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Lock Bumping: An emerging threat to your security
A recent story on the news publicized an intrusion technique known as Lock Bumping. Bumping is a method of opening mechanical locks without leaving any sign that the lock has been forced. Most locks in use throughout the USA are vulnerable to bumping, so it is important to consider the implications of this threat to your business and home security.
What is lock bumping? Lock bumping is a relatively simple technique that involves inserting a modified key part way into a lock and hitting or “bumping” it while applying rotational pressure. The impact on the key causes the pins in the lock to jump momentarily, enabling the lock to be opened. The spring-loaded pins immediately return to their previous position, leaving no evidence of forced entry.
How big a threat is bumping? Lock bumping is not new. However, the technique is easy to learn and the only equipment needed is a key blank that fits a given lock, a file to modify the blank, and something to bump the key with (a small hammer, a screwdriver handle or a rock will do). Key blanks and bumping tutorials are easily available on the internet.
Publicity in the media is also boosting the profile of lock bumping, bringing it to the attention of concerned property owners and criminals alike.
It is important not to exaggerate the threat posed by lock bumping. Any security measure is potentially vulnerable to a determined intruder; bumping is just one more technique available to criminals.
The main problem with bumping often becomes apparent when victims file an insurance claim: since bumping leaves no sign of forced entry, some insurance companies will refuse to pay a claim on the basis that there is no evidence of unauthorised entry.
How can you protect yourself against lock bumping? As with any security threat, multiple security measures working in tandem provide the best protection. Any lock is more secure when combined with appropriate lighting as well as alarm and/or surveillance systems and safes.
You can counter the particular threat of lock bumping in several ways:
By replacing existing lock cylinders with bump-proof cylinders
By installing a biometric or digital combination lock
By installing an electronic access control system.
For bump-proof mechanical locks, speed locksmith & security recommend hardware by Medeco Corporation. A restricted key system adds extra protection since key blanks are less easily available to would-be intruders.
Electronic access control systems are not vulnerable to bumping, and should be considered for business applications where optimum security is required.
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Home Security Tips:
LOCK ALL YOUR DOORS 24/7.* Most unlawful entry is through doorways. And about 50% of those are through doors left unlocked. An unlocked lock is not a lock!
51% of break-ins occur during daylight. 49% occur after dark. 8,600 break-ins a day. 1 every 13 seconds.
DEADBOLT ALL EXTERIOR ENTRANCES.
Most burglaries are the result of forcible entry.* Every exterior entryway into your home needs a deadbolt with a full 1" throwbolt.
Treat the door from the garage to inside the house as an exterior door. Exterior doors should be solid, 1-3/4" hardwood, with secure frames.
INTRUDERS FEAR THE SPOTLIGHT
An intruder's greatest fear is being seen. Don't give them a place to hide. Good exterior lighting around your perimeter creates a psychological barrier.
Consider motion activated light fixtures. All porches and other entrances should be lit with at least 40-watt bulbs.
Trim the overgrown bushes, tree limbs, or landscaping to the height of porches or windows.
GLASS CAN SHATTER YOUR SECURITY.
Locks less than an arm's length away from glass panels and sidelights require glass brick, grates or grilles. Where building codes allow, install double cylinder deadbolts that need to be opened with a key from the inside as well as the outside.
A sliding glass door is lifted into position when installed - and easily lifted out if you're not careful. Adjust screw in the door track to limit clearance. Add a wooden dowel or broom handle too.
Retrofit ground floor windows with locking hardware.
"WHILE YOU'RE ON VACATION, I'LL JUST LET MYSELF IN."
Maintain the appearance of occupancy at all times. Use automatic timers to turn on different lights at different times.
Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers. And, occasionally use your garbage cans.
During the winter, arrange to have snow shoveled. Most break-ins occur between 10am and 3pm. Put a radio or a TV on a timer. Turn the ringer on the telephone down.
START A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH.
Neighbors watching out for each other is the most effective method of crime prevention. Host a Neighborhood Watch get-started meeting for your block, and invite a police department representative to assist with planning, education, training and prevention techniques.
REMEMBER THAT KEY YOU THOUGHT YOU PUT UNDER THE MAT?
Never hide keys under a mat, or taped above a door jamb: Burglars know these places.
Leave a key with a trusted neighbor. Don't place identification tags on your key or key rings.
HELP THE POLICE HELP YOU.
House numbers should be at least 4" - 6" high, reflective and visible from the street.
Numbers should be illuminated at night. Report strangers running through private yards or alley ways or anyone looking into windows of houses or parked cars.
Call the police. Don't worry about false alarms. Better to be safe than sorry.
Call 911 if an emergency threatens human life or property. If not an emergency call your local police department directly.
BURGLARS PREFER CASH.
Burglars want cash or items easily fenced for cash; small electronic equipment, computers, cameras, jewelry, hand guns. Don't make it easy...
Empty stereo and television boxes in the alley is a strong temptation to "inquire within".
Hide your valuables or keep them under lock and key. Engrave your valuables with "THIS PROPERTY STOLEN FROM ..." and include your driver's license number. Marked property is difficult to fence and easier to recover.
GONE IN 60 SECONDS.
Research by The National Crime Prevention Institute shows that burglars generally will work no longer than 60 seconds to obtain entry.
Kwikset exterior locks offer a number of features tested and proven to resist kick-ins, saw attacks, picking attempts, wrench-offs and prying.
Be informed. Insist on the best security available.
Facts were made possible by: FBI Statistics: Uniform Crime Reporting Program ADDITIONAL SOURCES: U.S. Department of Justice,
Bureau of Statistics: National Crime Victimization Study; Alaska State Troopers; Bellevue, WA Police Dept; Newport Beach, CA Police Dept; Simon Hakim, Temple University; National Crime Prevention Institute. |
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MAIN OFFICE:
1200-01 Piedmomt Road
Buckhead, GA 30342
Phone: (404) 365-8556
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SERVICE LOCATIONS:
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