Lockpicking and Physical Security Awareness at FIT CTU
In 2017, a lecture and hands-on seminar took place at the Faculty of Information Technology, Czech Technical University in Prague (FIT CUT) as part of the Ethical Hacking course. This event was organized by Locksmith.cz in cooperation with the Association of Czech Lockpickers, with the primary goal of raising awareness about physical security among IT students.
The seminar was divided into two parts: theoretical and practical. The theoretical part focused on the fundamentals of lockpicking, explaining different types of locks, tools used for opening them, and the most common non-destructive entry techniques. A key discussion point was the importance of security and how poor physical protection can lead to serious security risks in both IT and physical security domains.
During the practical session, students had the opportunity to try different lockpicking techniques at several workstations. One station allowed them to use an electropick, testing its speed and efficiency. Another focused on bumping, where they could see firsthand how easily certain types of locks can be bypassed using this well-known method. At another station, students practiced single-pin picking, manually manipulating individual pins in a cylinder lock, helping them better understand the inner mechanics of locks.
One of the highlights of the seminar was the demonstration of safe locks and decoders. While students were not allowed to open these high-security locks themselves, they were able to observe how sophisticated decoders function, analyzing and manipulating safe mechanisms without causing damage.
The entire seminar was a great success, providing IT students with a deeper understanding that cybersecurity is not just about software but also involves physical protection of systems and infrastructure. For many, it was an eye-opening experience, showcasing how lockpicking knowledge can contribute to better security and help IT professionals develop more effective protection in both the digital and physical worlds.