Do Not Duplicate: High Security and Restricted Keyways

High-security lock and key, as well as restricted keyways, are both effective next-level steps toward securing your property. Often conflated, high-security hardware and restricted keyways are, in fact, two distinct (though not mutually exclusive) traits. Both contribute to increased security and are features that are available both independently and in combination.

The high-security designation relates to tamper resistance. This is a UL rating attesting to the hardware's resistance to counter-security measures such as picking, bumping, and drilling. Restricted keyways are patent-protected. The key blanks are often exclusively available from your locksmith, who will keep an official record of authorized representatives who are permitted to duplicate keys. The authorized personnel must show a valid ID and must be listed on the record for the requested key to be cut. This is designed to eliminate unauthorized duplication of keys within your system.

Key Mapping is a great step toward effective access control. Keep current records on all existing keys. Keys can be stamped with a specific number or code upon request. Noting this information in your key map ensures you know who holds a key, and which key they hold. If an employee is found accessing an area they should not, or found holding a key they should not possess, you will know who is responsible for granting that access.

Combining a high-security lock with restricting the duplication of keys goes a long way toward ensuring your facility is secured against unauthorized access.

Greatest Vulnerability:

The greatest vulnerability in any lock system is the employees. This fact may not surprise you, but the methods might. It is critical to know the ways employees create vulnerabilities to understand how to close the gaps in your facility's security.

Physical Interference:

Propping open doors that should require authorization is incredibly common. Regularly check doors that should be secured to identify and correct the security breach. Often employees will employ this workaround when your system is not working correctly. Ensure issues with keys and hardware are being addressed in a timely manner to help avoid this issue.

Shared entry:

It feels rude to close a door on someone attempting to gain access behind you, but training your staff to put employee and facility security first is critical. Even if the person attempting to enter subsequently is a recognized employee, they have no way of knowing another person's employment status. By behaving according to social norms, they may be granting access to a recently terminated disgruntled person. A well-enforced single entry access plan is critical to barring unauthorized access.

Timely alterations:

Put strict procedures in place around employee turnover. Key recovery, updating your key map, and updating authorized signers should be a core part of the turnover procedure. Having these plans in place can guard against security breaches and avoid costly rekeying needs.

Key Point Roundup:

Combining high-security hardware, restricted keyways, key mapping, proper maintenance, established procedures, and employee training are key ingredients to securing your facility. These factors work in concert, and neglecting any one of these factors can negate efforts put forth into the others. Create your plan, educate the staff on this plan, and enforce proper implementation. Should you have questions about establishing a solid approach, The Lock Shop is here to help.