[penguicon-general] Random Panel suggestion.

[Rob Landley]

For Bruce Schneier: a panel on lock bumping.

This is a real-world security exploit that applies to pin-tumbler locks (which 
are the standard type of key out there, and in just about every door of 
interest: they're the keys with the wavy ridges on the edge).  A general 
solution to the pin-tumbler problem was simplified in 2004 to the point where 
it takes no skill and readily available tools to do, and it's making the 
rounds on the internet right now.  Basically, you can make any key into a 
skeleton key for that brand of lock, and then make it work by whacking it 
slightly as you turn it with just about anything.

It's also a marvelous metaphor for "what happens if somebody cracks IDEA" or 
some such...

Random link on it:
http://tlatoani.livejournal.com/40231.html

If you go to youtube and search for "lock bumping" there are a dozen or so 
videos of people demonstrating the technique...

Rob
-- 
Never bet against the cheap plastic solution.