Ziptide, August 2015

Aug. 3, 2015

No More Keys?

Editor’s Note: The following letter is in response to Technical Editor Jerry Levine’s recent blog, “No More Keys?” Read the blog at www.locksmithledger.com/12063536

No more keys? Isn’t that a nice idea! Get into your house with a few clicks on a smart phone. It certainly is convenient. If only it was secure. When I have a key-operated lock and I have the key, I know that I lost it or maybe it was stolen. Then I change the key.

If I use an electronic entry and somebody hacks it, I no longer have the exclusivity that a physical key provides, and I don’t know that I have lost that exclusivity. The electronic entry systems are not hacker-proof.

The smart phone entry and other electronic access is a fad. When the public discovers that it’s not as secure as they are probably used to taking for granted, the physical key will return or remain as the preferred means of access, at least until government allows hacker-proof electronic security. We aren’t there yet and it’s not imminent.

If hacker-proof electronic communication, including security, was ever to be allowed, the Jihadis would find a way to have it too. If anything, they will have it before we do. Government has technology to violate surreptitiously everything that is electronic.

Since security is more important than convenience, the physical key will be the more desired way to secure a family and their possessions. High security locks have a bright future.

John T. Dunn III, CML, CPS

Subscribe To ENewsletters

Want monthly updates delivered right into your Inbox? Subscribe to Locksmith Ledger’s four monthly enewsletters.

  • Our issue promo enewsletter gives readers an online preview of each new issue.
  • ProductWatch showcases the newest products being marketed to locksmiths.
  • EventWatch notifies are readers of upcoming trade shows and educational opportunities.
  • Notes from the Editor is a timely, interesting monthly report from Editor-In-Chief Gale Johnson.

Just visit http://www.locksmithledger.com/reg/newsletter/display, select the newsletters you would like to receive, and type in your email address, and soon these monthly updates will arrive in your Inbox.

Questions? Try Our Online Forums

Got a challenging question about a recent installation? Our online discussion forums might just have the answer you need. 

Post your questions at http://forums.locksmithledger.com/ and see if your colleagues or our editors can provide an answer.  Forum topics include Ask An Expert (moderated by editor in chief Gale Johnson), General Locksmithing, Electronic Access Control, Safe Servicing and Automotive Locksmithing. 

Send Your Letters

The editors of Locksmith Ledger welcome reader input. Share your comments and suggestions on any of our articles or general industry trends and topics.

Our mailing address is Ziptide, Locksmith Ledger, 3030 Salt Creek Lane, Suite 200, Arlington Heights, IL 60005. Letters can also be faxed to 866-827-8020 or E-mailed to [email protected]