Lock Bumping Blog

Lock Bumping and the Various Bump Keys

Think you and your family are safe and sound when your front and back doors are locked. Well you better think again!

Lock bumping and the bump key have changed the game of lock security. Nearly every door to every home in every neighborhood can be unlocked or opened in a matter of seconds with virtually no noise via lock bumping. Over 90 percent of all doors in America use a pin tumbler lock which is vulnerable to lock bumping. This locking system is so old and outdated that it was patented during the civil war. Lock bumping as it is now called was first discovered during the 1970’s by a small circle of locksmiths in Denmark. However that was then and this is now. With the advent of the internet it was only a matter of time before the technique of lock bumping would reach America and our doors. There is a solution and to protect yourself and your family against the bump key you need to update and replace your old pin tumbler locks with new high security locks. For more information on lock bumping and how to protect you against it, visit our public service site lock bumping .org.

Bump Key vs House Key

Nearly every door to every home in every neighborhood can be unlocked or opened in a matter of seconds with virtually no noise via lock bumping. Over 90 percent of all doors in America use a pin tumbler lock which is vulnerable to lock bumping. This locking system is so old and outdated that it was patented during the civil war. Lock bumping as it is now called was first discovered during the 1970’s by a small circle of locksmiths in Denmark. However that was then and this is now. With the advent of the internet it was only a matter of time before the technique of lock bumping would reach America and our doors. There is a solution and to protect yourself and your family against bump keys you need to update and replace your old pin tumbler locks with new high security locks.

It looks like there is a few solutions to this lock bumping craze. You can either buy yourself a new lock or buy a non lock device that basically stops the inside deadbolt handle from turning. It seems that no lock is fully bump proof but these locks below make it a lot harder for the average joe to bump the lock.

Bump Keys:

• Schlage Bump Key
• Medeco Bump Key
• Kiwkset Bump Key
• Master Lock Bump Key

Also a good thing to do to your current lock is spray some lock lubricant or WD40 into it. The lubricant will make the springs and pins move a lot faster with create less resistants thereby having them fall back into place so that they don’t stay up in the cylinder which allows it to then turn or open.

Free Information on Lock Bumping Security

Think you and your family are safe and sound when your front and back doors are locked. Well you better think again!

Lock bumping and bump keys have changed the game of lock security. Nearly every door to every home in every neighborhood can be unlocked or opened in a matter of seconds with virtually no noise via lock bumping. Over 90 percent of all doors in America use a pin tumbler lock which is vulnerable to lock bumping. This locking system is so old and outdated that it was patented during the civil war. Lock bumping as it is now called was first discovered during the 1970’s by a small circle of locksmiths in Denmark. However that was then and this is now. With the advent of the internet it was only a matter of time before the technique of lock bumping would reach America and our doors. There is a solution and to protect yourself and your family against the bump key you need to update and replace your old pin tumbler locks with new high security locks. For more information on lock bumping and how to protect you against it, visit our public service site lock bumping .org.

Lock Bumping has been around for many years now. It has just come to the forefront of society due to the internet. It seems that locksmith’s have keep a tight lid on the bump key and the pin tumbler lock flaw for many years. There are many videos out there that show you how to actually break into some ones house by using this lock bumping technique. I was amazed when I first say one of these videos.

For more information on lock bumping check out Lock Bumping .org a public service site about lock bumping.

Lock Bumping a Technique of Stealing

Physical security is essential especially when you’re new to a place and you don’t trust anyone yet. For instance, you need to be able to protect your stuff in a multi-person living facility where you have a locker and a flimsy lock. Some closets are not at all equipped with any form of security feature. If you might be concerned about losing your stuff to some robbers who could be lying in wait for you to leave the area, listed here are some details about how a thief would beat your closet padlock.

Techniques of Stealing

1. Lock Picking Some individuals are into learning lock picking methods as a hobby. Knowing how this technique works is a strength. Metal picks are common, but some robbers use torsion wrenches. A thief may get these tools as is, or they may improvise using common items. A bobby pin can serve as a pick if the end is fashioned into a hook or an S-shape. Tension wrenches can simply be ballpoint pens, or a small screw driver.

2. Duplication of Keys Even though every key is unique, there will always be some keys that can be cut and filed to look like the real one. Some replica keys have been made from wax impressions. Wax is a standard impressioning device. A thief would fill a tin container with wax and press your key on it to create an impression.

3. Lock Bumping Method If your lock is flimsy, a thief won’t bother picking it, and just go for the quicker way. Lock bumping is usually quick and fast. A thief would be able to use any bump key that can fit your lock and open your door with it. Bumping includes using force to release the pins inside the lock while a device (a lock pick or any other key) is inserted. After a few raps, the lock could dislodge and the door will open. The challenge is to become more knowledgeable about lock bumping and bumping locks. There are more references on the topics of anti-theft strategies, basic home protection and physical security on the picking locks website.

Renewed Interest in Lock Bumping

In case you missed it, there was a new segment on lock bumping that aired in the U.S. Incredibly, the NBC lawyers would not allow the use of the term “bump key” because they were worried that viewers might figure out how to open locks! Then they showed a diagram of the key and how it works. Ironically, the program was supposed to air the week before, but at the last minute, I was notified that the segment had been “bumped” by the Michael Jackson tragedy. Tragedy? Really?

I don’t know why the renewed interest in lock bumping, but I have received calls from several media representatives about the issue in the past few weeks. I am quite sure that our friends at Medeco were very pleased with the story. As I told the correspondent, they are good locks, but not quite as good as they say. For residences, they are just fine, as are Schlage Primus and other brands. Note that the NBC story never claimed that the Medeco cylinders were bump-proof. Only Medeco and many of its dealers continue to represent that falsehood, while at the same time claiming that “they never said it…others did” and that Medeco cannot control what their employees and dealers say! The question as to when Medeco will level with their dealers and customers about the insecurity of their products will be left for another post, and venue. One would have expected a statement from Medeco after their wired fiasco, but true to form…nothing.

Security is all about liability; this maxim may prove to be a very expensive lesson for Medeco and its parent company to learn.

We went to two upscale houses in New Jersey and opened the locks in seconds.

Any joy at Medeco will likely be short-lived. They will be issuing a security alert with regard to electro-mechanical locks and what we perceive as extremely serious vulnerabilities. During the past year, we have focused our efforts on Assa Abloy Cliq technology that is shared by Mul-T-Lock, Medeco, Ikon, and maybe even Assa itself. It should come as no surprise that we found what we believe to be serious design flaws in these locks, both in terms of mechanics and electronics. Anyone who thought that we were ending our research efforts with Medeco will find that the story has just begun. Key control, covert entry, and forced entry…all the same issues that we found wanting in the Medeco bump keys locks… are alive and well in Logic, Cliq, and NexGen and should prove highly relevant for everyone concerned with the security of electronic locks.

And for those of you that are not familiar with NexGen, these are the very neat cam locks that are used in vending machines (for example thousands of machines owned by Coca Cola in Philadelphia); In major municipalities’ parking meters (in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Miami Beach, and New York); and also for the protection of cargo shipments in padlocks. Audit trails and revenue security are the prime rationale and justification to install these expensive locks ($100-$150). We think that the premise for implementing these locks might have to be reviewed and re-thought after DefCon. Not only will the implied guarantee of revenue security have to be re-examined, but the issue of potential false accusations that could affect innocent employees will most surely be a serious topic for some labor unions and legal counsel. Insurers and underwriters may also be involved because their premiums are based upon risk assessment. We believe that high-value targets may be at increased risk from the use of certain locks; hence insurability and premium rates could be affected lock bumping.

During our presentation we will review some of the representations in the advertising of certain vendors, and why we believe these may not only be overstated, but inaccurate and uninformed at best, and false and misleading at worst. We are producing a very detailed WhitePaper with regard to this issue.The title still applies to some of these electronic locks.

Security Problem from Lock Bumping

A relatively new security problem is the threat of lock bumping , in which someone with a ‘bump key’ can open most locks that are commonly used in homes.

In the 1970s, locksmiths in Denmark shared a technique for knocking on a lock cylinder while applying slight pressure to the back of the lock plug. When the pins would jump inside of the cylinder, the plug would be able to slide out freely, thus enabling the locksmith to disassemble the lock quickly.

Lock bumping also called key bumping or bump keys is a lock picking technique used to unlock standard pin tumbler cylinders with a bump key.

The bumping method could be misused by criminals to gain unlawful access with a bump key and is a growing problem globally. Bumping attacks are becoming widespread in international media as bump keys can be used to unlock most standard residential cylinder locks which are not bump resistant.

Most homes use standard cylinder locks which are vulnerable to lock bumping.

The bumping method is non-destructive. When a bump key is used to break into a house there may be no signs of forced entry or damage to the lock.

The bumping method has become common knowledge through media reports & popularity on the internet.

Lock Bumping Video and The Internet

The videos on lock bumping are all over the Internet and on native information stations throughout the country. It is becoming frequent knowledge methods to bypass a lock using the tactic known as lock bumping. The spread of this data is inflicting great concern for individual safety and security for house and business.As a security professional, I am typically requested, “Can people actually open locks that simple?” “Ought to I be concerned?” “What can I do about it?” and “What do you suggest?”The strategy of lock bumping using bump keys has been round for a lot of years. The recent spread of knowledge on lock bumping across the Internet and the information has elevated the use of this system for unlawful functions, and now requires people to take precautionary action to guard themselves and their property.In addition to the security concern, there may be an insurance issue. If your property or enterprise is burglarized and there are no indicators of pressured entry, does your insurance cowl the loss?

If the tactic used to interrupt into your property or enterprise was the lock bumping technique, the indicators of pressured entry would possible be minimal and might not even be visible.To guard your property or enterprise from lock bumping it is advisable to improve your lock cylinders. This may be done by changing your locks with bump proof locks, or you may be able to replace just the lock cylinder. Residential grade doorknobs usually are not designed to use completely different cylinders. If you have doorknob locks, you will need to improve to a industrial grade knob lock and embody a excessive security cylinder. We highly suggest installing a deadbolt lock for added protection. Doorknob locks are easier to bypass than deadbolt locks. If you have deadbolts on your home you may be able to replace just the cylinder itself and keep the present deadbolt. To determine if that is an possibility, removed the deadbolt from the door and see if the lock cylinder is held in with a screw from the bottom of the lock. If it is, then it is possible for you to to switch the present cylinder with a excessive security or bump proof cylinder. Most residential grade deadbolts shouldn’t have a detachable cylinder.

The solution is to purchase a new deadbolt with the bump proof excessive security cylinder. The standard holes present on most doors for deadbolts is a 2-1/eight inch diameter gap with a 1 inch gap coming in from the edge of the door. To insure that the replacement lock you buy will fit your door, the critical factor is to measure what is named “backset”, which is the space from the edge of the door to the middle of the lock. This distance is often 2 three/eight inches or 2 three/four inches. While some locks have adjustable backsets, others have fastened backsets, so it is crucial that you’ve got this measurement when purchasing your new locks with bump proof, excessive security cylinders. Most excessive security or bump proof locks have some kind of restricted key duplication. This gives the home-owner or enterprise proprietor the advantage of no unauthorized key duplication. Typically the purchaser will likely be provided with some type of identification or registration card that would have to be shown in an effort to have keys duplicated. Excessive security keys normally can’t be copied at your native hardware store.

It is best to order the entire keys that you simply want with the purchase of your new locks. When ordering your bump proof locks, have the entire keys numbered. Maintain an inventory of who has keys to your property or business. As long as all keys can be accounted for, there isn’t a want to alter the locks. It is a nice characteristic when it’s a must to provide momentary entry for someone to your property or business. Once the bottom line is returned to you, you realize that nobody has copied a key and your property or enterprise remains secure.The fee to improve your locks to prevent lock bumping is greater than the cost of your average lock, however it is a worthwhile funding to take care of the security of your property or business. The fee is small when compared to a denied declare for loss out of your insurance firm!On your safety and security at house and for your corporation, I like to recommend that you simply install bump proof locks. With all the information about lock bumping on the Internet it is crucial that you simply stay one step forward of criminals as an alternative of one step behind them.

Bump Keys and Lock Bumping Security

The movies on lock bumping are everywhere in the Internet and on native information stations throughout the country. It is turning into frequent data the right way to bypass a lock using the tactic referred to as lock bumping. The spread of this info is causing great concern for individual security and safety for residence and business.As a safety skilled, I’m typically requested, “Can people actually open locks that straightforward?” “Ought to I be involved?” “What can I do about it?” and “What do you recommend?”The strategy of lock bumping using bump keys has been around for many years. The current spread of knowledge on lock bumping across the Internet and the information has increased using this technique for unlawful functions, and now requires people to take precautionary motion to guard themselves and their property.In addition to the security concern, there’s an insurance coverage issue. If your private home or business is burglarized and there are not any signs of compelled entry, does your insurance coverage cowl the loss?

If the tactic used to break into your private home or business was the lock bumping method, the signs of compelled entry would seemingly be minimal and may not even be visible.To guard your private home or business from lock bumping it is advisable upgrade your lock cylinders. This can be completed by replacing your locks with bump proof locks, or you may be able to change just the lock cylinder. Residential grade doorknobs aren’t designed to make use of different cylinders. When you’ve got doorknob locks, it’s essential to upgrade to a business grade knob lock and include a excessive safety cylinder. We extremely recommend putting in a deadbolt lock for added protection. Doorknob locks are easier to bypass than deadbolt locks. When you’ve got deadbolts on your home you may be able to change just the cylinder itself and maintain the present deadbolt. To determine if this is an option, removed the deadbolt from the door and see if the lock cylinder is held in with a screw from the bottom of the lock. If it is, then you will be able to interchange the present cylinder with a excessive safety or bump proof cylinder. Most residential grade deadbolts should not have a removable cylinder.

The solution is to purchase a brand new deadbolt with the bump proof locks excessive safety cylinder. The standard holes current on most doors for deadbolts is a 2-1/8 inch diameter gap with a 1 inch gap coming in from the edge of the door. To insure that the alternative lock you purchase will suit your door, the essential factor is to measure what known as “backset”, which is the gap from the edge of the door to the middle of the lock. This distance is often 2 three/8 inches or 2 three/four inches. While some locks have adjustable backsets, others have fixed backsets, so it is important that you’ve got this measurement when purchasing your new locks with bump proof, excessive safety cylinders. Most excessive safety or bump proof locks have some sort of restricted key duplication. This provides the house owner or business owner the good thing about no unauthorized key duplication. Typically the purchaser will likely be supplied with some form of identification or registration card that would have to be proven in order to have keys duplicated. Excessive safety keys normally cannot be copied at your native hardware store.

It is best to order the entire keys that you want with the acquisition of your new locks. When ordering your bump proof locks, have the entire keys numbered. Keep a list of who has keys to your private home or business. As long as all keys can be accounted for, there is no want to change the locks. It is a good characteristic when you need to present momentary access for someone to your private home or business. As soon as the secret is returned to you, you already know that no one has copied a key and your private home or business stays secure.The associated fee to upgrade your locks to prevent lock bumping is greater than the price of your average lock, but it’s a worthwhile funding to take care of the security of your private home or business. The associated fee is small when compared to a denied claim for loss out of your insurance coverage firm!To your security and safety at residence and for your small business, I like to recommend that you install bump proof locks. With all the details about lock bumping on the Internet it is important that you stay one step forward of criminals as a substitute of one step behind them.