Unauthorised Access: Physical Penetration Testing For IT Security Teams

5.5. Summary

In this chapter we've covered the basics of lock picking. If you didn't know anything when you started reading, you should now know at least something! We've covered the following:

• Lock picking as a hobby – acquiring some picks and having some fun is the best way to learn the ideas outlined here. There are lock picking clubs you can join where you can share ideas and learn pointers from the pros.

• Lockpicking 101 – you've learned the basics of lock picking technique as well the types of equipment available and how it's used. You should now know the different between a lifter, a torque wrench and a rake.

• Pick Resistant Mechanisms – you should now have a good idea of the ways lock makers try to make their locks harder to pick and you should know that these mechanisms are far from perfect.

• Suggested Exercises – you won't get far learning picking from a book. Grab some gear and get practicing - the exercises here are a good start.

• The Snap Gun – this very useful tool can be your best friend in a penertration testing assignment when time is a critical factor. It won't teach you anything about classical picking but it will make your life a lot easier.

• Other locking mechanisms – you should now know how to open padlocks and tubular locks. You should know that wafer locks are very similar to pin tumblers and that warded locks provide the least security of all.

• Destructive entry – it's unlikely you will have much call for these methods in a penetration test. That said, some clients ...