Locksport
Locksport
Locksport is the practice of lockpicking as a hobby, usually in a group.
The popularity of locksport has dramatically increased in recent years.
History of Locksport
In 1994, while attending the HOPE security conference, Steffen Wernéry bought his first pick set at a nearby spy shop. Together with Juergen Dreessman he would exchange information, both learning a great deal about lockpicking and the peculiarities of certain locks models. The two would go on to give lectures on lockpicking at the 1996 Computer Chaos Conference. In 1997 the pair founded Sportsfreunde der Sperrtechnik, the first established locksport group, in Hamburg, Germany.
LSI founded in 2005.
TOOOL US founded in 2006.
Legal Issues
Most groups state their unwillingness to associate with or assist unscrupulous individuals. Locksport groups encourage learning and entertainment rather than criminal activity. The level of skill and training required for professional lockpicking is out of the range of all but the most determined thieves, none of which will need locksport groups to achieve their aims.
Industry Impact
Many locksport groups have had a positive impact on the lock industry by disclosing (publicly and privately) vulnerability information to manufacturers. While many locksmith organizations frown upon this practice, disclosure has led to improved designs of many locks and increased consumer awareness of the security risks present in certain locks.
Locksport Competitions
- DEFCON
- HOPE
- Gringo Warrior
- Lockcon
Locksport Groups
United States:
- Locksport International (LSI)
- The Open Organization of Lockpickers (TOOOL)
- The Fraternal Order of Locksport (FOOOL)
Europe:
