Can 3-D Printed Robots Defeat Your Combination Locks?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the security of combination locks in light of advancements in technology, particularly focusing on a 3-D printed robot capable of picking locks quickly. Participants explore the implications of this technology on personal security and share anecdotes related to lock-picking techniques and experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express concern over the effectiveness of combination locks against new hacking devices, referencing a specific Arduino-based robot that can crack certain locks in 30 seconds.
  • Others draw parallels between this technology and existing methods of hacking, such as techniques used on iPhones, suggesting that similar vulnerabilities exist in combination locks.
  • Participants mention traditional lock-picking techniques, such as the combination disc trick, indicating that these methods have been known for a long time and are still relevant.
  • Some anecdotes highlight the practical realities of lock security, with one participant recounting an experience involving a GSA approved safe that had been compromised, emphasizing that many locks may serve more as a deterrent than a true security measure.
  • There is a discussion about the balance between finesse and speed in lock-picking, with references to Richard Feynman's methods, suggesting that different situations may call for different approaches.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the effectiveness of combination locks versus new hacking technologies. Multiple viewpoints are presented regarding the security of locks, the relevance of traditional techniques, and the implications of technological advancements.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions include anecdotal evidence and personal experiences that may not represent broader trends in security technology. The effectiveness of various lock-picking methods and the security of specific lock types remain unresolved.

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This is like the iPhone hacking device. It tries a combo and if it fails immediately shuts off the phone and repeats the process. Shutting the phone down prevents it from locking out the hack after a limited number of tries.

The attack is effective on the four digit passcode not the full password option which most people don't use.

So basically your iPhone isn't safe and locked in your locker it's not safe either.
 
The combination disc trick is as old as Moses for cracking locks. I usually have a master key just to save time with those types of locks.
5755_1280114257.jpg


Locksmithing was an approved school for the GI bill. :wink:
 
nsaspook said:
The combination disc trick is as old as Moses for cracking locks. I usually have a master key just to save time with those types of locks.
5755_1280114257.jpg


Locksmithing was an approved school for the GI bill. :wink:
No finesse whatever. Feynman picked locks with finesse.
 
zoobyshoe said:
No finesse whatever. Feynman picked locks with finesse.

There's a time to finesse and there's a time to get the job done quickly. Most locks and safes are mainly for show. We had a GSA approved safe for some very sensitive material. The thing had a big hole in the side covered up with a magnetic clip-board to hide where we drilled it when one of the officers lost the combo, after the inspection we ordered a new safe.
 
nsaspook said:
There's a time to finesse and there's a time to get the job done quickly. Most locks and safes are mainly for show. We had a GSA approved safe for some very sensitive material. The thing had a big hole in the side covered up with a magnetic clip-board to hide where we drilled it when one of the officers lost the combo, after the inspection we ordered a new safe.
Great story! Make sure to include that in your autobiography, "Surely You're Joking, Mr nsaspook!"
 
zoobyshoe said:
Great story! Make sure to include that in your autobiography, "Surely You're Joking, Mr nsaspook!"

There was never any loss of security to the most sensitive material, the safe inside the safe (the material inside was under two man control) was still good and I knew the combo for that one. The stuff under the first lock was just regular TS (SIOP-ESI).
Antique%20safe%20inside%20a%20safe%206.jpe
 
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nsaspook said:
There was never any loss of security to the most sensitive material, the safe inside the safe (the material inside was under two man control) was still good and I knew the combo for that one. The stuff under the first lock was just regular TS (SIOP-ESI).
Antique%20safe%20inside%20a%20safe%206.jpe
Oh I see! A double layer of protection. I didn't know they made safes like that.