Safe as houses
Written for Glass and Glazing Products January 2008 hardware feature.
Carl F Petersen reports on how the hardware industry is responding to recent concerns, fuelled by national press and Internet coverage, regarding security. The subjects of 'bumping' and 'snapping' are specifically addressed as these issues have provoked widespread apprehension in both the residential and commercial sectors.
Louise Lai, Carl F's Marketing Manager provides the following observations:
"At the time of writing this article, a google search on 'lock bumping' produced over two million links to sites ranging from factual advice and product news to disturbing YouTube entries and mass media reports that make even the most robust viewer nervous. Sitting side by side on the Internet are numerous lock bumping 'demonstrations' and headline reports of reader experiences with educational advisory articles.
In fact, concerns regarding bumping are so widespread that it has its own wikipedia definition that summarises it as 'a lock picking technique for opening a pin tumbler lock using a specially-crafted bump key. One bump key will work for all locks of the same type.'
Perhaps less controversial but equally significant as a security concern is the issue of cylinder snapping. Here the google entries are not as emotive, but national press publicity including an article in the Daily Mail in 2006 prompted widespread apprehension. And, at the time of writing I found just under two million google links on the subject of snapping cylinders.
Recognising the importance of the issues of 'bumping' and 'snapping', regulatory bodies and security organisations have taken prompt action. A Kitemark scheme for Enhanced Security Cylinders has been introduced and BS 3621:2007 and BS 8621:2007 have been updated to address the potential vulnerabilities resulting from these forms of attack.
The Kitemark scheme runs under BS EN 1303:2005 which has been recently updated and to qualify for approval, the product must be tested by selected members of the Master Locksmith's Association (MLA).
PAS24 has already been amended to address the issue of snapping to include provision to attack the cylinder and surrounding hardware using a set of specified tools in an attempt to gain entry. A further update is anticipated during December 2007 which will require the cylinder to be Kitemarked, and therefore to have been successfully tested by the MLA.
But what action should be taken by hardware suppliers who, some might argue, simply respond to market demand? The distributor can in fact play a significant and influential role. A proactive stance should be taken to keep up-to-date with legislatory developments as this ensures that customer queries can be effectively answered and suitable products sourced. The distributor can also play a key part liaising with manufacturers acting as a channel to provide input regarding the needs of the market. Additionally, the supplier should always be one step ahead of the game, anticipating future regulations and requirements to ensure appropriate products are identified.
With regard to bumping, Carl F report that the latest product in the Carl F hardware range, the KABA GeGe RAM Anti-manipulation cylinder, is the first to be awarded the Kitemark in the enhanced BS EN 1303:2005.
To address snapping, a number of companies have attempted to strengthen the actual cylinder. The alternative solution, and the route taken by Carl F, is to offer the HOPPE Enhanced Security handle - designed and engineered to resist attack and protect the cylinder."
Latest security lines from Carl F
Carl F Petersen Ltd has distributed hardware in the UK for almost twenty years and taken a proactive stance in a campaign for added-value, quality fittings. A range of over 1,500 products includes the HOPPE Enhanced Security Handle that addresses the issue of 'snapping'. With a solid extruded aluminium backplate through-fixed with larger than normal (M6) hardened steel screws and an integral cylinder guard, the product has proven successful in PAS24 testing and has been awarded the Secured by Design licence. The handle is available from Carl F in a variety of finishes, with options of lever/lever and lever/pad from stock.
Addressing the issue of bumping, Carl F have chosen the KABA GeGe RAM Anti-manipulation cylinder. To maximise the range of product options which in turn ensure the best possible resistance to attack, these cylinders will be available for use with a number of hardware lines stocked by Carl F including the Enhanced Security Handle from HOPPE and FUHR's Multisafe Type 3 lock with hooks.
