Slate is running an interesting article about taking new security approaches to lock vulnerabilities. In the past, lock makers such as Medeco have been able to quietly update their product lines to strengthen their security, but as movements such as Locksport International gain popularity and lock picking videos on YouTube become dime a dozen, lock makers can no longer rely on security through obscurity. It’s no question that an increased interest in this field helps lock manufacturers to create more secure products, but because patching these flaws often means changing critical features of the lock, it becomes a very expensive game of cat-and-mouse.
Traditional lock picking has employed the use of picksets, like the credit card sized set given out sold at The Last HOPE, but more recent methods of lock hacking have used bump keys or even magnets. However, as manufacturers make their locks less susceptible to picking and bumping, not even high-security locks will ward off someone determined enough to create a copy of the key, either by observing the original or using impressioning, as [Barry Wels] covered in a recent talk at HOPE 2008.
dont forget dental tool hacking for lock picking
http://inventgeek.com/Projects/lockpick/Overview.aspx
The pickset wasn’t exactly “given out” at HOPE, if I’m to be nitpicky. It was sold for a decent amount of cash. If the money supports TOOOL though, that’s cool.
Thanks, greententacle. I updated the post with your clarification.
kinda makes the foley belsaw certification absolutely worthless now…
The biggest problem is for consumers – you can’t patch your existing locks, only replace them. Any chance the manufacturer will give you a free replacement?