Lock Bumping - Bump Key Security Threat
Recently, the media has given a great deal of attention to “lock bumping”, a procedure that allows criminals to open many common door locks by simply inserting a specially modified key and tapping its end with a mallet or other tool. Along with the media reports, a number of warnings about lock bumping have been circulating via email and online.
The reports and warnings about lock bumping are genuine. Lock bumping, also known as “bump keying” and “key bumping” describes a technique in which an ordinary key can be filed so that, when it is inserted into a door lock and tapped, the internal pins can be jarred in such a way that the lock will open. The majority of pin-tumbler locks currently in use are vulnerable to lock bumping, including those normally found on people’s front doors. The technique is simple enough that, with the right knowledge, and a little practice, just about anybody could use it.
I don’t know how I missed this, but frankly, this is the first I’ve heard of it.
How about you?
Me, I’m getting some new locks.
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I’ve never heard of it or that site. All of which means diddly, but I will note the ads from just one lock company, including the link where he says there is a solution.
I saw a video about this subject last year set at a lock geek convention that demonstrated this technique. It appears to be quite genuine and just as easy as described provided you cut the bump key correctly.
Might want to consider biometric keys for your doors.
Beware unintended consequences, RWS. Don’t give thieves the incentive to remove your body parts or to kidnap you.
A contemporary example, on-point with better door locks although not with biometrics, is the car keys that have come out in the past few years. Surely you’ve seen them — either multiple grooved surfaces or an RFID chip. The locks are not invulnerable, but it’s turned out to be much easier for car thieves to mug the owners as they approach their cars. Car thefts are down, but assaults and kidnappings in combination with car thefts are up. Oops.
(Cite: none. I’ve read variations on this a few times in the past few years but haven’t attempted to verify them. If pushed I’ll dig up the FBI crime summary or whatever the original source was.)
On point with the biometrics, I’ve read of a couple of cases in which someone was kidnapped or had a finger cut off so someone could get past a lock. Even assuming these were not fiction portrayed as real life, I don’t know if it happens enough for it to be a trend. Nevertheless, beware.
I think simple punch-combination locks defeat The Bump. No biomorphing necessary.
And I don’t think combo locks would incite any more danger than current locks do. It’s still too easy to stick a gun or knife in sombodys’ ribs as they approach their front door, and that will work on either type of lock - not to mention the biometrics.
I have a fix. I have a small device that I “bump” as well. It’s called “a trigger” and it emits a loud, ear piercing BOOM as well as sending a small, 155 grain lead deterrent towards the intruder.
Does this work on deadbolts as well? Mine take a hell of a twisting to open just with the keys. However, it’s all hogwash since I’ve got ‘windows’ which take a lot less bumping to open.
10mm. Half the recoil of 20mm, all of the fun.
My choice is 230 grains. .45 ACP, dispatching assholes since 1911.
The answer to the key problem is to get a good quality lock with a restricted keyway….which means the average lock defeater can get his hands on the required key blanks to insert in your lock. Once you’ve done this don’t give a copy of your key to anyone unless you use a KEYCONTROLLER to physically protect the key. What’s a KEYCONTROLLER…go to KEYSURE.NET and see.
Public service site about lock bumping and how to protect yourself against it!
http://www.LockBumping.org