Interview

[TOWCH]

I'm doing a school paper on locks and I'm supposed to have an interview. Figured LP101 would be a good place to consult the experts. Any answers would be much appreciated.


In your opinion, what are the most critical flaws that exist in locks today?

What can businesses and homeowners do to make up for the vulnerabilities that exist in locks?

In your experience, how common is it for criminals to use sophisticated methods (such as picks) to defeat locks, as opposed to brute force methods?

Do businesses and homeowners consider ANSI or UL security ratings in their lock purchasing decisions, or are factors like price and style dominant?

On average, do you consider electronic locks more secure than mechanical locks?

Do you consider US laws for licensing and regulation of locksmiths to be adequate?

[digital_blue]

Are you looking for answers posted? Or PMed?

db

[TOWCH]

Posted is prefered actually. I need to clean up my PM inbox.

[digital_blue]

In your opinion, what are the most critical flaws that exist in locks today?

If we are speaking about entrance door locks (as opposed to automotive) I would tend to say that the largest flaw is the basic design of a pin tumbler lock itself, as it relates to its susceptibility to bumping. I think this represents a large threat to the physical security of many.

What can businesses and homeowners do to make up for the vulnerabilities that exist in locks?

Simple. Have a good, working, monitored alarm system.

In your experience, how common is it for criminals to use sophisticated methods (such as picks) to defeat locks, as opposed to brute force methods?

I don't actually have any professional experience on the matter, but would comment that I have spoken to local police in my area, and have been told that an insignificant percentage of burglaries are performed in an NDE manner.

Do businesses and homeowners consider ANSI or UL security ratings in their lock purchasing decisions, or are factors like price and style dominant?

I sell residential construction and I can tell you that I have never, even once, been asked about the physical security rating of a lock that was being installed. I have, however, been asked numerous times what color the hardware is, and why type of finish it has.

On average, do you consider electronic locks more secure than mechanical locks?

I would say that electronic-only locks (as opposed to keypad locks with a standard cylinder override) are generally more secure, especially those with an audit control. However, since the risk of NDE entry is so minimal in the standard residential/small commercial application, I don't think there is adequate cost benefit to justify their installation unless some other factor is present (such as audit control in a small business environment).

Do you consider US laws for licensing and regulation of locksmiths to be adequate?

I do not work in the locksmith trade, so my comment is that of an "outsider", but I feel that the regulations are adequate.


Cheers.

db

[mcm757207]

In your opinion, what are the most critical flaws that exist in locks today?
Keyway security, I think the fact that pretty much anyone can make a copy of 99% of house keys is a larger issue that pick resistance.

What can businesses and homeowners do to make up for the vulnerabilities that exist in locks?
Purchase restricted keyways with locks such as Medeco.

In your experience, how common is it for criminals to use sophisticated methods (such as picks) to defeat locks, as opposed to brute force methods?
I believe it is very rare, statistically less than 1% of burglaries have no sign of forced entry (excluding unlocked doors/windows), and most of that 1% is most likely that they made a copy of the home owner's key.

Do businesses and homeowners consider ANSI or UL security ratings in their lock purchasing decisions, or are factors like price and style dominant?
Price is usually the most important thing.

On average, do you consider electronic locks more secure than mechanical locks?
Yes.

Do you consider US laws for licensing and regulation of locksmiths to be adequate?
I can't see it changing anytime soon, so sure.

[Exodus5000]

In fact I have a project about security that deals with these very quetions as well. I can make use of these replys.
Thanks all, and topic starter.

[vector40]

Ex, as an ethical matter, it's pretty important that you get permission from the above posters before hijacking their replies for your own uses.

[TOWCH]

It's fine with me if he uses my questions.

[digital_blue]

Aye, ees fine weet me too.

db

[Exodus5000]

Right-o. Sorry for being a bit intrusive. Didn't think much of it, being it was posted in a public forum and all. Hope I havn't stepped on anyones toes then .

[n2oah]

1.In your opinion, what are the most critical flaws that exist in locks today?
There are many flaws in todays security, the most critical being keyway security and resistance against brute force.

2What can businesses and homeowners do to make up for the vulnerabilities that exist in locks?
They can use decent lock, install an alarm system, and check for security flaws all around their house.

3.In your experience, how common is it for criminals to use sophisticated methods (such as picks) to defeat locks, as opposed to brute force methods?
Very few criminals use NDE techniques to defeat locks.

4.Do businesses and homeowners consider ANSI or UL security ratings in their lock purchasing decisions, or are factors like price and style dominant?
Homeowners view locks as all the same, as they do not know how they work and how easily they can be defeated, so security is a lesser over style and finish.

5.On average, do you consider electronic locks more secure than mechanical locks?
Yes, I consider electronic locks safer in most installations. However, you must change the factory combination, because many homeowners do not.

6.Do you consider US laws for licensing and regulation of locksmiths to be adequate?
I have no knowledge of the US laws for licensing locksmiths.

[hzatorsk]

In your opinion, what are the most critical flaws that exist in locks today?

Complacent owners BY FAR! Not changing locks when moving into a new house, failure to use the locks, relying SOLEY on the lock and not an alternative security mechanism (ie: an alarm)

What can businesses and homeowners do to make up for the vulnerabilities that exist in locks?

Change the locks and supplement the lock with an alarm system!

In your experience, how common is it for criminals to use sophisticated methods (such as picks) to defeat locks, as opposed to brute force methods?

I agree with others here. Most burglaries are 'rock through window' type. The lock is not the common target of the entry point.

Do businesses and homeowners consider ANSI or UL security ratings in their lock purchasing decisions, or are factors like price and style dominant?

In my opinion, nobody cares about that stuff... It's the brand in stock at the hardware store or what the locksmith has on his truck when he comes out. Rekeying a lock is cheap. Replacing cylinders and changing brands cost more money.

On average, do you consider electronic locks more secure than mechanical locks?

Because they each have their pro's and con's and solve different problems, I am not sure it is rational to compare the relative security of two different technologies.

Electronic locks CAN be more secure mathematically if you are the only one with the code and audit the lock regularly, but if employee Bob shares the code with Alice... you may not know it. And Alice can get into the safe even after you fire Bob. (But, if she is smart... she won't!)

Restricted keyways can keep Bob from copying a key for Alice, but it won't keep Bob from loaning his key to Alice. You may never know this happened. But, if you fire Bob and get the key back... Alice likely will not have one.

This subject alone is the topic for a great thread...

Do you consider US laws for licensing and regulation of locksmiths to be adequate?

The US does not have any laws regarding locksmiths. Individual state laws vary dramatically from state to state. Some are adequate. Others are not.

[TOWCH]

Thanks for all the replies. Now I won't fail my senior year!

One more question:

Do you believe a situation where non-destructive entry is not plausible, is ideal?

This question is in relation to commercial and residential security.

[TOWCH]

By plausible I ment feasible.

[n2oah]

Do you believe a situation where non-destructive entry is not plausible, is ideal?

Please rephrase, I don't seem to understand that.