"Recent incidents have accelerated the need for academic institutions to evaluate their current level of security. Security managers are developing strategies to protect their facilities and provide a safer learning environment for both students and teachers. For academic institutions that are experiencing key control problems and other security issues, the CyberLock system offers a powerful and affordable solution" says Andy Hilverda, vice president, Videx.

Manufactured and designed by Videx the CyberLock system incorporates the mechanical lock hardware that is already present in school buildings. Cylinders inside the existing locks just need to be replaced with CyberLock electronic cylinders. All this is done without the expensive costs of hardwiring and structural changes.

"I don't see how you can go wrong. You can have electronic access control for under USD 300 per door" says Ken Donovan, assistant director of maintenance, Stonington high school in Old Mystic, Connecticut.

The electronic key can be programmed to open doors to campus buildings and offices and can be set to open specific locks on selected days and only during certain times on those days. Security managers can track access to sensitive areas because both the lock and the key store a record of openings and denied entries.

"They know that if something goes wrong, the system will show who was there. Parents want to know that their children are safe" Mr Donovan continues.