3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY: The Security of Mechanical Keys

Abstract:

3D printing technology is mainstream and utilized in virtually every commercial, medical, manufacturing and research sector. It allows the rapid development and generation of almost any object that can be produced in a variety of materials from plastic to metal to rubber. The technology can also be deployed to compromise security systems involving locks and keys. Specifically, even inexpensive printers can replicate, duplicate, or create key blanks and keys for conventional and high security locks. This can place many facilities and critical infrastructure at risk from hackers, criminals, and terrorists.

The presentation will provide a survey of the technology and how it can affect security and risk management. Several videos will provide an insight into software that is now available to generate keys to open a wide array of locks that are used in different venues such as financial institutions, government facilities, schools, commercial buildings and even private residences. The speaker will discuss serious implications involving not only security but the protection of intellectual property and other legal issues.