Key Bumping is something we have been hearing about a lot lately. It is certainly not a new method, but with all the new hype and the internets assistance, new life has been given to it. First off, is it true, is there such a thing? Yes. Is it as easy and fast as depicted in the videos and articles? Yes. Is it something you really need to worry about? Yes, it is. The thought of someone with no real training or experience being able to enter a lock that quickly is more than a bit frightening. It does take a specially cut key, but this can be made from any already cut key. Most people would have a bit of difficulty coming up with that, it takes a key machine or some accurate filing, but it is hardly an insurmountable problem. After arriving at the specially cut key, it only takes a bit of practice whacking away to open most common pin tumbler locks. I had no trouble quickly cutting and succesfully using this on my first few attempts.

   So what is the practical course of action if you decide to do something to protect yourself against this potential threat? As many high security companies are eager to tell you, their product is the answer. Many high security products do help prevent if not flat out defeat this method. For one thing, simply having a restricted keyway that prevents the key blanks from being obtained is a help. The additional features built into many high security cylinders also are effective at defeating a bumping attack. If you are simply willing to spend the extra money on a better quality high security lock or cylinder, you can pretty much take care of the potential threat. Once a would be thief with this entry method in mind takes a look at a high security lock, he is going to move on to the apartment or house with the home hardware store junk on the door. This threat will hopefully steer more people away from buying cheaper stuff. As I have said before, your front door and your home and family security is no place to cheap out. Simply spending the extra money and caring a little more takes care of this issue.