Locksmithing industry changing- how should I plan?

[77luke]

So I have just recently got a job with a locksmith. I love what I am doing, but I am afraid that 10 years down the road I will be underdeveloped technology wise. With that in mind, what would you guys recommend as the best things to start learning now for the years ahead....low voltage, RFID, computer programming...etc??? Thanks.

[kodierer]

Its wise to learn everything you can about any type of security when your in that field, and otherwise too actually. As far as what your going to have to learn goes, I am suggesting you learn about how secure each type of high tech entry method is against another, and to learn how each one works.
I do not think physical locks will ever completely disappear, but I do think a lot of technology will be incorporated, and with it locksmithing software, and instruction manuals for locksmiths, so that they may work with new technologies as they come out. I doubt you will ever have to learn a computer programming language for necessity of being a locksmith. However learning is beneficial to everyone for a number of reasons, but we can save that for another thread.

[gostone]

I would suggest you might want to learn something about Electronics. More companies are combining card access systems with traditional locks. While I don't believe that locks are going anywhere soon. You will need to understand security, and alarm systems to be able to keep up. Perhaps an electro-mechanical technician course of some type.

[Grudge]

My advice is to concentrate on being able to provide an overall security solution (of which locks are just a part) and creating a maintenance & review contracts with your customers.

For example (true story), locksmith shows up to replace a shot Medeco IC core in an interior door. Nice lock but I know it is an older Medeco that could be bumped (although unlikely because of the restricted key availability) and I know that door can be carded open because the deadlatch plunger falls into the hole in the strike and finally that there is a big gap at the bottom of the door and it easy to open that way too. Lockie replaces the core and leaves.
No help, no advice and LOTS of missed opportunity to sell me upgraded security (and that is just on the door, what about alarms, CCTV, etc?).

What if we had a reasonably priced contract with the 'Security Specialist' (aka locksmith and perhaps other specialists as part of a team) instead. Every year (or 6 months) he/she would come out and adjust our doors to make sure they latch properly, check over our CCTV system and evaluate our general security picture. They might mention that in the last few months a new problem called 'bumping' has come out and our locks are vulnerable but since the keys are patent protected for another few year the risk is low. They might also mention that in our area the police are reporting lower break-ins but more frequent auto thefts and so maybe we should beef up the lighting in the parking lot. Now THAT is what I need (and would be willing to pay for, if I couldn't do it myself) as a business person from my locksmith.

[jordyh]

You speak like a marketeer who has entrepeneurial skills, Grudge.
I like your ideas.

[greyman]

I would also suggest doing an electronics course. One that covers basic circuit theory relevant to locksmiths, like mains voltage wiring (electrician stuff) and low voltage circuits so you can install electric strikes and eletromagnetic locks. Some digital/microprocessors too if you're game - very relevant for transponders and RF wireless links for locks. (I'm an electrical engineer not a lockie, BTW).

[Father Time]

This is a good book to get you started:

http://www.hpcworld.com/Books/b_lc8.htm


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[kodierer]

mark tobias Locks, safes, and security, and bill phillips locksmithing are also good books to give you a start at learning different electronic locking mechanisms

[Father Time]

Something else that you might want to try is getting one of those 200 in 1 electronic project kits like RadioShack sells.

You'll learn a little about basic electronics and have fun doing so. Lots of cool things to play with too.



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[nezumi]

Definitely RFID. Now that the government is officially centering on a few unified systems, we're going to see that technology become much more prevalent. I suspect most places like this will use both locks AND RFID, so you won't be going out of the job, but it'll be better if you know both.

[Father Time]

RFID has been hacked sometime ago. It can now be used to transmit viruses, etc.

Until the security issues are resolved (not possible in my opinion), this technology is on shakey ground. It will always be a plaything of deconstructors.

The current enthusiasm about it is mainly by people who wish to peddle it.

Much like "unpickable" locks. Hahahahahahaha.


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[kodierer]

I'm personally under the impression that infared is the best security. On the more high tech level. Anyone got an opinion?

However bypass methods certainly can be devised for anything, and they are often very simple.
Take for example my pace of work. They use RFID cards to get in the door. The lever handle stays locked, but you can push the door open for a few seconds. Also you can open the door from the inside without worrying about the card.

I already know how this door can be easily bypassed, and I'm sure many of you do also. There is no need to be able to hack the technology end if you can manipulate is physical devices.

[77luke]

Take for example my pace of work. They use RFID cards to get in the door. The lever handle stays locked, but you can push the door open for a few seconds. Also you can open the door from the inside without worrying about the card.

I already know how this door can be easily bypassed, and I'm sure many of you do also. There is no need to be able to hack the technology end if you can manipulate is physical devices.

Thanks for the input guys....keep it coming. I was interested a lot in electronics when I was younger- but then the math scared me away.

About these doors using the RFID cards.....sorry if this is not allowed- but how (besides slipping something under the door and pulling the inside lever down) could you get around it?

[Grudge]

I'm personally under the impression that infared is the best security. On the more high tech level. Anyone got an opinion?

If you mean transmitting an unlock code via infrared, then I have to disagree. You can 'sniff' infrared very easily and the protocols used are often generic, 'TV remote' style protocols which are easy to figure out. The Palm PDA is a good starter unit for programmable IR hacking and it has been used to brute force a IR padlock.

[Grudge]

About these doors using the RFID cards.....sorry if this is not allowed- but how (besides slipping something under the door and pulling the inside lever down) could you get around it?

Most RFID cards simply send back a radio signal that consists of a fixed series of pulses that represent that card's ID. All you have to do is 'listen' nearby when this happens to pick up the card's ID and then play it back to the reader to pretend you have the card. Also nothing prevents you from building a card reader device that can activate & read any card you get close to (just ride a crowded elevator and scam some card number). If fact, you don't even have to be very close if you have a large enough antenna to pick up the signals.

So, in effect, most RFID cards are simply passwords written down in invisible ink (radio waves). That old 'security by obscurity' raises it's head once again.