bottom line

Overall, being mindful of where your keys are when you are not actively using the car and blocking the signal are the easiest ways to prevent key fob theft, whether at home or on the go. It doesn’t hurt to have a spare stored safely somewhere else in the house, too, in the event the worst happens and someone nicks your fob or fob’s signal. For more information about keyless fobs and preventing fob theft, call your local Pop-A-Lock or visit our website at popalock.com.

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Pop-A-Lock was founded in 1991 by local law enforcement officers who recognized the need for a mobile, on-site locksmith in their area. Since then, Pop-A-lock has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, providing peace of mind to over 8,500 communities. In addition to automotive services, Pop-A-Lock also offers at-the-door residential and commercial services. To learn more, visit popalock.com.

Highrise security: five ways to secure your home while living in a multi-dwelling property

By anna | March 27, 2024 | No Comments

Everyone deserves to feel safe inside their homes, regardless if it is a single-family unit or part of a multi-dwelling complex. Security for these types of properties may look a little different, but the bottom line remains the same – keeping what matters most to you safe, accessible, and secure. For those who live in multi-dwelling properties, here are five tips to help upgrade your home’s security.

1. Rekey your unit.

It’s important to make sure that your unit is rekeyed upon move-in. Most landlords will do this automatically, but it doesn’t hurt to check – and if you happen to lose a key or feel the need to rekey again, working with your landlord can make this an easier process.

2. Install a front door camera.

With front door cameras evolving at a steady pace, companies are now making renter-friendly door cameras that don’t require drilling and are less invasive to the building itself. Again, it’s a good idea to consult your landlord about this. These cameras are a great way to keep an eye on your doorstep when you’re away and can alert you of any activity near your front door.

3. Keep your windows locked.

While this is especially true if you live on the ground floor of a building, it’s still important on any floor to keep windows closed and locked every time you leave the house or go to sleep. While many go the extra mile to secure their front door, it’s easy to open a window to let some air in only to forget about it later on. You may not install burglar bars on windows or doors, and your landlord isn’t required to in most cases either, so your window locks are your main protection. Inspect window locks regularly, and if windows aren’t locking properly, immediately contact your landlord. It’s also a good idea to leave curtains closed when you’re not at home to prevent any snooping through your windows.

4. There’s power in numbers.

One of the advantages of multi-dwelling living is that many people share a common space, meaning there is a general awareness of your surroundings. Knowing your neighbors allows you to keep an eye out for each other. Whether you’re dealing with a porch pirate or a more serious threat, having extra eyes on your floor can deter break-ins and keep you in the know about any suspicious activity in your building.

5. Invest in renter’s insurance.

While preventative tips like these help lessen the chance of an intruder, there is unfortunately no foolproof guarantee that an accident won’t ever happen. You may want to consider renter’s insurance, so in the unfortunate event of a break-in, you may be able to recover some of what is lost.

The bottom line

These strategies are just a few ways to proactively approach your home’s security and navigate the intricacies of multi-dwelling living with confidence. By implementing these practices, you not only safeguard your physical space but also cultivate a feeling of security inside the four walls of your home. For more information about how to secure your home while living in a multi-dwelling complex, call your local Pop-A-Lock or visit our website at popalock.com.

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Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure Locks

By anna | March 6, 2024 | No Comments

“Fail-safe” and “fail-secure” sound like high-tech jargon from a movie or video game. So how do these terms relate to securing your property? To put it in layman’s terms, these electronic locks differ in how they operate during a power outage. Understanding the difference between fail-safe and fail-secure locks will help to ensure that your property is secure and that personnel have a means of exit in case of an emergency.

How do fail-safe and fail-secure locks work?

Whether a lock is fail-safe or fail-secure is dependent on its default position. When power is received by an electronic lock, the lock uses this power to move the mechanisms in the lock from its default position to its secondary position. If the power is interrupted for any reason, the lock returns to its default position. Think of it like this: when there’s no power with a fail-safe lock, you’re safe to exit; when there’s no power with a fail-secure lock, you’re secure inside.

Fail-safe locks

When fail-safe locks lose power, the lock returns to its default position of being unlocked, allowing safe passage through the door and preventing lock-outs. Fail-safe locks are ideal in situations when access to a property or parts of it are needed during emergencies.

Fail-secure locks

Fail-secure locks are more commonly used, as these locks will stay in their default position of locked if the power is interrupted. This type of electronic lock is used in many businesses so that in the case of a power outage, the door still keeps the building secure from intruders.

What to do if you’re locked out of a fail-secure lock

Fail-secure locks, while more secure than fail-safe locks, can be troubling in situations when there is no power and you’re locked out. This is why having a manual override, most commonly in the form of a traditional key, is usually mandatory (and always recommended).

How to choose which lock is right for you

When selecting a lock, you should consider the purpose that the lock will serve. A fail-safe lock is often used in situations where personal safety is a concern because it allows for easy exiting, while a fail-secure lock is typically used when property or assets need protection.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that, regardless of which kind of lock you choose, it must not hinder the ability of personnel to exit. If it is an exterior door, you will be required to have a manual override system for the lock that may be subject to regulations that permit emergency services access to your property.

The Bottom Line

Both fail-safe and fail-secure locks have their place in maintaining security and safety. You may want to consider using them in conjunction with one another to make sure that the different areas of your property have the most efficient security. To learn more about fail-safe and fail-secure locks, visit our website at popalock.com.

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Home Security Audits – Addressing Potential Targets to Increase Your Home Security

By anna | January 29, 2024 | No Comments

Home is where the heart is, and home is where you deserve to feel the most safe and secure. Unfortunately, break-ins still happen, which is why it’s so important to take the steps needed to increase the security of your home – and decrease your risk of burglary or theft. A home security audit is a great first step to ensuring your home is not vulnerable to these threats.

AT THE DOOR SECURITY

Target 1: doors

Doors are your first line of defense, so it’s important to check the integrity and soundness of them. Are they breaking, brittle, or made out of weak material? If so, you may want to consider switching to doors made of solid wood or metal. Next, examine your door frames for any cracking or other signs of damage. An easy way to add an extra layer of security to your doors is by changing the screws in your hinges to longer, more durable screws to prevent the hinges from being pried or forcefully removed.

Target 2: windows

Intruders may skip attempting to break in through doors, favoring windows because they are often less secure. Windows should have protective screens or even be storm-proof so they are more difficult to break into. Obstructions and hazards should be clear from both the inside and the outside of the windows to prevent any unwanted projectiles. Depending on where you live, you may want to clear tree limbs or similar structures to prevent unauthorized access to upstairs windows.

Target 3: garages

Garages are another target that intruders may favor because of their exterior access and distance from the rest of your house. Garages should be cleared of obstacles and obstructions that limit identification and maneuverability and any tools, ladders, or other equipment should be secured. Lastly, garage doors should be kept closed and locked at all times.

Target 4: locks

All points of entry need adequate locks. As permitted by code, doors should have a double-sided deadbolt and window locks should not be accessible from the outside. You may even consider installing a smart lock system with video capabilities, giving you unlimited control of your security and the ability to identify any unwelcome guests.

The bottom line

While no one can guarantee that these steps will 100% protect your home from intruders, following these steps is a way to help ensure your home is the safest it can be. As one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, Pop-A-Lock specializes in at-the-door security solutions, and we would love the opportunity to help better protect your home and business.

You can view our full Home Security Inspection Checklist on our website here. For immediate assistance, to make an appointment with one of our professional locksmiths, or to learn more about how to keep what matters most to you safe and accessible, visit us at popalock.com.

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Moving In With Peace of Mind: 5 Ways to Secure Your New Home or Office

By anna | January 29, 2024 | No Comments

Whether it’s your very first home or the next chapter in your business journey, moving to a new property can be exciting. However, we know the process of moving can also become overwhelming at times. Here at Pop-A-Lock, we want to offer you some peace of mind by providing a few tips on how to secure your new property after you move in.

Rekey ASAP: Rekeying your locks should be one of the first steps you take after purchasing a new property. There is no guarantee that a few extra spare keys aren’t floating around somewhere, which is why it is best to rekey your locks to ensure only you have access. Rekeying is a relatively simple process, and sometimes, you can even negotiate with your realtor to have the service completed before you move in.

Consider smart locks: In the process of rekeying, you may want to consider switching your exterior locks to smart locks. With common features like auto-lock, remote locking and unlocking, and passcodes or fingerprint readers, smart locks are a more convenient option for controlling who has access to your property. Remote locking and auto-lock are useful features if you or someone else forgets to lock up, giving you that extra peace of mind when you aren’t around.

Guard valuables with a safe: Keep valuables and other important documents protected in a safe. We recommend putting these items in a safe that only trusted people know about and have access to. Getting a safe that is rated against fire and water will also protect your items from the elements in the case of an emergency. Make the combination or passcode something you can remember but cannot easily be guessed by others, and do not write the passcode in a place where it can be found.

Consider a security system: In today’s world, security systems have become more affordable and common in many homes and offices. An alarm system and security cameras can help you keep an eye on your property and receive alerts if there is motion detected inside or around the exterior. With many camera options on the market, make sure to look at reviews and search for cameras with good night vision and motion detection.

Inspect all window locks: It’s important to remember that windows also serve as a point of access to your property. Whether it’s through an inspector or your own testing, make sure all windows lock properly and are securely closed. Window locks are also essential for keeping windows secure during extreme weather.

The bottom line

While moving locations can be stressful, you can count on Pop-A-Lock to be there for you when you need us. From rekeying to setting up cameras for a security system, if you need help securing your home or office – or find yourself locked out of it – call your local Pop-A-Lock or visit popalock.com.

Protect your Commercial Fleet with the Pop-A-Lock Preferred Partnership Program

By anna | January 29, 2024 | No Comments

By now, you know us as the people you call when you’re locked out of your car. While lockouts tend to be our most popular automotive locksmithing service, we have a lot more to offer, especially for commercial fleets. Lockouts are only one part of the equation – our other services included in our Preferred Partnership Program like rekeying, repairs, and installations are available to help keep you and your team on top of your game and your vehicles road-ready.

Lockout and rekeying services

Truth is, lockouts and lost keys are inevitable – we’re all human. But when you’ve got Pop-A-Lock on your side, these incidents seem like less of a major disaster and more like a minor disruption to your workday. If you ever find yourself locked out or searching for your keys, simply give us a call or schedule an appointment through our online Key-Commerce system and one of our professional locksmiths will come to you – saving you time, and money, and getting you and your team back on track.

Repairs

If the vehicles in your fleet have been around for a while, chances are they have endured some wear and tear. Locks that take too long to unlock or ignitions that feel loose or stuck can be easily resolved with a simple lock or ignition repair or replacement so you can operate your vehicles hassle-free, making your fleet more secure and keeping your staff safe.

Installations

You can only fix a broken thing so many times. Faulty ignitions and locks do not have to be hindrances, especially if the technology is dated or obsolete. As one of the nation’s largest and most trusted local locksmiths, we can easily install new mechanisms for your fleet’s locks and ignitions, updating them to the newest, most efficient technologies. Also, having professional locksmiths install your new locks and ignitions ensures the job is done right the first time, limiting the number of issues or hiccups down the line.

The bottom line

Overall, our Preferred Partnership Program was designed with you and your commercial fleet in mind. Our main priority is to be there for you when you need assistance and to be your first-choice support system for your company’s vehicles. If you’d like to learn more about the Preferred Partner Program, visit our website at popalock.com.

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Smart Locks: How to Better Secure Your Home in the New Year

By anna | January 18, 2024 | No Comments

“Phone, wallet, keys.” We’re all familiar with this catchphrase – you know, what you say to yourself as you’re walking out the door for the day. As long as you’ve got those three vital items, you can pretty much get wherever you need to go. But wouldn’t it be easier to condense the list even more? What if you could do without one of those things or, better yet, combine them into one? That’s where smart locks come in. With smart locks for your home, you can enjoy the traditional security of a deadbolt with the convenience and added security of smart technology, making your home security accessible right from your smart device.

What is a smart lock?

Smart locks are battery-operated locks that open with an access code instead of a key, allowing for a more convenient exit from your home without compromising your safety. Smart locks lock and unlock through mechanisms that only you have access to, like a security code or app on your cell phone. Some smart locks are even biometric, meaning they need personal data like a fingerprint to permit access.

Benefits of smart locks

Have you ever wondered if someone, somewhere may still have a key to your home? Well, smart locks can help put that worry to rest. With smart locks, you’re in control and can grant or revoke access at literally the touch of a button. Do you have kids or teenagers who spend the afternoons at home alone? Well, with smart locks, you can say goodbye to the days of forgotten keys, ensuring your kids always have access inside. (Plus, you can always go lock up behind them).

Other benefits of smart locks include:

Avoid hiding keys outside of your home,
Provide access (at your discretion) when no one is home (for family, friends, or home deliveries),
Get notified when someone enters/locks the house,
And create multiple access codes for individual needs.

The bottom line

Overall, smart locks are a secure and convenient way to ensure you are always in control of your home security. Gone are the days of scouring the house for your keys or having to turn the car around to double-check that the front door is locked. By upgrading your home’s traditional locks to smart locks, you’re taking a proactive step to ensure that what matters most to you is kept accessible, safe, and secure. And that alone is priceless. For immediate assistance, or to learn more about smart locks for your home, visit our website at popalock.com.

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