Tag Archives for " master keys "

Key Cabinet and IOT (Internet of Things)

What do key cabinets, electronic key tethers and IOT (Internet of Things) have to do with key loss prevention?  Check out the February edition of Locksmith Ledger International’s article on Institutional Application of Key Cabinets.   The article details a variety of institutions from colleges and universities to health care facilities to government agencies and their unique requirement for key control. A variety from  simple to complex key cabinets are also featured with cost per key ranges and features to aid in selecting the best key cabinet to provide security to valuable master keys.  The article also features the Gravity electronic key tether which is a  beneficial supplement to key cabinets. While the key cabinets secure master and critical keys while not in use, the Gravity secures the master and critical keys to the user and prevents key loss while in the field.  The combination of a key cabinet that fits the needs of the institution plus the utilization of the Gravity by personnel in the field provides the ultimate in key control protocols.

Key Control an Issue for Custodial Contractors at Chesterfield Virginia School District

Complaint forms via the Freedom of Information Act were obtained by the Chesterfield Observer showing Chesterfield Virginia school system staff sometimes has no knowledge of where master keys are.  In addition to unsecured exterior doors, the documents suggest “key control” also has been an issue for the custodial contractors. One entry notes a school’s set of master keys disappeared and wasn’t found for more than two weeks. Keys to interior and exterior doors also have been misplaced at multiple schools.

Under terms of the contract all four custodial companies signed in April, the school system is permitted to charge $250 for each exterior door the contractors’ employees fail to lock prior to completing their assigned duties and leaving the building.

Tim Bullis, a spokesman for the school system, said in an email last week that it “continues to work on a corrective action plan,” but didn’t offer specifics about what such a plan might entail. The inability to secure exterior school building doors overnight is not a new issue in Chesterfield. The school system’s first two custodial contractors each were cited for dozens of such instances, among many other performance-related problems they encountered over the first four years of the outsourcing program.

Click here for the full article.

Comments:  Unfortunately, this issue of lack of adequate key control in school facilities is a common one that we frequently hear of.  Any Board of Directors, school Principal or staff, or concerned parent may contact me directly at [email protected] to receive a free copy of “The Key to Keys” which outlines a prudent and cost-effective protocol for properly securing keys to protect our schools and students. 

Card Keys are the Ultimate Solution to Key Loss – A Myth

For years there has been a prevailing myth that card keys are the solution to preventing the serious consequences to losing master keys.  Those who are seasoned property/facility managers know better.  There is always a physical “brass” or “hard”  master key behind every card key to ensure against demagnetization of card keys, power outages and computer failures.  Now there is another threat to card key systems – hacking.

Earlier this year, Finnish security experts discovered a software flaw that allowed them to create a master key card from any hotel key card, even expired ones!

To find out why a surprisingly large number of hotels are sticking with metal keys instead of card keys click here.

The Gravity is the perfect addition for any facilities key control program. View The Gravity’s  fail-proof key control here.

 

USPS Master Keys aka Arrow Keys Are Stolen

Two arrested in Granite Bay with bogus credit cards allegedly stole 39 identities

BY MICHAEL MCGOUGH

A man and a woman were arrested last week in Granite Bay, accused of stealing the identities of at least 39 victims, Placer County Sheriff’s Office officials said Saturday in a news release.

Toni Tinay, 23, of Pittsburg and 36-year-old Matthew Core, of Vallejo, were stopped at the intersection of Sierra College and Douglas boulevards, near Safeway, by sheriff’s deputies who noted their vehicle as suspicious, according to the news release.

With Tinay having warrants in two Bay Area counties, deputies searched the vehicle. The car contained checks, credit cards and USPS master keys — all stolen, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Sorting through the stolen checks and credit cards, officials determined there were 39 victims of identity theft.

Core and Tinay were also in possession of illegal drugs and a credit card re-encoder. According to the sheriff’s officials, this is a device that can transfer credit card information from a legitimate card onto the magnetic strip of a different card.

An internet search shows that a re-encoder can cost anywhere from $20 to $200, depending on the quality and purpose of the device.

USPS master, or “arrow,” keys allow access to things like apartment lobbies, communal mailboxes and more. Federal law states that unlawful possession of a USPS arrow key can carry punishment of up to 10 years in prison.

Core and Tinay were arrested on suspicion of identity theft, with bail set at $375,000 and $160,000, respectively.

Comments:  This is very alarming that USPS master keys or “arrow” keys that can open access to apartment lobbies and communal mailboxes were stolen.  What are the key control protocols the USPS uses and what failed to allow these master keys to be stolen? USPS might be the largest master key holder in the U.S. and proper security of these master keys is paramount.  If you know how USPS master  or “arrow” keys are secured, please email me at [email protected].