Doing some Googling, it appears this has been known for over a year, but it’s only now that Newsweek has picked it up that it’s really getting play. Here’s the link to the white paper that outlines how to make bump keys.
The three frightening things about this are 1) the keys are ridiculously simple to make, 2) almost all standard keyed locks are vulnerable, the more expensive, the easier to open, 3) insurance companies probably won’t pay burglary claims because using the bump key leaves no trace of entry. Triple cripes!
About a year ago I actually made a bunch of these “bump” keys. It’s actually not as easy to do this as the Toool guys demonstrate. I’m not actually a burgular, but was investigating the “vulnerability” of certain key systems.
Sometimes you get “lucky” and it works easy with one tap, and sometimes you have a tough time with it, even with the “Home Depot” grade lock.
Anyway, unless you are VERY good at the technique, it could make a lot of noise while tapping at the “bump” key. And it DOES leave a little dent in the top of the keyway. It’s still more stealthy to “pick” a lock.
A few other points:
1. It’s much easier to open a door with a brick.
2. Burgulars don’t care about your insurance situation so will not go to this effort to open your door.
The big issue is more so in Europe where the insurance laws are different from the US. In the US most insurance companies will reimburse you for your loss.
All of even the most sophisticated locking systems have vulnerabilities. You would be surprised at how easy it is to get into most “card key” systems.
The best defenses are alarm systems, surveilance systems or dogs.
@ #21
Agree with pretty much everything you said.. There are a few errors in there though. In the video demonstration What The Bump they tell how to make it so no marks are left. It’s quite easy too: Just use a piece of hot glue around the shoulder – no more marks.
And also, if you have a key that’s actually made properly then there is no “luck” about it. It just works. I think http://www.bumpkeyforum.com has links to the videos \ guides.
My best defense is still the shot gun i have in my closet
I know I am behind the times and this is old news. I only saw the bump key videos yesterday and am not worried…
It won’t be long before every kid in my street knows how to make these bump keys. But will they all make them? NO. Who will use them? The same kids who are breaking into houses right now without bump keys but using screwdrivers, bricks etc. Personally, If I am going to be burgled, I’d rather they use a bump key than a brick through the window. They should show those vidoes in prisons so next time I get burgled I don’t have to sweep up the broken glass or replace the lock barrel on my door etc.
In the meantime someone is going to make a fortune inventing a cheap alternative secure lock system for doors (perhaps they’ve already invented it and are waiting for the bump key hysteria to hit before promoting it).
Insurance companies are probably going to increase their premiums because now that knowledge about bump keys is in the public domain they will probably have to pay out on claims where there is no evidence of forced entry.
numerous blissfully ignorant responses provided, thanks for nothing… Does anyone out there have an intelligent answer to the question “Is there any way to protect your home from the use of a bump key? Instructions please!?!?!” I don’t care to hear about dogs, baseball bats guns, insurance, police, kicking someone’s A$*, etc… I’d like a resonable and economical solution, if one exists. Thank you.