Access Control systems have been around for decades, operating with increasingly complex levels of technology, moving away from physical credentials, towards touch-free access and the remote management of sites and security. However, due to the costs associated with updating building security, or the comfort and the familiarity of a key-based security system, many premises are still secured with key-operated locks.
Here we will cover the different types of security keys and the importance of key security. This will allow you to better understand the current locking solution being used to secure your facility or assess which level of key control system will provide a suitable level of security and control for your site.
What is a Security Key?
Security keys are physical mechanical keys that have some form of restriction in place which reduces the available sources for duplicate and additional keys to be cut on a master key system.
There are various types of keys ranging from the older lever-style keys and traditional saw-cut keys to laser-cut keys which have a defined side profile, dimple keys, and disc keys such as the Abloy Classic and Protect2 ranges.
There is a balance to be found between system security, with a reduced and controlled source for keys, and the convenience of facility managers or staff members having the option to source keys locally or from a variety of sources.
Types of Key Security
Master key systems are available with differing levels of security. This can be defined by the type and construction of the cylinder barrels but also by the profile and details of the keys.
Open Profile – There is no restriction in place for where replacement or additional keys can be cut. Examples of this are the Eurospec MP5 5pin range and Iseo F6 ExtraS 1 star range.
Restricted Section – The sale of the specific key blanks is restricted to certain stockists, limiting the source of duplicate and additional keys.
Patent Protection – Protects a key blank from being illegally copied as there is a legal patent in place to protect against unauthorized duplication. Additional keys can only be cut on a patent-protected system when the locksmith or distributor is provided with a copy of the letter of authority, such as the Access2 Tigris Premier3 platform.
Exclusive Key Blanks – This allows a company or individual to buy their own unique key blanks, which can then be supplied to a distributor to cut. This is an additional way to enhance security and is ideally suited to larger master key systems.
What is Physical Key Security?
Physical key security can be described as physical key management, so how you order, distribute, store and record the details of the security keys as part of an agreed security procedure. Information can be recorded in a manual record or using electronic key management software in real time. Both could include a transaction log if some or all security keys are not permanently allocated to a personnel member.
As well as a record of the allocation and supply of keys, the physical keys also need to be stored safely. This is typically done using secure key safes and key storage cabinets, ideally situated in a secure area. Key cabinets are themselves locked by either a physical key or smart terminal which can accommodate varying types of access credentials such as PIN codes, proximity fobs or swipe cards.
To safeguard security keys, have an internal policy in place to establish effective key management, ensuring all keys are allocated and accounted for.
To read more on the copying of keys, the DFH Best Practice Guide on Key Copy Protection can be found on their website.
Why is Key Control Important?
Clear and accessible administration of master key systems can contribute to increased operational efficiency and allows for greater control of security budgets, so you can more easily track costs and spending associated with the maintenance of your physical key security system. If someone loses a key or one is stolen, the minimum cost incurred would be for a replacement key or a new cylinder, or the worst-case scenario is an entirely new master key system.
The importance of maintaining key control in a hotel, school, or any multi-occupancy facility relies on effective key management systems which encompass an element of risk management. Individuals could be given responsibility or accountability for an individual key or groups of keys, therefore lessening the likelihood of the loss or theft of keys.
Schools, hospitals, and other large facilities often have different buildings or sites which could operate on sub-master keys or on different master key systems, so it’s important that the right people have access to a specific key or multiple keys that are relevant to their position or access rights. Considered key distribution aids in keeping a business secure and minimizing security risks.
Part of successful key management is distributing the minimum level of key required, as this protects from unnecessary access to secure areas and lessens the impact of a lost or stolen key. Some staff could be provided with a differ key for access to one room or area, a sub-master security key that grants access to multiple locks, or a grandmaster key that gives access to all areas.
Within your physical key management procedure, you would maintain a record of key types, quantities, distribution, and perhaps also having keys tracked if it is a large or very secure site, to provide peace of mind and additional insurance that staff will return their key.
Key Security Services
A security system extends beyond physical keys and locks, to include access control solutions, fire and intruder alarms, and large items of physical security such as fencing and gates, but key security can be integrated with the wider security measures.
At Door Controls Direct we are able to provide physical key security services from cutting duplicate keys from an original key or from a code, keying alike cylinders, or creating and maintaining new master key systems.
The services we can offer in-house to an existing master key system are dependent on any restrictions on its supply, as we have detailed in this blog. Get in touch with us, with your master key system reference number, which is stamped or cut into the bow of the key, and we will be able to guide you forward from there.
We also have a specification team who can specify a suitable master key system for your project, including planning ahead for system expansion when considering the security solutions required, as there is a maximum capacity with all mechanical cylinder locking systems.
If in doubt, we’re on hand and you can contact us by phone, in branch or email and we'll answer any of your queries.
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