There is a new threat to the security of common mechanical locks, this threat is the bump key. The idea of bump keys is very simple and is the reason why it carries such a threat to the security of over 90% of all households. Making a bump key is very cheap and simple; or you can actually purchase a complete set of bump keys online for only a few dollars. The action of using a bump key is referred to as lock bumping; and lock bumping is the ability to manipulate a lock with a regular key that is cut in a very specific way. Lock bumping a lock can take just a few seconds for some with very little experience. It takes very little skill and does not require special equipment, in most cases a file, a key blank and screwdriver will be sufficient.
With the new technology age and the spread of information on the internet more and more people are learning about this simple method to manipulate your common lock. There are complet “How to” instructions and guides found easily online allowing someone with no technical skill to learn how to bump key a lock. A solution to bump keying is to have high security locks which are known to be virtually “bump proof”. Common locks are vulnerable to simple intruder attacks such as drilling, picking or making unauthorized copies of keys. High security locks have more than just a primary locking system, but have a secondary one as well.
A common scenario we see often is customers that call after their home was broken into most likely with a bump key. There’s no sign of forced entry when bumping a lock and even insurance companies will not accept the claim of burglary and assume that you left your door unlocked. You can actually get burglarized and have all your valuable belongings stolen and still you will not be able to be compensated from your insurance company for your losses.
There are a few popular misleading suggestions for protecting yourself against bump keying such as the following:
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As long as you have an alarm system you have nothing to worry about. False. An alarm system only notifies someone that an intrusion is detected. With the average response time for alarms growing this doesn’t have much effect as the break in has already been done.
Use of sliding bolts to lock your door from the inside. False. This is only helpful when you are present and inside the property, but you cannot lock these sliding bolts when you are outside of the house.
Conclusions:
- Over 90% of households use a conventional lock which is vulnerable to lock bumping.
- Anyone can produce a lock bumping key in just a few minutes
- If your home is broken into using a bump key, there are no signs of forced entry or damage. This results in having you insurance company deny any claims of burglary on your part.
- With people sharing information on the internet about how to bump key a lock and with bump keys offered online for just a few dollars; it’s time to protect yourself with a high security lock.
