Re: RFID Flap Silences Security Researchers

[Frank Olson <Use-the-email-links@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Robert L Bass wrote:
>> What's troubling about RFID entry systems
>> is the reduction in physical effort necessary
>> to compromise a wide range of facilities.
>> For example, a thief can get key blanks quite
>> easily, but carrying enough of them to allow
>> easy entry becomes problem.  Size, noise
>> and likelihood of drawing suspicion make it
>> impractical...
>
> There's another reason that thieves don't go
> around toting key blanks.  They don't open
> anything.
>
>> I'm sure there's an argument to be made
>> about how many/few combinations are
>> actually needed, or that there are various
>> types of 'more secure' key blanks.  That's
>> not the point...
>
> Actually, it is part of the point.  Suppose a
> lock has six tumblers, each of which can
> have six positions.  The thief will need to
> carry nearly 7,800 keys and then try them
> one at a time on a lock of the same make
> until he gets in.  He'd spend almost as
> much time trying out keys as he would in
> jail after the policeman walked up.  :^)

Actually, making a "bump key" for the more common locks wouldn't require
carrying around a "wad" of 'em at all.  There used to be a video on how
to make one online, but I lost the URL.

The only way to properly secure your home is with a properly installed
perimeter security system and some higher quality lock-sets.  It
wouldn't hurt to physically "harden" the common entry points either.  It
really doesn't matter how you "slice it" in the end however, if someone
wants "in" bad enough they'll get in.  What you want is for them to make
lots of noise and spend some time doing it.  "Exposure" increases the
chances they're going to get caught.