3D printed lock and key

3D printed keys | Kaspersky Blog

Hackers are different. For some reason, many of them like to hack not only virtual computer systems, but also quite material objects, such as offices and houses. It is logical that such hackers have to work hard with locks and locking systems. Not surprisingly, at specialized conferences like DEFCON or Chaos Communication Congress, competitions are regularly held to see who has the best master key.

At the 32C3 conference in Hamburg, University of Colorado professor Eric Wurstow gave a talk on the use of 3D printers in the difficult task of counterfeiting cylinder lock keys used in most locking systems.

Before the advent of 3D printers, it was not so easy to make a copy of a key: an experienced metal carver or a specialist with experience in setting up and programming specialized machines would have coped with such a task. In addition to qualified personnel, a burglar would need a suitable blank and, most importantly, the original or at least a cast of the key. With the advent of 3D scanning and printing technology, copies have become much easier and even cheaper.

There are at least three ways to use 3D technology to make a fake.

First, it's enough to take a picture of the original key with a high-resolution camera and turn the picture into a 3D model. It is enough to print a valid copy. In addition, modern telephoto lenses are so good that you can really take a suitable picture from afar.

The second method is called bumping. The burglar prints a special bumping key, inserts it into the lock and lightly taps it with a hammer. From the impact, the pins in the lock are thrown up. With due skill, the burglar turns the bumping key at the right moment and opens the lock. 3D printed plastic keys are even better for bumping than regular metal blanks, as the plastic is not as noisy, transfers shock better and reduces the risk of damage to the lock. And, of course, printing a key is easier than filing a metal blank by hand.

The third way is probably the most interesting. It allows you to crack the master key system itself, so Wurstow called it "Privilege Elevation" by analogy with the computer hacking technique of the same name. The master key system is based on the popular practice of producing locks that are compatible with two different keys at the same time. Manufacturers supply locks with two sets of pins - for ordinary keys and for the master key, respectively. Typically, a master key will fit multiple locks in the same business, as they contain the same extra set of pins.

The problem is that not all sets of pins are completely different from each other. If a burglar has a regular key for a similar lock, he can scan it, create a 3D model and print many keys with a modified set of grooves. Sooner or later one of the keys will fit.

So, one by one, a burglar can modify the grooves - and as a result, he will receive a master key that fits all doors. In this case, 3D printing will come in especially handy - this method requires many approaches, and each approach requires a new, modified key.

Of course, not every printer can print a normal key. Depending on the media selected, copies may come out too fragile or too soft. But there are printers that work with materials suitable for this. In addition, if home 3D printers print mostly plastic figures, you can always contact a special service where 3D printers can work with copper, steel, or even titanium alloy.

It is worth noting that the keys printed on a 3D printer are not a theoretical problem at all. It has long been possible to find both key forgery software and 3D printers on the market. The most notorious master key incident was the leak of images containing images of TSA master keys, which the US Transportation Security Administration uses to unlock locks on travel suitcases. The craftsmen made a fuss and quickly published 3D models based on these pictures on the Web, so now anyone can print out the cherished key to your luggage.

REVEALED: TSA has a master key for your luggage and people are making copies @BI_Video http://t.co/P5bod70zUK pic.twitter.com/oZ9jspPXqB

— Business Insider (@businessinsider) September 11, 2015

So how can you protect yourself and your property? From our point of view, it is most obvious to draw a parallel with passwords, which, in fact, are digital analogues of keys. We offer you a few simple rules, which, of course, will not provide you with 100% protection, but it will make access to your apartment so difficult that a burglar will most likely prefer to look for an easier victim.

Very useful topic: how to use passwords - 10 simple rules: https://t.co/RtQTf2Mm7T pic.twitter.com/XP6vrwJShJ

— Kaspersky Lab (@Kaspersky_ru) December 21, 2015

1. Do not use "simple" keys, just like simple passwords. An ordinary cylinder lock is almost as insecure as the password "123456" and "masha1975". If you are concerned about security, install a comprehensive door lock system.

2. Use an analogue of "two-factor authentication". Two different types of locks will be much more effective than one.

3. Don't compromise your "password", that is, try not to get the keys to the apartment in front of the cameras and, of course, do not publish their photos online. Even a bad photo is enough to create a working 3D model, and with it a copy.

4. The master key is a kind of "backdoor", a loophole to your office. Do not install such locks in rooms where security is important.

5. A professional security solution never hurts: the alarm will protect you from the most persistent burglars and thieves.

Tips

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Key to all doors 3D printed

Continuation of the story from

News August 28, 2014

News August 28, 2014

Maria Ilyushina

Rusbase Editor, World and Trends departments [email protected]

Maria Ilyushina

Maria Ilyushina

Craftsmen and lockpicking experts Jos Weyers and Christian Holler have developed a master key that can open any standard door lock in a minute.

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