3D Printed Keys Make a Mockery of Security

I don’t really like covering the whole 3D printed guns fiasco. The whole thing seems to be begging for a knee-jerk reaction from lawmakers and is based more on fear than an actual threat. Low tech guns have been around for a while, and that’s pretty much the status of 3D printed guns.

No, if I’m going to cover the less than savory uses additive manufacturing (AM) has been put to, I’d much rather look at less dangerous aspects. Like printing keys, for example. A group of MIT students have developed a method to replicate high security keys using a 3D printer.

The Primus key lock and key system from Schlage was intended to be difficult to reproduce, down to the, “Do Not Duplicate” warning embedded in every key. Each key features a double row of teeth, something your neighborhood hardware store can’t copy, as part of the design. Schlage lists government agencies, detention centers, and banks among the customers that use Primus keys for security.

Probably much to Schlage’s displeasure, MIT students David Lawrence and Eric Van Albert have developed a bit of code that allows anyone with access to a 3D printer to reproduce these super security keys. Access might not even be that much of a deterrent here. To test their work, the duo sent designs off to the likes of Shapeways and Materialise, and promptly received duplicate keys in a variety of materials, including titanium and nylon.

It is important to note that the program doesn’t produce a Primus skeleton key. You still need a reference to reproduce a key. That can often be easily accomplished with a camera or someone with inside access.

Lawrence and Van Albert say they didn’t create the program to embarrass Schlage, or to make it easier for thieves to gain access to high security areas. They claim what they’ve done is highlight a problem with mechanical locks in a digital age. The duo suggests if companies want the best security, moving to a keycard or biometric system might be the best solution.

Below you’ll find a video that demonstrates a working 3D printed lock and key.

Source: Forbes