Learning About Locks

Ah, the trusty disc lock, no doubt the protective metal securing your storage unit at this very moment. It is sturdy, well made, difficult to pick, etc. There are plenty of reasons why it has stuck around so long. But what’s next? Sci-Fi would have us believe that voice commands, retina scanners, fingerprint biometrics, or thought-based tech will eventually replace all the key and lock systems we have. While most of those are a bit lofty, just some of it may be science fact!

Fingerprint Locks

These are rapidly becoming a reality. The Tapplock is one such lock. The lock was funded via crowd sourcing with the project being 536% funded when it closed. Obviously, the desire for fingerprint locks is huge! It is quick access and the key is entirely unique and always at your finger tips! Oh man, if they don’t use that in their marketing…

Electronic, Keyless Locks

Anyone who has worked in a corporate office is no doubt familiar with the magnetic ‘Key fobs’ that let you gain access to the building. That sort of electronic operation is making its way to padlocks. Companies such as Form3 have begun to produce these locks which respond to smartphones or other Bluetooth enabled devices. Being electronic there is a wide variety of access privileges that can be granted from people to a set time of day etc.

Retina Scanners

They do exist, and are getting more and more robust by the year. Unfortunately, the tech has yet to be made for padlocks or in a means that is not cost prohibitive to the average consumer.

How do these all stack up? Well, they’re certainly a slick looking future to security but all the padlocks discussed have that inherent weakness—being padlocks. The weaknesses there is easy to break using basic tools (drills, saws,etc.) For the time being the disc lock is still top dog, but the landscape of security is constantly changing!