locks with codes on housing?

[locksmurf]

Hi, I've got a question: does anyone know of locks that have a (coded) keycode alongside or on top of the housing of the lock?
As an example, I've seen mul-t-locks with a code alongside it, but I think it's just a modelno or something.
[edit]

Why I ask: It got me thinking about possible (mostly electrochemical) ways to read such a code with a shim, but I don't want to waste time on the idea when there are no such locks to begin with.


[edit-dead link-unlisted]

[tballard]

The image hosting site used by the poster above is NSFW.

(And to answer his question, the codes are usually "blinded" meaning that you might be able to read the code as "A43GY2" but that code isn't derived from a formula, but rather is a one-time pad entry which has to be looked up in a book)

[l0ckp1cker]

What's wrong with the image?

here it is:

[tballard]

It's the hosting site, not the image itself. Click on the image and "adult" pop-ups appear.

[locksmurf]

(Hmm, the site lets you select 'safe for work' for the picture you upload, and then does'nt care enough to adjust the advertisements... I'll do what l0ckp1cker did next time)

On the coding thing; if it's a '1 lock = 1 code, and only the manufacturer knows' thing, then it's safe, but if it's in 'key blank software' or books accessible to locksmiths, then I consider it vulnerable. I vaguely remember reading about a lock with discs that had such a code on the backside of one of the discs. If there are locks that have that on their housing, I see a challenge in proving how vulnerable that is, but perhaps such locks don't exist, and I can forget about it.

[locksmurf]

(((Oh, found the thing about the discs: they where individually stamped http://koti.mbnet.fi/einstein/lp101/ObtainingAbusPlusKeyCode.pdf)))

[unlisted]

(((Oh, found the thing about the discs: they where individually stamped http://koti.mbnet.fi/einstein/lp101/ObtainingAbusPlusKeyCode.pdf)))

Heh, that is by one of our own members.

I'm pretty close to moving this to advanced, as it talks about impressioning/decoding/bypassing and other advanced goodies...

Lets try to get back on topic about just the codes written on the side of locks.

[scorche]

While they *can* have something to do with the bitting of a lock, on a high security lock, they are usually meant for other things. They are typically just a unique number that may match the lock to a certain key card, or something else that is meant to identify the lock to its owner, a locksmith, or the factory. Here is a snippet from the SecuritySnobs website that also says something about one such purpose:

Engraving / Stamping

Some customers wanted additional protection against advanced drilling and grinding attacks, because of this we now offer an engraving/stamping service. This allows for cylinders to be engraved with a unique custom serial number for added protection. It ensures your lock cannot be easily replaced without your knowledge, for example from advanced drilling or grinding attack. If at any point you are unsure if your lock is original you can check to ensure the serial number is still in place.

[locksmurf]

Thanks scorche, that's a very solid answer there. Well, that explains some pictures I saw that got me the idea in the first place. Unless someone seen something else somewhere, I say: too bad, cause I really wanted to trial some high security... one day, though... one day...

[raimundo]

American padlocks have a mysterious three letter code that appears to be unique on each lock, (I could be wrong) but to add insecurity, they print the numeric values of the bitting on the original keys.

These are very good padlocks if the user remembers to make copies of the keys for employee or trusted use, while always holding back the originals from actual use, except in emergencies or for making copies of the first generation.

Remember, your trusted person does not have to go bad, to cause insecurity, he only has to leave the keys where someone with a pen/pda could copy/photograph the numbers.
Well if someones going to photograph the keys, hes going to be difficult to defeat.