By Frank Fourchalk
For those of you who have not heard the term, "Lock Bumping", let me explain. This is a lock picking technique for opening pin tumbler locks (used on most North American homes). This procedure is done by altering a key to gain access to many locks of the same type.
"Lock Bumping", has been around for at least 50 years. German and Dutch Locksmiths have been experimenting with this lock opening technique long before the rest of the world even new about it.
It took a fellow by the name of Klaus Noch to expose the dangers of "Lock Bumping" techniques and alerted the German media around 2003. In 2004 The Organization Of Open Lock Pickers (Toool) learned about it and conducted their own research. This resulted in the first English (whitepaper) report being released in 2005.
The Dutch public learned about it mid 2005 through a NOVA television broadcast. " Lock Bumping", escalated at the world famous "What The Hack" lock picking conference and hit internet sites in 2006.
Should you be aware of lock bumping? Absolutely. Should you panic because you are in danger of having your lock bumped? No! The chances of having your locked bumped are probably no greater than they were before all this hype started.
Statistics show that most break and enters are executed by kicking or shouldering doors. Your first line of defense would be to harden up those target areas by installing door reinforcing hardware along with frame reinforcement strike plates to help combat this type of attack.
Most people tuning into the web for more information on lock bumping are concerned citizens or security professionals. Dark side viewers taking the time to turn out bump keys have probably sourced out other methods or techniques to gain entry into your home. Although there are more reported break-ins showing no signs of forcible entry these days, the numbers are still low.
Unfortunately the web has become a retailer for the underground thief. Measures need to be taken to prevent the internet from broadcasting videos and information that could endanger the safekeeping of our communities.
But take heed, lock bumping may not work on your lock, depending on the kind of lock you have purchased. Most mainstream locks sold to-day have some sort of protection against bumping. Any lock 4 years or older should be evaluated by your local locksmith.
Companies like Mul-T-Lock and Medeco produce high security deadbolts that are virtually bump-resistant. The beauty of installing these types of deadbolts is the keys are patented and controlled by the locksmith dealer who installed them. This prevents a burglar from obtaining a blank for bumping purposes, not to mention keys need to be produced on special machines.
Another alternative would be to install extra deadbolts on your exterior doors with thumb turns on the inside and no key access on the outside. Once these deadbolts are locked, a bumper would be locked out. Of course you would now have to install a high security cylinder in your entry door deadbolt for access.
If you are concerned about lock-bumping, check with your local locksmith. He or she will be able to advise you on the best way to guard against this technique.
