Lock Bumping

| Interesting video downloads | Frequently asked questions |

Bumping has been identified as a new threat in ‘break and enter' crimes. Lock manufactures are grappling with ways to minimize its effectiveness or eliminate it.

Bumping for the uninitiated is the technique of opening a regular, pin-tumbler lock by using a specially modified key. Bumping can be used to open most locks currently available in Australia quickly, without leaving any evidence of damage.

Linus Yale patented the pin tumbler lock in 1861, which gave affordable security to the masses. This simple design has remained at the forefront of lock security up to present; however the internet has been its undoing. The first published details, including tutorials showing how to compromise the humble pin tumbler lock, appeared back in 2004. Since this time numerous sites and articles have been posted.

In a perfect world the manufactures would have solved this flaw before the problem became public. I do not believe the break and enter statistics will increase as result of bumping; only the criminals ‘targets' will change. As with any security threat the more you do to prevent it the less likely you will affected by it. Multiple locks, alarms etc will certainly deter you from becoming a victim of a bumping break and enter. However the only way the threat your locks being bumped can be 100% eliminated, is by replacing your locks with ‘bump-proof locks' such as EVVA.

Locksmiths are custodians of information they keep safe to ensure the protection both of people and property. New tools and techniques are presented every day that can eat away at the foundations of our society's security when they fall into the hands of the dishonest. The colour printer and scanner has been a boon for the counterfeiters and a thorn for those who seek to protect unauthorised copying.

The bumping technique once possessed by those who wish to master it, has the potential to have very negative ramifications, any criminal armed with this skill will also be able to gain entry to almost any pin tumbler style of lock.

In Australia, the majority of pin tumbler locks use less than 30 different key profiles (the shape of the key). Even “restricted” pin tumbler locks are vulnerable as many distributors do not record adequate details when a sale is made however a restricted profile locks is more secure than the standard Lockwood or C4 keyway as it is known in the locksmithing industry.

A very interesting download is:
8 year old girl Bumping Lockwood Lock Cylinder (00:15). This can demonstrate just how easy it is to bump open a lock.

Media Attention by USA TV Stations. This will require you to have Windows Media Player 9+

I am forced to counter the 'bumping' website out of legal obligation to my clients and can only advise them to talk to us about upgrading their locks to locks which do not have this vulnerability.

Frequently asked questions and answers:

Q: How hard is it to obtain keys, tools and equipment to make bump keys?
A: All equipment is currently available over the internet.

Q: What locks sold in Australia are bump-proof?
A: The following locks are bump-proof:

: EVVA - High quality Austrian locks since 1918
: BiLock locks - High quality Australian locks since 1986
: Abloy disc locks - High quality Finish locks ( Now owners of Lockwood)
: Medico - High quality American locks
: Old style mortice locks

Q: What else can be done to stop a 'bump' attack?
A: Repining your locks using a formulated pin configuration has shown to reduce vulnerability. Additionally increased security for example, an alarm, CCTV cameras etc.

Q: Are bump proof locks also pick proof?
A: Generally, yes.

Q: How much more expensive are bump proof cylinders?
A: In general they cost about $70 per cylinder (provided the lock can accept the new cylinder) .

Q: Who is going to be at the most risk from "Bumping"
A: I believe that small to large business, schools and institutions will be the primary targets and finally domestic dwellings.

Q: Some people have told me not to worry about bumping. Should I ignore the bumping issue?
A: Certainly the most important priority is to practice good general security. Some people are happy with a regular lock on their front door; some desire the superior security of a dead lock or other high-tech style of lock, others add to their physical security by complimenting it with a monitored alarm. The bottom line is that the information on bumping is out there - it's your choice to be prepared or to ignore it. The degree of your security is your personal decision completely.