Robotic Kiosk Stores Digital Copies of Physical Keys 192
An anonymous reader writes "The New York Daily News reports that a startup company in Manhattan is putting robotic key copying machines in 7-Eleven stores. The machines can automatically create physical copies of common apartment and office keys. What's more interesting is that they allow users to save digital copies of their keys, which can later be created when the original is lost or the user is locked out of their home."
Re:It could work securely (Score:5, Informative)
This type of scanning key cutting machine has been around for ages - the storing of the key bitting is new.
In general, this type of machine designed for public use, is only loaded with blanks for "unrestricted" keys.
"Do not duplicate" keys are not protected by just being labelled, they are physically a different shape (often with patented curves and bends), and genuine blanks can only be bought by registered locksmiths who have signed an agreement with the manufacturer not to duplicate keys without proof that the customer is authorised to duplicate that key.
Manufacturers do cut off supply to locksmiths that engage in unauthorized duplication (if they find out). Similarly, the manufacturers will use patent laws to block sale of 3rd party key blanks.
You can still get unauthorized copies made, but it's more difficult. The higher end manufacturers part-key the key blanks to a locksmith's unique code (using difficult to copy modifications - e.g. holes drilled to a specific depth along the length of the key, or curves engraved on the side of the key); a locksmith can only obtain blanks to duplicate keys that he himself sold, making it much easier to trace unauthorized duplication.
IAALS (Score:3, Informative)
I Am A LockSmith. The fastest and easiest way to get a bump resistant lock is add one or two tried and tested bump resistant pins. The variety Masterlock came up with does not work. T-pins work well. Dramatically different spring strengths or top pin weights will stop bumping. All three of those methods cost pennies.
As for the Abloy's of the world, well- they have a problem. Great fun for picking enthusiasts. A good way to kill free time. As for opening them- it takes less time than a Schlage with some spools:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj4myR2XlWc
This is what professionals use. There really is nothing short of a vault door that cannot be opened in seconds. Personally, if you are willing to put the money into a Protec2, you really should consider putting ballistic film on your windows and replacing your door frames with steel. They are on the same level. You can't just increase the strength of one link on a chain and call it good.