Remote locking is quite common for automobiles, not so common for doors.  This James Bond-ish home security system uses a coded signal from the wristwatch to the electronic box on the door to lock and unlock the door.  Far more stylish than a few RFID locks we’ve seen in the past.

• Don’t Miss: Secret Knock Detecting Door Lock

The code is a 128-Bit encrypted signal that is generated by tapping the screen of a geek-tastic TI Chronos watch containing a micro-controller, accelerometer, and Wi-Fi.

The accelerometer picks up the sequence of taps on the screen and relays it via Wi-Fi to the electronic system attached to the door bolt. The door system decrypts the tapped signal and actuates a servo to locks/unlock the door.  Check out all the details and links to the source code.

DIY Security Projects:

• How to: DIY Laser Security Systems
• Make a RBG Button Combination Door Lock
• All of our DIY Security projects.

Laser systems work on the principal that if the laser is broken and isn’t received by the photoresistor, the alarm is activated. Tiny mirrors discreetly placed around the rooms to convert a single beam into several beams forming a net which will surely be broken by an intruder. Here is a video of a laser system in action below:

When that beam is broken, there are numerous methods you can use to alert yourself or scare away the intruder. Firstly, you can use your computers parallel port to send yourself a text message via e-mail. This is outlined in this post. or you can set up an alarm system as detailed below.

It’s quite easy to build a laser alarm security system for under $20 using basic items you’ll find lying around your house. These include the IR detector for most remote controls, electrical tape and a magnifying glass. This can easily be accomplished in just a few hours.

Often, setting up the laser system is not the problem for most. The touchy part is getting the laser and mirrors setup properly. So friends, you need not spend thousands of dollars on an expensive security system when you can create your own DIY security traps to accomplish the same job.

Popular Security Posts

• Professional Grade Webcam Security Software
• Remote Surveillance Spy Vehicle/Office Unit
• DIY Motion Sensing Laptop Security Camera

Ever wanted that secret place in your house that only you and you family know about? Hell yes!  Believe it or not, it’s actually not that hard. In fact, all you need is a spare bookcase and some basic hardware and electronic components.  We’ve found two more superb ways to create DIY secret passageways in addition to our previous post:

• Don’t Miss: DIY Rotating Bookshelves, Staircases and Trap Doors

The first type of rotating door in the video above revolves around a central axis, allowing you access through the small, resulting gaps. This is handy if you have limited space available and don’t want a big old book case swinging into your room.

The second type of door is dirt simple to create.   It’s literally just a bookcase put on standard door hinges with coasters added to the bottom.  A superb, simple weekend project!  Both guides suggest that the total cost of this (assuming you do it yourself) is less than $150 if you use budget furniture (probably best to find lightweight shelving, of course).

Similar DIY Projects:

• Make a Secret Batman-Style Passageway
• DIY Rotating Bookshelves, Staircases and Trap Doors
• Our collection of DIY home security projects

Setting up a dual-monitor stand or using a TV/monitor combo are great ways to save space, but neither ares as sleek as having a PC hanging on you wall and being able to control it using an XBOX 360 controller or an iPhone app.  Why would you want a PC hanging on your wall? We’ll tell you why:

• Takes up almost zero space
• It’s cheap, only need an old unused laptop and cheap frame
• Digital picture frame with online syncing
• Dedicated video game emulator with wireless controller (NES, SNES, Genesis, Playstation)
• Control music, watch movies, watch TV
• Security web cam or video conferencing
• Looks cool, good conversation piece

Learn how to convert an old Sony Vaio laptop and to create this picture frame PC.  It can now be used to emulate video games, a digital picture frame, or watch TV.  Basically, you just remove excess casings and unnecessary components of the laptop, flip the base behind the screen, and apply a matte finish over the screen before securing it all snugly inside of a picture frame.

The Insides of the Picture Frame PC

The materials aren’t really that complex either. For the most part, you just need a USB wireless adapter to pick up the XBOX 360 controller and some other optional parts such as a TV tuner should you want to use it as a TV.

Similar PC Mod Articles:

• Stunning Case Mods: Sleek, Powerful Beasts
• Absolutely Epic Xbox to Mac Transformation
• Computer Desk LED Plexiglass Case Mod

The problem with most motion detection software for personal or business use it that they’re triggered by a leaf, animal, or other insignificant events.  Vitamin D, on the other hand, can detect movements of people, doors opening and closing, email alerts, and more. The diy security software works on PC and Mac

Impressive Features:

• “People Detection” instead of motion detection.
• Daily Highlight Reel – Summarizes the events of the day.
• Highly Customizable – Pinpoint when a certain door is opened.

It’s in beta and free until February 2010, so grab it while you still can.  We’ve covered some similar software on motion sensing security for more ways to protect your home or gadgets.

DIY Security Projects:

• Remote Surveillance Spy Vehicle/Office Unit
• DIY Rotating Bookshelves, Staircases and Trap Doors
• How to Use RFID to Protect your Beer, Valuables

We have dozens of DIY home security projects and here’s another outstanding project to add to the collection.  Learn to build your own DIY Halloween pumpkin with a built in wireless surveillance camera so you can watch for vandals or have advanced notice of unsuspecting trick-or-treaters.  The full tutorials are in step by step instructions as shown below:

Basic Materials:

Basically, this project just combines a consumer product with a pumpkin, making it rather bland.  We suggest you can spice up your version with some inspiration (see our popular security projects at the bottom of the page).

Gut, Install, Finished.

The project tutorial shows you how to do this with two different types of wireless cameras.  Since little hacking is involved, the project is a little bland so check out our far more exciting tutorials below:

Popular DIY Security Projects:

• Remote Surveillance Spy Vehicle/Office Unit
• DIY Rotating Bookshelves, Staircases and Trap Doors
• DIY Motion-Sensing Laptop Security Cam

Breaking into a computer is an illegal activity but it does help to know how to re-access your own equipment.  So, this post is for informational and ethical purposes only! This how-to covers three OS we use and the methods to crack the log-in passwords.

Windows

For Windows OS, Ophcrack is the tool of choice. It is a free Windows Password cracker based on Rainbow Tables. It has a GUI which makes it easier to run. The software can decipher passwords up to 14 characters in length in a quick 10 seconds.

To use Ophcrack one needs to download the Ophcrack ISO and burn it to a CD (or load it via a USB drive). Run the CD by loading it in the tray and restarting the computer with the power switch. Switch to the BIOS options and set the computer to boot from the CD Drive. The computer boots up and reads the Ophcrack CD which then proceeds to break the password. Use this password to log into the machine.

Ophcrack is a multi-platform software and so can be used for Mac and Linux too.

Mac OS X

Apart from Ophcrack, another simple method involves using the Mac OS X installation CD (for v10.4). Insert and reboot to display UTILITIES. Choose RESET PASSWORD to get a new one. Login using this password. To reset the password in Mac OS X 10.5, reboot the computer and press COMMAND + S.

At the prompt type in:

sck -fy
mount -uw /
launchctl load /System/Library/LaunchDaemons/com.apple.DirectoryServices.plist
dscl . -passwd /Users/UserName newpassword

Login with the new reset password.

Linux

Power on the computer, press the ESC key and on the boot loader (GRUB) screen select the ‘Recovery Mode’. Press the ‘B’ Key to enter the single user mode. At the default prompt, type in ‘passwd’ and key in your new password. For access to a single account on the system type ‘passwd username’ replacing ‘username’ with the login name for the account you would reset the password for.

A lesson in cracking is also a lesson in security. Joe Tech’s article advocates the use of encryption (Blowfish or AES-128) as a failsafe against password breach.

Is ethical hacking for you? Check out these HacknMod tutorials:

• Top 15 Vital Hacking Software and Tools
• How to Hack WEP using a Mac or Linux
• Encrypt your USB Drive

School is back in session shortly for most college students.  While you could be an average Joe and and buy all your back to school goods, you’ll be far better off building your own DIY projects to pimp your bland dorm room.  These fantastic tutorials will walk you through creating custom, outstanding dorm rooms to show off your DIY skill.

Incredible Lighting:

1. The Emergency Party Button will help make friends quickly.
2. How to Display Audio as Light (Make LEDs Flash to Music)
3. Make Custom RGB Mood Lights
4. DIY Abilight for your PC, TV and more
5. Need more inspiration? See all of our LED and Light projects.

DIY Security:

1. How to Use RFID to Protect your Beer, Valuables
2. DIY Motion Sensing Laptop Security Cam
3. Build your own Laser Security System
4. RFID Door Lock Mechanism
5. All of our security projects

Save Money:

1. DIY Continuous Ink Printer = Unlimited Free Printing
2. Get Free Internet by Making a Wifi Repeater
3. Build Your Own Open-Source DVR

Gaming Hacks:

1. Rapid Fire Mods Make you the Halo King
2. Burn copies of PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360
3. Play all your favorite NES games online, and emulate the Wii and other consoles.
4. Select a console from the categories on the right for more.

Custom Transport:

1. For the outgoing types:  Setup and make your own custom transportation like the Enicycle and iShoes.
2. Video Tutorial: Build your own Self-Balancing Segway
3. Build a Speedy Motorized Shopping Cart

DIY Entertainment:

1. Make your own HD Projector (another version)
2. Stylish High Quality DIY iPod and iPhone Speakers
3. Stream any Video to your PS3, Xbox 360, or Wii
4. DIY Wireless Music Remote

Extra Awesome!

If you’re ready to go all out and stand out you need to go the extra mile:

• Beer Launching Fridge
• iPhone Controlled USB Missile Launcher
• Shut Down your PC with a Cell Phone

Helpful Tips:

1. Hack College always has plenty of great tips to help you survive the year.
2. Check out this fantastic dorm layout and use of space for inspiration
3. Put all those extra beer bottles to good use. (another option)
4. Access your PC from Anywhere on Campus for Free

As always, be sure to subscribe for free to receive our hacks for daily.  Be sure to send in your projects and earn cash too!

Securing our privacy is important to everyone. We’ve featured dozens of DIY security projects in the past including a spy van, money stash, and hidden passageways but this one doesn’t even require any additional hardware if you’ve got a webcam Highlight cam is free software you can install to guard your PC and act as a silent security guard for your office space.

Impressive Features:

• Motion alert notifications sent via email
• Off-site backup in case the intruder takes the computer

Setup:

The software is dirt simple to install. After that, you’ll be asked to take a still recording of your workspace with no movement. Then you can set the software to begin recording when motion is detected. It’s so simple your grandmother could do it!

If Highlight cam doesn’t work out, Motion Detection and Yawcam are other options you may consider. The free version of Highlight cam will probably suit your security needs for now but there is also a paid version which has additional features.

More DIY Security:

• DIY Laser Surveillance Security System
• How to Use RFID to Protect your Beer, Valuables
• Build a Motion Activated Spy Cam

While the full details of the project haven’t yet been released beyond the pdf embedded below, you can read more about the inner workings of the hack on his site.  Furthermore, Grand demonstrated the methods he used at the Black Hat 2009 conference today.  Get even more details about the project and view similar posts below: