http://www.newstalk.com/player/shows/The_Pat_Kenny_Show/13240/15162/22nd_December_2014_-_The_Pat_Kenny_Show_Part_3

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Some keys are commonly referred to as “restricted keys” and are promoted and sold to end users as “can only be copied by authorisation or with a card”. This is not the case as nearly all keys can be copied or engineered by modern technology even if patent protected.  Many key blanks are protected by patent law and it is illegal to copy them if not using the lawful key blank. Although it is illegal to copy a patented key, the fact is that it is done quite frequently by reshaping key blanks or using spurious key blanks.

The only people who can control or take issue with this practice are the manufacturers by issuing a letter of cessation or legal proceedings against the blank manufacturer or key cutter. However, by the time it takes to do this, the damage has been done and the key system and end user have been compromised.  The supplier (locksmith) of the key system now has to deal with an irate and concerned customer and the possible replacement of the key system or face legal action.

Where does that leave an end user who wants reassurance that their keys cannot be copied without their knowledge? This is where the locksmith or key supplier should be proficient and recommend key systems which are difficult to duplicate. The lock manufacturer and distributor in turn should not promote an easy copy able key as high security to their customers as nearly all mechanical keys can be duplicated or machined to work. 3D printers and milling machines (such as the Bosch Easi-Entrie or the Keyking) are more affordable and are readily available. Realistically keys with electronic components or movable mechanisms within the key blank offer the best protection.

Key systems protected by patent alone do not provide total key security and should never be sold as such. Making a statement like “This key can only be copied on production of a card” can bring you into a court of law defending an action by a customer whose security was compromised. It is up to the supplier of a security key system to be aware of the potential dangers in specifying.

It is the responsibility of all locksmiths to advise manufacturers if any key systems are being compromised. It is then the responsibility of the manufacturer to take the appropriate action.

By the locksmiths and manufacturers working together, there is a better chance of eradicating the problem. It is in the best interest of the end user, locksmith and manufacturer to do so.

Key systems like Locxis provide a much higher level of key protection.

It is patented until 2030 and it has 10 different size interactive pins within the key blank.

The different size pins make it extremely difficult to manufacture an alternative key blank to suit.

It also lessens the opportunities for using genuine key blanks to copy a key for a specific system.

*Locxis Duplication Card & the features of the High Security Keys

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Security Safes

Security safes can be underfloor, wall fitted, or free standing which is the most common. Free standing safes are available in many different sizes, depending on the requirements and the volume capacity that you require to secure all your valuables. Safes are graded for insurance purposes for securing cash and valuables (notably jewellery). The higher the grade – the more you are covered for in the event of theft or fire.

Grade                Cash Cover             Valuables Cover

0                        €10,000                     €100,000

1                        €17,000                     €170,000

2                        €29,000                     €290,000

3                        €58,000                     €580,000

4                        €100,000                   €1,000,000

5                        €158,000                   €1,580,000

6                        €220,000                   €2,200,000

Security safes have different types of locking mechanisms:

High Security Key Locking – Requires a key to open

Combination Locking – Mechanical keyless opening

Digital Electronic Locking – keyless locking with audit trail

Dual Key /Combination Locking – Double security opening

Time Lock – Lock will only open at a pre set time

Time Delay Lock – Safe will only open at a set time after the lock is opened

There are different means of depositing and securing money and valuables especially for commercial applications which have different requirements for staff usage and for those where it is impractical to give keys out.

Deposit Chute – Deposit cash / keys without opening the safe

Envelope Slot – Deposit documents without opening the safe

Rotary Trap – Deposit large items without opening the safe

Coffer – Internal secure compartment within the safe for management use only.

Free Standing Safes are made of very heavy material and should be bolted to the floor to provide a very high level of protection. High security safes have added protection against drilling and explosive attacks.

Fire Resistant safes and cabinets

Fire Proof Safes, Cabinets and Cupboards although not as secure as security safes are designed to offer higher protection against fire and smoke damage. These are more suitable for the protection of documents, files and data discs. They offer protection from 30 minutes upwards and are regulated by grading standards similar to security safes.

Fire protection is offered for small data safes and large filing cabinets. Fire safes can be secured by key, combination and digital locking depending on the requirement.

When choosing or specifying the most suitable safe, you might need to ask the following questions

• What do you need to protect? Cash , Valuables or Data
• Do you need security, fire resistance or both?
• How much space do you have available?

Security Safes for cash or valuables

• What value needs to be protected?
• Is fire resistance needed as well?
• Does the safe need bolting down?
• Lock Option – Key or electronic?

Fire Resistant Safes for paper & data

• Which is most suitable – a safe, cupboard or filing cabinet?
• Are you securing paper or data discs?
• How many fire hours resistance is needed?
• How much storage space is required inside the safe?
• Lock Option – Key or electronic

Always check with the insurer to make sure they approve of your choice of safe! For sales and further information visit http://safesdirect2u.ie/

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3D is a new technology that will revolutionise many industries including the locksmith and security industries.  3D printing is probably the biggest technological advance since The Internet. 3D printers can produce an item once scanned. Although plastic is the most common material used now, there are some 3D printers copying with steel and titanium and this will become more common. 3D printers don’t mill but build up an exact replica of what is scanned to the exact specification using a special formulating fluid that hardens.

Much like the way a regular printer uses toner cartridges. In 5 years’ time most homes will have a 3D printer as they currently cost around £800 but are expected to drop dramatically in price making them affordable for most households to create any object like a plate, a doll or even for Key Cutting!

By scanning  keys with a smartphone, an image can be uploaded  to a 3D printer to produce a copy of a key when required.

Probably the only keys secure from this technology will be those with floating pins or electronic chips as nearly all other keys will be replicated exactly by a scanner and copied to the nearest micrometre

Already a company in New York is advertising an app to download a copy of your key. If you are locked out, you simply go to a local store and they will print you off a new key for $15.

What does this mean

1) DIY Key Cutting – Homeowners locked out may be able to download a copy of their key and print it off on their neighbours 3D home printer.

2) Many restricted and patented security lock systems will be compromised by taking a digital photograph on their smart phone to print off a master key.

3) Keys can be copied without the owner being aware. Employees will be able to copy master keys or safe keys, Any key left down could be scanned and copied without the owner being aware of it. Scary !!!

Now is the time to start thinking and planning ahead as to how this will affect you and your security.

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Electronic cylinders give the same benefits as hard wired access control systems
1) Option to delete lost or stolen keys without changing the lock
2) Time and day zoned for restricting users
3) Audit trail facilities
4) On Line programming.
Modern technology and research & development now allow optimum use and durability for these products. Nearly all lock manufacturers now incorporate electronic cylinders in their product range. The cylinders can operate by card, fob or a transponder key.
The application range is increasing all the time with
1) New type locking cylinders
1) Lockers locks for Health Clubs, Universities, Hospitals etc
2) Wall readers which can be incorporated for car park gates, lifts, cashless vending etc.
The advantage of the transponder key is that one key can operate an electric lock or reader on the main door etc but can then operate individual mechanical locks or padlocks on individual offices or utility doors in the building.
There are many companies (such as Simons Voss / Salto) that supply fob operated door handles and digital cylinder which operate with a card or proximity fob only. These however do not have the same capabilities as the companies that have key transponder technology as well as cards and fobs (such as Kaba / AssaAbloy / Keso)
The advantages of Electronic Cylinders / Handles over standard hard wired access control systems
The electronic cylinders replace the standard euro cylinder found in most lock cases.
There is minimum labour costs as there is no wiring back to power supply units
Many cylinders can be networked together without extensive wiring.
Keys / Fobs / Cards can be programmed individually or programme linked into a PC.
Transponder keys are more secure with combined mechanical and electronic security.
Electronic cylinders / handles can easily be transferred to new doors if required.

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