Key Control: Difference between revisions

From Lockwiki
Jump to navigationJump to search
(Corrections, mostly formatting and expansion)
Line 1: Line 1:
= Key Control =
= Key Control =
Various mechanisms are in existence to stop keys from being duplicated. The most common include "DNC" (Do not Copy) and Restricted Keyways that are generally protected by law.
 
'''Key control''' is the ability to control the distribution, duplication, and privilege level of [[key]]s in a given keying system. The main focus of key control is protecting the bitting information of keys, limiting the availability of key blanks, and restricting methods of key duplication, even by legitimate users of the keying system.


__TOC__
__TOC__


== Key distribution ==
Add to me!
== Key duplication ==
The ability to duplicate a key for a given system hinders the ability of the keying system to account for working keys and is a major problem for key control. High security locks will provide keys that are mechanically difficult to duplicate without the assistance of special key cutting equipment. Modern key cutting equipment for high security locks will also have secondary measures to prevent arbitrary key bittings from being cut, usually through the use of [[security card]]s or an electronic database of customers and their keys.
=== Do Not Duplicate ===
Many keys are stamped with "Do Not Copy" (DNC) or "Do Not Duplicate" (DND) to prevent locksmiths from duplicating the key. This warning is rarely backed with legal ramifications and many locksmiths and key duplication centers will duplicate these keys provided they have the proper key blanks.
=== Restricted Key Profiles ===
Using a non-standard or custom key profile (the pattern of warding) can provide some measure of key control. Many key profiles are patent protected to prevent them from being manufactured by third parties, making obtaining key blanks more difficult. Many [[locksmith]] associations provide members with access to restricted keyways, making key duplication without authorization difficult.
This feature does not prevent a medium to high skill attacker from machining their own key blanks or simulated keys. Several professional machines exist to create key blanks of arbitrary keys either using a working key or a photograph of the key profile. The most notable of these machines is the [[Easy Entrie]].


== Do Not Copy (DNC) ==
=== Key Cards ===
Many keys are stamped with "DNC" to deter duplication of the key, however many hardware stores, shops that provide a key cutting service and even some locksmiths will copy the keys, as there are no laws in place to prevent duplication. Do Not Copy keys are seen as more of a deterrent to stop people from getting the keys copied, but more recently it's become apparent that most places that provide key duplication will duplicate DNC stamped keys without having the customer on file as owning the lock.


== Restricted Keyways ==
''See [[Security card]]s''
Many larger institutions employ use of Restricted Keyways to prevent key duplication. The [[plug]] and the key blanks are often protected by a patent to prevent blanks from being created, however some restricted keyways rely on "Security through Obscurity" in the hope that key blanks and plugs will not be manufactured by anyone else.


Most Locksmith associations such as the Master Locksmith Association of Australia (MLAA) provide it's members with access to restricted keyways and plugs, making key duplication without authorization difficult. However Restricted Keyways can be recreated through custom - created keys. Keys can be created using nothing but a Hacksaw blade and a tension wrench.
== See also ==
* [[Key]]
* [[Security card]]
* [[Locksmithing]]


== Key Cards ==
[[Category:Keys]]
Often Restricted Keyways and even some DNC keys are protected by use of a "Key Card" (not to be confused with RFID smart card systems sometimes referred to as "Keycards") that is intended to be presented before a key can be duplicated. The card is generally made by the lock manufacturer and includes info on the Keyway and the key bitings.Systems such as [[BiLock]] and [[Abloy]] locks employ key cards to prevent key duplication. However generally anyone with the key card can have duplicates made, meaning the card must be kept secure.

Revision as of 23:30, 28 September 2011

Key Control

Key control is the ability to control the distribution, duplication, and privilege level of keys in a given keying system. The main focus of key control is protecting the bitting information of keys, limiting the availability of key blanks, and restricting methods of key duplication, even by legitimate users of the keying system.

Key distribution

Add to me!

Key duplication

The ability to duplicate a key for a given system hinders the ability of the keying system to account for working keys and is a major problem for key control. High security locks will provide keys that are mechanically difficult to duplicate without the assistance of special key cutting equipment. Modern key cutting equipment for high security locks will also have secondary measures to prevent arbitrary key bittings from being cut, usually through the use of security cards or an electronic database of customers and their keys.

Do Not Duplicate

Many keys are stamped with "Do Not Copy" (DNC) or "Do Not Duplicate" (DND) to prevent locksmiths from duplicating the key. This warning is rarely backed with legal ramifications and many locksmiths and key duplication centers will duplicate these keys provided they have the proper key blanks.

Restricted Key Profiles

Using a non-standard or custom key profile (the pattern of warding) can provide some measure of key control. Many key profiles are patent protected to prevent them from being manufactured by third parties, making obtaining key blanks more difficult. Many locksmith associations provide members with access to restricted keyways, making key duplication without authorization difficult.

This feature does not prevent a medium to high skill attacker from machining their own key blanks or simulated keys. Several professional machines exist to create key blanks of arbitrary keys either using a working key or a photograph of the key profile. The most notable of these machines is the Easy Entrie.

Key Cards

See Security cards

See also

Retrieved from "https://www.lockwiki.com/index.php?title=Key_Control&oldid=5390"