The Myths of Security

Chapter 47. Locksmithing

Many offices these days have electronic locks that open with a proximity card. I desperately want these locks for my house, but it’s tough to find a regular locksmith who even knows what you’re talking about, much less how to install them. Everyone with a clue about this stuff is probably focused on installing it in offices.

Someday this technology will make it to the masses. I hope to have one card for all my locks everywhere. Even better, I’d love to skip the card and use my phone. Plus, let me use some sort of computer-based home-automation system to choose who can use which lock, and when. For example, the kids can get into the liquor cabinet, but only when they turn 40, and only on Christmas Eve.

The lack of locksmiths with technology skills is a big issue today, but it’s an issue that time will fix naturally. The biggest problem with the industry is that even the best, most awesome electronic locks need physical keys as backup locks.

It’s a fire code thing. What happens if the power goes out in a building and you have to get through a locked door, but the lock is electronic? Either it needs to unlock when the power is out (which is a huge security hole) or you need to have a backup that doesn’t require electricity.

Physical locks tend to be really easy to pick unless you go for extremely expensive ones. If it weren’t for this pesky power problem, it wouldn’t be cost-effective to have a physical lock anywhere we’re willing to pay for an electronic lock. ...