Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Duplicating Your Housekeys, From a Distance

Posted by timothy on from the keep-your-key-up-your-sleeve dept.

Roland Piquepaille writes "Some clever computer scientists at UC San Diego (UCSD) have developed a software that can perform key duplication with just a picture of the key — taken from up to 200 feet. One of the researchers said 'we built our key duplication software system to show people that their keys are not inherently secret.' He added that on sites like Flickr, you can find many photos of people's keys that can be used to easily make duplicates. Apparently, some people are blurring 'numbers on their credit cards and driver's licenses before putting those photos on-line,' but not their keys. This software project is quite interesting, but don't be too afraid. I don't think that many of you put a photo of their keys online — with their addresses." I wonder when I'll be able to order more ordinary duplicate keys by emailing in a couple of photos.

9 of 287 comments (clear)

  1. wow by EncryptedSoldier · · Score: 5, Funny

    looks like hiding your key in that rock was a good idea after all :)

  2. People put photos of their keys online? by hcdejong · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The mind boggles.

  3. As the saying goes... by cjfs · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Locks are to keep honest people out.

  4. Eyeballing my Cadillac by pigiron · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I locked my Cadillac once and left my keys lying on the drivers seat. The locksmith successfully cut a new door key by hand just by looking at the key through the window.

  5. A boon for swingers! by Mr.+Firewall · · Score: 5, Funny

    Remember the old days when swingers used to have "key parties?"

    For the young and innocent who have never been exposed to such debauchery -- they would get together and throw all the mens' motel room keys in a hat. Then the ladies would pick them out of the hat and go to that key's room....

    Well, now the possibilities for adultfriendfinder dot com have just been expanded... Just post a picture of your key and wait for your new friends to show up!

    --
    In times of universal deceit, telling the truth gets you modded -1 Troll
  6. Re:Interesting but pointless by JohnnyLocust · · Score: 5, Interesting

    There's a story from 2005 about a locksmith who made a copy of a key from an x-ray of some poor guy who somehow swallowed his key:

    http://www.boingboing.net/2005/06/25/locksmith-makes-key-.html

    --
    Havoc Video
  7. I'll believe it when I see it. by ProppaT · · Score: 5, Funny

    I can't even get those chumps at home depot to give me a copy that works when they're using the original, much less a photograph.

    --
    Wise men say, "Forgiveness is divine, but never pay full price for late pizza."
  8. Re:Interesting but pointless by JayAitch · · Score: 5, Funny

    But, of course, why bother having a particularly secure lock, when your all-metal steel-bolted door is right next to a 6 foot plate-glass bay window?

    For some new houses use a utility knife cut thru the vinyl siding, foam sheeting, and kick thru the drywall for easy access.

  9. Who needs keys by Cthefuture · · Score: 5, Funny

    The best antitheft device on my car is the manual transmission. ;)

    --
    The ratio of people to cake is too big