Illustration by Tetsuta Nagato for Wired.com
Charles Graeber has an excellent pieces(s) in the print and on-line versions of Wired
The gist of this is that Medeco cylinders – which are by all accounts harder to pick than standard lock cylinders – are, given the right technique, vulnerable to picking/bypass in under a minute. Since they’re used in sensitive installations – the White House, DOD, and place likes people’s houses where they’re worried about protecting family and property and paying a premium for it – this is important.
For responders trying to get through doors to aid or evacuate persons inside – and are likely to use more vigorous methods too noisy or destructive for burglars – this may not mean much.
For those charges with protecting houses or installations, it may mean that the money spent on Medeco cylinders is wasted – not to mention the 300 – 400% premiums on having additional keys made.
(and the current print issue on the stands),
- The Ultimate Lock Picker Hacks Pentagon, Beats Corporate Security for Fun and Profit(yes, it has the same title – but this link is to the complete article;
- Medeco’s emailed response to Wired