HOW TO READ LOCK SECURITY CERTIFICATIONS: Simply and Without Technical Jargon
Why Lock Certifications Matter
Choosing a lock today is not just about looks or price. In an era where methods of breaking into buildings have evolved alongside lock technologies, it’s crucial to know what to look for. Security certifications are like a map — they show how well a lock is prepared to protect your property. A certification isn’t just a bureaucratic stamp for manufacturers. It’s proof that the product has passed real-world resistance tests. And while at first glance, the world of standards and labels may seem complicated, it really isn’t. Once you understand a few basic principles, you can easily tell the difference between real protection and marketing promises.
What Does a Lock Certification Actually Mean?
When a lock has a certification, it means it has been tested according to established standards.
Tests assess factors such as:
- Resistance to picking (manipulation with tools),
- Resistance to bumping (quick opening using specially designed keys),
- Resistance to drilling (attempts to destroy the lock mechanism with a drill),
- Mechanical durability (how many locking/unlocking cycles the lock can withstand),
- Key combination variety (reducing the chance that another key could accidentally open your lock).
It’s crucial to distinguish a real certification from pure marketing. Real certifications are based on international or national standards (such as EN 1303, EN 12320, or ČSN) and require independent laboratory testing. Unfortunately, some manufacturers create their own internal rating systems. It’s common to see products — especially from lesser-known or anonymous brands — marked with something like “Security Level 6/10,” made up by the manufacturer. Such a label has no official value — it’s purely a visual trick intended to make the product look more credible. Technically, the manufacturer may not be lying (because they created their own scale), but from a security perspective, it is meaningless. This is why it’s important not only to look for certifications but to know how to read them correctly.
The Most Common Standards and What They Mean
If you want to know whether a lock is genuinely secure, check which standard it was tested against:
- EN 1303 – the European standard for cylinder locks (the internal mechanism of door locks). It assesses resistance to picking, bumping, drilling, mechanical durability, and the number of possible key combinations.
- EN 12320 – the European standard for padlocks. It tests resistance to cutting, prying, striking, and drilling.
- ČSN (Czech National Standards) – localized adaptations of European standards for products sold in the Czech Republic.
Each standard assigns a security grade, typically on a scale of 1 to 6, where a higher number means better resistance. For example, if a manufacturer states EN 1303 Grade 6, it means the lock has passed the highest level of testing under that standard.
How to Read a Label or Certificate Easily
When you look at a lock’s packaging or certificate, you usually find several key pieces of information. Here’s what they mean:
- Resistance to Picking – the higher the rating, the harder it is to open the lock using lockpicking tools. Picking is a quiet method that mimics the correct alignment of pins without using a proper key.
- Resistance to Bumping – bumping involves using a specially cut key and a quick strike to unlock the lock by jarring its pins into alignment. Higher resistance means stronger internal components that can withstand this technique.
- Resistance to Drilling – an attacker may attempt to drill out the cylinder and defeat the lock mechanism. Higher drill resistance means reinforced elements (like hardened steel pins or protective plates) that slow down or block such attempts.
- Key Combination Variety – the more key combinations possible, the lower the chance that someone else’s key could accidentally open your lock. High-quality cylinders have millions of possible key combinations.
- Security Grade – a general summary of the lock’s resistance against these different types of attacks.
Simple Rule:
The higher the grade, the longer and harder it will be to defeat the lock — and the more likely it will deter common criminals.
What to Watch Out For When Choosing a Lock
When choosing a lock, don’t just trust labels like “super secure” or “high-security.” Focus on:
- Checking for real certifications — whether a proper standard (EN 1303, EN 12320, ČSN) and security grade are clearly stated.
- Being wary of products with “internal” or “self-declared” ratings that are not based on recognized standards.
- Verifying the manufacturer — reputable brands like EVVA, Mul-T-Lock, Abus, or CISA always provide transparent certification details and reference independent testing.
If a manufacturer mentions only vague claims like “meets highest standards” without specifics, that should be a warning sign.
Certification as a Map to Better Protection
Understanding lock certifications doesn’t require years of technical study. It’s enough to grasp the basic ideas: what attacks the lock is designed to resist, how robust it is, and how the security grade is determined. Choosing the right lock is like choosing the right guide through difficult terrain. A good certificate will lead you home safely. A bad choice may leave you stranded outside without protection. Whether you’re choosing a lock for your house, apartment, business, or garage, remember: Certification isn’t a meaningless piece of paper. It’s a sign of respect for your safety.