Asociace českých lockpickerů

AI IN SECURITY: When Algorithms Guard Our Locks Artificial intelligence is no longer just a buzzword of the future. It’s here—and it’s actively reshaping the landscape of physical security. From intelligent surveillance systems to predictive analytics and biometric access, AI is becoming a new guardian in the world of locks, doors, and digital safety. But is it truly a revolution, or just another tool in a growing arsenal? As we shift toward automation and intelligent systems, AI opens a new chapter in the evolution of protection. It promises to detect threats faster, learn from behavior, and adapt dynamically. Yet with [...]

THE SAFETY TRAP: When Security Measures Turn Against You Security measures are designed to protect property, people, and data. In an ideal world, they function smoothly, discreetly, and effectively. But in reality, these very elements of protection can sometimes cause more harm than good. Whether due to design flaws, human error, technological failures, or simple oversight, this phenomenon is known as a safety trap—a paradox in which the system meant to secure becomes the source of risk. Electronic Locks as Barriers to Rescue Digital locks are increasingly popular in homes and businesses for their convenience, control, and remote access features. [...]

MECHANOSCOPY REVISITED: When the Lock Speaks In our first article, we introduced the core principles of mechanoscopy—a forensic method capable of revealing which tool was used in an attempted break-in based on tiny marks left on locks or fittings. This time, we’re revisiting the topic—not to repeat familiar definitions, but to explore how these traces appear in real-world practice, how they are analyzed, and where their evidential power lies. Mechanoscopy is the work of quiet investigation. While some evidence is visible at first glance, the marks left by a tension wrench, screwdriver, or cutting disc often hide in mere fractions of [...]

WHEN LOCKS FAIL: Real Cases Where Technology Wasn’t Enough We often see a lock as the ultimate barrier between safety and danger—a symbol of security and our trust in the systems that protect us. But sometimes, it’s the lock itself—or the broader security system—that fails. And when it does, there’s usually no time for second chances. This article explores five key areas where security systems break down: product flaws, human error, technological failure, bypass vulnerabilities, and poor design. Each section includes real cases and lessons that can make a difference. Manufacturing Defects: When the Lock Fails on Its [...]

SECURING BASEMENTS, GARAGES, AND WINDOWS: Weak Spots Burglars Love Burglars don’t seek challenges. They seek weaknesses. And those are often not found at the front door, but in less obvious parts of the house – in the basement, garage, or windows. These areas are frequently overlooked, underestimated, and secured only symbolically. Yet they often conceal not only valuable items, but also a potential entry point. Home security isn’t just about a strong front door lock. It’s about mindset – being able to think like an intruder and analyze where your vulnerabilities lie. The basement, garage, and windows are not [...]

LOVE LOCKS: Romance on the Railings or a Security Problem? They appear suddenly, quietly, and with good intentions. A couple in love hangs a padlock on a bridge, railing, or gate, often with initials or a date. They throw the key into the river as a symbol of eternal love. This trend, known as “love locks,” has become a global phenomenon — from Paris to Prague. But behind this romantic gesture hides a less poetic reality. Locks add weight to structures, damage historical architecture, and in some cases, pose a real safety risk. What began as an innocent ritual has become [...]

CYBERSECURITY AT HOME: When Physical Protection Meets Digital Threats Home security has transformed dramatically in the last decade. What once meant a sturdy door, a quality lock, and perhaps a security camera now includes smart homes, digital access systems, voice assistants, and a range of connected devices. While these innovations offer unprecedented convenience and control, they also introduce new vulnerabilities. The moment our homes go online, they become potential targets—not just physically, but digitally. Many people believe that cybersecurity is a concern for banks, corporations, or tech companies. But the reality is simpler—and scarier. If you have a [...]

FORENSIC LOCK ANALYSIS: When a Lock Tells the Story of Forced Entry A lock is often seen as a silent guardian—protecting spaces, valuables, and our sense of security. But when it’s forcibly breached, it leaves behind a trail of physical evidence. This is where forensic lock analysis, also known as mechanoscopy, comes into play—a forensic method focused on analyzing traces of forced entry into locks, safes, or secure enclosures. While intruders hope to leave no trace, an expert can read even the smallest impressions, scratches, or deformations to tell the story of what happened. Mechanoscopy is precise, systematic, and rooted in [...]

WHEN THE DOG UNLOCKS THE DOOR: Security Systems for Furry Family Members In an age where homes are getting smarter and technology more intuitive, even our pets are becoming part of the digital ecosystem. It’s no longer surprising to see RFID chips in collars, doors opening for pets via remote control, or smart devices monitoring the movements of our animal companions. Pets have become part of the family—and with that comes a need to rethink how security systems interact with them. RFID Collars and Pet Access Many smart pet doors today use RFID technology. The collar [...]

BIOMETRIC LOCKS: Is Your Fingerprint Really a Safe Key? Biometric locks have become a regular part of modern life. We use them to unlock our phones, enter office buildings, or even secure our homes. They promise convenience, speed, and a new level of protection. No more keys or cards—your body becomes the key. But while you can replace a key, you can’t replace your fingerprint or your face. And once these identifiers are compromised, there’s no going back. Biometrics unlock not only doors, but also a new set of questions—about privacy, data misuse, and the illusion of perfect security. How Biometrics [...]

SECURITY AUDIT WITH YOUR OWN EYES: How to Tell If Your Home Is an Easy Target We lock our doors, install cameras, or hide our valuables. But do we really know how secure our home is? What seems safe to us might appear inviting to an experienced intruder. That’s why it’s worth looking at your home from a different perspective—through the eyes of someone who wants to get inside. A simple security audit can reveal surprising vulnerabilities, even in households that feel “perfectly secure.” Where the Real Risk Lies Most break-ins don’t involve explosions, advanced technology, or master thieves. [...]

SMART CITIES AND SECURITY: How Urban Spaces Integrate Physical and Digital Protection Today’s cities are transforming into interconnected organisms where the physical world blends with the digital realm. A smart city no longer means just motion-sensor streetlights or public Wi-Fi. It represents a complex ecosystem linking infrastructure, technology, data, and people. In such an environment, security is a fundamental value—and its modern form lies in the integration of physical and digital components. Foundations of Security in Smart Cities Security in smart cities begins with the integration of individual systems into a unified, functional whole. Tools such as [...]

SECRET SERVICES AND KEYS: How Spies Opened Hidden Worlds When we hear the word spy, we often imagine a figure in a trench coat picking a lock to access a forbidden world. The truth is often less cinematic—but far more intriguing. Throughout the 20th century, intelligence agencies developed complex systems that combined traditional keys, forgeries, lock replicas, and digital access—all in the name of gaining information. While ordinary people saw keys as simple tools for entry, spies understood them as instruments of power, control, and infiltration. Gaining access to a locked space meant unlocking secrets. Every new locking mechanism [...]

THE ILLUSION OF SECURITY: When Modern Systems Are Just Placebos Today, we rely on modern technology more than ever. Cameras, alarms, smart locks, motion sensors, and security apps have become standard features in both homes and businesses. At first glance, they create an impression of flawless protection. But this impression can be misleading—and dangerous. A false sense of security arises when technology only simulates protection without truly reducing the risk. It’s no longer about the absence of security but the mistaken belief that we are protected. This leads to underestimating risks, carelessness, and a loss of vigilance. A modern security system [...]

How Keys Shape Our Daily Lives Keys are not just objects. They are extensions of our routines, habits, and relationships. From the moment we leave the house to the moment we return, keys accompany us—physically in our pockets or virtually on our devices. They unlock more than doors; they symbolize access, control, responsibility, and trust. Whether mechanical or digital, keys form an invisible but essential part of our lives. This article explores the emotional, cultural, and psychological impact of keys, both traditional and modern. It shows how such a small object can represent power, vulnerability, and connection in a [...]

A THOUSAND YEARS LOCKED: The Oldest Locks and Keys Still in Use The Oldest Lock in the World: Egypt Through the Eyes of a Thief Imagine you’re a thief in ancient Egypt. The air is hot, the walls thick, and in front of you is a wooden door secured by a primitive lock — the first in history. You know that inside might be grain, gold, or secrets. But this time, you can’t just push the door open. You’re facing the earliest form of lock, invented not to impress, but to stop people like you. These wooden pin locks date back [...]

LOCKS IN MOVIES VS. REALITY: What’s Possible – and What’s Not? We’ve all seen it: the hero pulls out a paperclip, pokes at a door lock for five seconds, and slips inside with the ease of a magician. In movies, locks are often portrayed as trivial obstacles – quickly bypassed with minimal effort. But how far from reality are these cinematic scenes? In this article, we’ll take a look at five of the most common lock-related myths found in movies and TV shows. Each will be illustrated with specific examples from popular films – and we’ll break down what’s based on [...]

THE MAGNETIC KEY WITHOUT A KEY: How Modern Touchless Locks Work In a world where we unlock phones with a fingerprint and pay with a wave of a card, it’s no surprise that even door locks are changing. Gone are the days of jingling metal keys; instead, a soft beep, a small light, and a click often open our doors. Today’s security systems are becoming increasingly keyless, touchless, and even invisible to the user. But how do they actually work? In this article, we’ll explore the technologies behind keyless locks – how magnetic systems function, how RFID and NFC [...]

LOCKED OUT: How to Get Back Inside Without Damage – and What Never to Do We’ve all been there. The keys are inside, the door is locked, and you’re standing on the wrong side. First comes panic. Then the urge to call someone. Then the idea of trying a credit card, a bobby pin, or a screwdriver. But hold on – many of these tricks cause more harm than good. This article walks you through what to do (and not do) when you’re locked out. You’ll learn how to handle the situation without damaging your door – and what never to [...]

DEFENSE WITHOUT WEAPONS: What an Individual Can Do in a Crisis Situation It’s easy to think that protecting ourselves and our loved ones requires strength, weapons, or professional training. But reality is often different – in everyday crisis situations, the most decisive factor is your own mind. Awareness. Quick assessment. The ability to avoid mistakes. The ability to be prepared, even if we hope we’ll never need to be. Defense without a weapon isn’t a weakness. It’s a mindset. A way of thinking called prevention, adaptability, and mental presence. Whether you’re in a crowded shopping center, a heated argument [...]