High security locks
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High Security Locks
High security locks are locks that provide increased resistance to compromise. While many vendors market their locks as high security, only those that are given a security rating are considered high security. Most high security locks exhibit certain characteristics that improve their ability to withstand manipulation and forced entry for a given amount of time.
High Security Characteristics
Most high-security locks have many of the following included in their design to increase security. Many of these characterstics are pre-requisites for various security ratings and certifications.
- Restrictive Keyways
- The use of complex and paracentric keyways frustrate attacks by manipulation by making it harder to insert and manuever tools within the lock.
- Key Control
- The ability to control the creation, distribution, and cutting of keys for a given lock can greatly increase the security of the keying system for a given lock. Most high security locks have key bows and warding patterns that are patent protected to prevent unauthorized manufacturing. Keys to high security locks also generally require a specialized key cutting machine to produce high-quality working keys for the lock.
- Key Differs
- High security locks traditionally offer a very high number of real and theoretical key differs to prevent cross keying and allow for complex master keying configurations.
- Anti-Manipulation Components
- Almost all high-security locks have components designed to resist manipulation from lockpicking and decoding attacks. Security pins are the most popular example of anti-manipulation components in pin-tumbler locks. Some locks also have components designed to resist impressioning and key bumping.
- High Manufacturing Tolerances
- Increased concern over the tolerance of components to provide a manipulation-resistant and functional lock accompanies most high-security locks. Increased tolerances also help to increase the number of available component sizes or depths and promote longevity of the lock.
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