Unauthorised Access: Physical Penetration Testing For IT Security Teams

5.2. Introduction to Lock Picking

With the preamble out of the way, we can get down to business. First I discuss the equipment you will need to get started. Virtually all of the equipment that I use for picking is made by Southern Ordinance (or SouthOrd). (See Figure 5.7.) You can view their full range of products at www.southord.com and these are available from resellers worldwide. You will need the following:

• A standard pin tumbler lock – Buy one from your local hardware store. Avoid terms such as 'pick resistant' and 'pick proof'. These locks contain additional security features that will only complicate matters for a beginner although you look at these in due course. (See Figure 5.8.)

  Figure 5.7. SouthOrd's 32 piece set contains everything you need to pick pin tumbler locks.

  

  Figure 5.8. A cheap mass produced pin tumbler lock is ideal for the beginner.

  

• A set of lock picks – You don't need to spend a lot of money. A simple set with a few picks and a couple of torque wrenches will be fine. I tend to opt for the larger sets but that's because I have a habit of breaking them rather than because they give a greater range of technique.

• A practice lock – This is not an absolute requirement but is very useful for the beginner as you can see the effect you are having on the pins which ...