USB Electronic Key Impressioner Sidesteps the Locksmith
USB Electronic Key Impressioner Sidesteps the Locksmith
Posted 02/08/2010 at 2:52pm
| by Bart Salisbury
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If you live by the sword, there’s a good chance you’ll die by the sword. So it goes with technology. Once introduced, regardless of how beneficent the intent, there’s always a dark side to be explored, and no shortage of people willing to find out what that dark side holds.
In this case the dark side is really obvious. Alternative Production Solutions (APS) is working on an Electronic Key Impressioner (EKI). The EKI eliminates the “tedious job of manual lock impressioning". Instead, this USB device “electronically maps the inside of a lock” and provides a key code within a matter of seconds. With a key code in hand it’s a simple matter for a locksmith to cut a working key. Whatever was locked becomes unlocked.
The EKI is designed for use on wafter tumbler locks--the type that keep your house secure, and your older model car protected when left unattended. APS says the EKI will only be available to locksmiths and “authorized security professionals”, but, given the way the world seems to work, that’s not a comforting assurance.
Image Credit: Alternative Production Solutions
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esampson
September 07, 2010 at 10:27am
It sounds like this little device could make life a lot easier for many people including locksmiths. However I agree that it's not very reassuring that only locksmiths and professionals will be able to get this device. We all know that where there's a will there's a way and I bet it's not long before this devices falls in the hands of the wrong people and our safes aren't quite as safe as we thought they were.
pauls
May 12, 2010 at 3:41pm
Pretty cool little device for lock smiths there are competitions each year where locksmiths go and enthusiasts to pick extremely difficult locks as well as try out new tools like this. I finally got my fireproof home safes open after losing the keys
Trooper_One
February 09, 2010 at 12:25pm
Like any good security, a combination/layers of security is best security.
Yes, use your typical tumbler bolt and lock. But remember to add an alarm system and safekeep your important stuff. Add another layer of biometric security if needed.
There's no one best system that can replace another - it's a matter of combining the various technology out there.
bigm0ney13
February 09, 2010 at 6:29am
Time for me to upgrade to a biometric lock... or would that invite the savvier crooks to my door??
compro01
February 09, 2010 at 7:16am
Most biometric locks are worse. You leave your fingerprints EVERYWHERE. One could probably pull the fingerprints off the door handle itself!
And unlike a lock and key, changing your fingerprints is generally not very feasible.
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