4 ms·

Actually, that's an interesting idea for a startup. What if every lock had a serial number (maybe on a scannable QR code?), and the serial number goes through a

Actually, that's an interesting idea for a startup. What if every lock had a serial number (maybe on a scannable QR code?), and the serial number goes through an algorithm and creates a unique key shape from it. That key is provided to the consumer and the TSA can recreate that key by entering said serial number into the proprietary algorithm. You'd need some sort of super-fast-3D printer, but I don't think exceptional accuracy would be necessary. You could even have the keys printed as the bag is working its way through the chute to the officers. Better than the current system... (I don't think this solution is perfect, but it's better than either having your lock broken off, or having your lock be vulnerable to one of 7 known TSA keys.)

gpm 5y ago
I bet that you could make a fancy key with retractable teeth that could be set to any lock bitting. Seems likely to be cheaper (and definitely faster) than manufacturing a new key for every lock.
- thatguy0900 5y ago
  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2K_WgL71Ro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2K_WgL71Ro doesn't need to be a traditional key, really, if you know the bitting
netsharc 5y ago
I'm amazed no one's mentioned blockchain yet, as a solution looking for a problem (and ponzi whale money).
xoa 5y ago
Interesting idea, and even more potentialy practical than you suggest: >You'd need some sort of super-fast-3D printer Nah, just a modern electronic key duplicator. You can find a lot of kiosks and such these days that make use of tools like JMA's Multicode electronic key cutting machine [0]. No need for additive manufacturing here, just have a standard blank and very high precision fast subtractive is mature technology. Would not at all be a big deal to just feed an algorithm generated pattern into it instead of having it scan an existing key. In fact, I don't think the algorithm even necessarily needs to be proprietary or secret here? The specific threat scenario in this case involves those with brief access to the luggage between when you drop it off with the airport for flight and when you retrieve it again at arrival. Key cutting machines aren't exactly pocketable, so the fact that theoretically somebody could go to any kiosk or private machine and make copied keys in practice doesn't mean they can bring a machine into the cargo area and make use of it in real time. And with mass variation of keys and no single master, there is no way for an attacker to just have all the keys needed with them. Even the cost doesn't seem like more than a drop in the bucket on the scale of these things. I don't know if it's actually a significant enough deal to bother with, but if it was this does seem like a potential easy low tech solution. ---- 0: http://www.jmausa.com/productosdetalle.aspx?idproducto=157 http://www.jmausa.com/productosdetalle.aspx?idproducto=157

gpm 5y ago

I bet that you could make a fancy key with retractable teeth that could be set to any lock bitting. Seems likely to be cheaper (and definitely faster) than manufacturing a new key for every lock.

thatguy0900 5y ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2K_WgL71Ro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2K_WgL71Ro doesn't need to be a traditional key, really, if you know the bitting

netsharc 5y ago

I'm amazed no one's mentioned blockchain yet, as a solution looking for a problem (and ponzi whale money).

xoa 5y ago

Interesting idea, and even more potentialy practical than you suggest: >You'd need some sort of super-fast-3D printer Nah, just a modern electronic key duplicator. You can find a lot of kiosks and such these days that make use of tools like JMA's Multicode electronic key cutting machine [0]. No need for additive manufacturing here, just have a standard blank and very high precision fast subtractive is mature technology. Would not at all be a big deal to just feed an algorithm generated pattern into it instead of having it scan an existing key. In fact, I don't think the algorithm even necessarily needs to be proprietary or secret here? The specific threat scenario in this case involves those with brief access to the luggage between when you drop it off with the airport for flight and when you retrieve it again at arrival. Key cutting machines aren't exactly pocketable, so the fact that theoretically somebody could go to any kiosk or private machine and make copied keys in practice doesn't mean they can bring a machine into the cargo area and make use of it in real time. And with mass variation of keys and no single master, there is no way for an attacker to just have all the keys needed with them. Even the cost doesn't seem like more than a drop in the bucket on the scale of these things. I don't know if it's actually a significant enough deal to bother with, but if it was this does seem like a potential easy low tech solution. ---- 0: http://www.jmausa.com/productosdetalle.aspx?idproducto=157 http://www.jmausa.com/productosdetalle.aspx?idproducto=157