Public definition · version 1.1 · 9 October 2026

Disguised Security Technology™

A framework for physical protection, visual exposure and authorised access.

Definition

DST™ is a concealment-led physical security category and framework that considers what an access point reveals, alongside suitable physical protection, dependable authorised access and clear responsibility. Its design approach integrates access or storage mechanisms into ordinary-looking property features where discretion addresses a specific need.

Developed by Mark Cowie at KeySpot Security Ltd. KeySpot® is the first product implementation: spare-key storage within an everyday property feature for authorised unattended access.

Four questions to consider together

Physical protection: is the lock, fixing, resistance and reliability suitable?
Exposure and recognisability: what can other people infer from appearance, position or use?
Authorised discoverability: can the right people reliably find and use it?
Responsibility: who authorises access, changes credentials, maintains the equipment and reviews the arrangement?

Discretion complements physical protection. Where users or emergency responders need visibility, preserve it. Consider established alternatives and the needs of each property and its users.

Evidence and current status

Two KeySpot® research trials were completed at the University of Sunderland. The University confirmed that both were successful and created operational efficiencies for staff. Read the trial account.

DST™ is a proprietary framework in development. Independent method review, product-specific testing and evidence of repeat paid adoption are separate next steps. The trials do not establish a general reduction in crime, attack risk or insurance compliance.

DST™ is not a British Standard or an active independent certification scheme. DST Certified® is a registered trade mark associated with a proposed future conformity framework; no current public certification or product approval is offered.

Use and feedback

This public definition supersedes earlier public definition wording for the current website reference. It describes the approach and evidence scope; individual products and deployments require their own suitability and assurance checks.

For the framework pack, a proposed evaluation or corrections, contact mark@disguisedsecuritytechnology.co.uk. Quote version 1.1 and the relevant section.