Hackers crack high-tech locks

"These locks might be winning awards but they are forgetting the basics," Tobias said while giving AFP a first-hand look at how to crack several models. "They might be clever, but they aren't secure."

A Biolock model 333 designed to scan fingerprints and unlock for chosen people was opened by simply pushing a paper clip into a key slot.

An Amsec ES1014 digital safe was breached by sliding a flat metal file folder hangar through through a crack at the edge of the door and pressing an interior button allowing the access code to be reset.

Tobias grew passionate when it came to an award-winning electromagnetic lock made in China for Finland-based iLoq.

The innovative iLoq used the action of a key being pushed into the lock to generate power for electronics that then checked data in a chip on the key to determine whether the user is cleared for access.

Tobias and lock-cracking colleague Tobias Bluzmanis pointed out that the iLoq design counted on a small hook being tripped to reset the devices as a key was removed.

In what they referred to as a viable inside attack possible on locks geared for office settings, someone could borrow a key and shave tiny bit of metal from the tip and it would no longer catch the iLoq reset hook.

A pocket-sized tool available in US stores for about 60 dollars could be used to grind down the hook in seconds, the men demonstrated.

With either method, the result would be that once a valid key is used to open the iLoq it will yield to any key or even a screw driver stuck in the slot because it remains stuck in the unlocked position.

An audit trail left by a compromised iLoq would stop at the person whose key legitimately opened the lock.

"It is really clever, but it is also very defective," said Tobias, a longtime advocate for tougher standards in the lock industry.

"Electromechanical locks are more secure if done right. The question is whether the technology is implemented properly."

The security.org crew opened a Kwikset programmable "smartkey" lock with a key blank, a screw driver and a vice grip tool.

Tobias and his team consistently show up at the annual DefCon gathering in Las Vegas to pop locks with wires, magnets, air, shock, screw drivers and other improvised tools.

Their presentation this year was met with hoots and applause.

Lock-picking holds a natural appeal to hackers, who thrive on bending hardware or software to their wills.

(c) 2010 AFP