TSA Approved Lock Master Keys Compromised
Sep 11, 2015, 6:23 pm
#16
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3
I have seen many pictures of TSA approved locks which have been cut off with bolt cutters. Makes me question the need for them in the first place given the cost difference.
I personally don't bother with locks any more due to this reason, but use a zip tie to close the case. If they need access, they can cut it open, and with the zip tie on there, it stops the case opening easily.
But of course, if you have a soft side case, put a pen in towards the teeth of the zip, press firm and you have your zip open, without issue and of course, run the zip back over again and it closes even although it's locked. Secure?
I personally don't bother with locks any more due to this reason, but use a zip tie to close the case. If they need access, they can cut it open, and with the zip tie on there, it stops the case opening easily.
But of course, if you have a soft side case, put a pen in towards the teeth of the zip, press firm and you have your zip open, without issue and of course, run the zip back over again and it closes even although it's locked. Secure?
Sep 11, 2015, 9:10 pm
#17
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
Programs: Southwest Rapid Rewards. Tha... that's about it.
Posts: 4,332
I'm shocked - SHOCKED - that TSA locks are less than 100% secure!
I use 'em to keep the zippers closed on my bag. I don't use zip ties, because if the zip tie is cut off, it's not replaced by anything, and there's nothing to keep the zippers closed. But at least with the cheesy TSA lock, they'll put the lock back on when they're done running their disgusting blue-gloved hands through my underwear.
I am under no illusion that they provide any sort of protection against thievery.
I use 'em to keep the zippers closed on my bag. I don't use zip ties, because if the zip tie is cut off, it's not replaced by anything, and there's nothing to keep the zippers closed. But at least with the cheesy TSA lock, they'll put the lock back on when they're done running their disgusting blue-gloved hands through my underwear.
I am under no illusion that they provide any sort of protection against thievery.
Sep 12, 2015, 2:45 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
Exactly. Ripping a zipper open isn't terribly hard. Slashing the bag is even easier if it's a softside. And if they really want the bag they'll take the whole thing anyway and won't bother to try and unlock it. That's always been the case. If a thief wants something, they will find a way to take it.
I use locks to more or less keep the bag from popping open or accidentally being ripped open, much as Randyk47 said.
I use locks to more or less keep the bag from popping open or accidentally being ripped open, much as Randyk47 said.
Sep 12, 2015, 10:26 pm
#19
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,594
About a year ago I had a rack full of electronics that had 4 locks that I needed to open to get to, but the keys hadn't been sent with the rack. I pulled out my keys, and just tried everything vaguely the right size-- I have several keys for small padlocks and cheap locker locks. I managed to get 3 of the 4 locks open with random keys from my pocket. Cheap locks aren't picky about what key you use.
Sep 12, 2015, 10:33 pm
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,594
I do agree that they serve a very small security purpose, because sometimes the small amount of extra time, or the obviousness that it's being done, is enough to be a deterrent. But mostly they keep your bag from unzipping by accident.
Sep 13, 2015, 3:55 pm
#22
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Posts: 38,410
Readers at a security blog I read have already pointed out an easy trick for opening via the zipper, even if locked, and then reclosing. There are demonstrations on Youtube.
I do agree that they serve a very small security purpose, because sometimes the small amount of extra time, or the obviousness that it's being done, is enough to be a deterrent. But mostly they keep your bag from unzipping by accident.
I do agree that they serve a very small security purpose, because sometimes the small amount of extra time, or the obviousness that it's being done, is enough to be a deterrent. But mostly they keep your bag from unzipping by accident.
I figure it's enough of a deterrent that they'll go on to the next bag. So far our only losses to date have been to a hungry TSA agent.
Sep 13, 2015, 11:30 pm
#23
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SYD (perenially), GVA (not in a long time)
Programs: QF PS, EK-Gold, Security Theatre Critic
Posts: 6,781
There has been discussion here over the years, including posts by people who (claim to) work for the TSA, that the master keys (meant to be) used by TSA at the airport baggage check area go missing on a regular basis. Or are "borrowed" by airline baggage handlers and not returned. Or...
Since then I've used a padlock with a short steel cable, with the lock through the two zipper pulls and the cable around one of the suitcase handles, so that the locked pair of zipper pulls can't be run back-and-forth to reclose the bag. So far so good.
Sep 14, 2015, 7:54 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: DFW
Posts: 28,099
We all know that TSA Approved locks offered little real security but that was the only choice TSA gave travelers. Now TSA has voided even that tiny bit of baggage security and given the poor track record of TSA and airline employees the flying public is even less secure thanks to TSA.
Sep 17, 2015, 8:18 am
#25
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 416
We all know that TSA Approved locks offered little real security but that was the only choice TSA gave travelers. Now TSA has voided even that tiny bit of baggage security and given the poor track record of TSA and airline employees the flying public is even less secure thanks to TSA.
People need to write to their senator, DHS, etc about this, something needs to be done, something that can't easily be foiled
Sep 17, 2015, 8:22 am
#26
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: WAS
Programs: enjoyed being warm spit for a few years on CO/UA but now nothing :(
Posts: 2,505
Jul 24, 2016, 5:09 am
#27
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: next to HAM
Programs: LH M+M
Posts: 960
The next producer of TSA locks has been "compromised", this time not by leaking information but by a design that allowed to deduct a master key by observing several bought locks.
Findings about this "Safe Skies" locks have been published on the 11th "HOPE" hackers conference in NYC - including 3D print.
http://www.csoonline.com/article/309...e-designs.html
Findings about this "Safe Skies" locks have been published on the 11th "HOPE" hackers conference in NYC - including 3D print.
http://www.csoonline.com/article/309...e-designs.html