Things that go bump...
Following on closely from the concern over the threat posed by the snapping of cylinders, Bruce Bradshaw Business Development Manager for Carl F Petersen Ltd reports that the latest security threat has been identified as 'bumping' cylinders. This is a method of unlocking cylinders which can be done almost silently, and with no visible signs of damage.
"For obvious reasons, we should not enter into the specifics of 'bumping' and it is not appropriate to describe here how it is done: unfortunately, that has been demonstrated already on a number of websites.
The Home Office, Secured by Design and BSI have taken the threat of bumping very seriously. The Kitemark scheme for Enhanced Security Cylinders was launched several weeks ago and BS 3621:2007 has been updated to take into account the potential vulnerabilities of cylinders used in locks. Two main issues have been addressed namely 'snapping' and 'bumping' cylinders and test methods have been included to address both these issues. The same approach has been taken for BS 8621: 2007 and the soon to be published BS 10621. In addition PAS24 is set to be revised and published late November 2007.
In the meantime, several manufacturers have designed cylinders to resist this form of attack and some have already been tested to the new standard.
At Carl F, we have kept a watching brief on developments and we are led to believe that PAS24 licence holders will in future be required to use a Kitemarked cylinder. Once the Kitemark becomes well known, it is anticipated that there will be pressure on all door manufacturers to use a cylinder which resists bumping, and that there may also be demands from house holders to upgrade their cylinders.
While some are suggesting that existing cylinders can be made 'bump resistant' by treating locks with a particular gel, locksmiths we have spoken to have expressed concern about this practice.
Responding to current demands, and in anticipation of future regulations, we are supporting all customers that have PAS24 on their doors and those that are licensed to Secured by Design. We have sourced the KABA GeGe RAM anti-manipulation cylinder and this product will be on the shelf within weeks of the new standard being published. To provide the best possible resistance to attack, these cylinders will be available for use with a number of hardware lines including products from the Carl F range, significantly, the Enhanced Security handle from HOPPE, and the FUHR Multisafe Type 3 lock with hooks."
Bruce Bradshaw, Business Development Manager for Carl F Petersen Ltd
