TSA luggage master keys have been hacked

[whatmeworry]

Turns out some guys on reddit that are into lock picking, found an old image of the TSA master keys and have created their own master keys with a 3D printer.

https://theintercept.com/2015/09/16/tsa-doesnt-really-care-luggage-locks-hacked/

 

[james4321]

Not surprising. I would wager that there are thousands of copies of TSA keys around, and have been for years. TSA locks are just a total waste of money in my opinion.

 

[harvyk]

Not surprising. I would wager that there are thousands of copies of TSA keys around, and have been for years. TSA locks are just a total waste of money in my opinion.

From a security point of view, all locks on luggage are a waste of time. Locks only stop the honest people and stop bags from been accidentally opened. Besides if you have secured your bag a little too well it might actually attract attention since you may have something good in there.

The advantage with TSA locks is that if the TSA does open your bag using a master key, the lock has a little section which will go from green to red to indicate they have been in your bag (at least the two locks I have use that colour coding).

 

[cmon0005]

On top of TSA locks on my bags I always use tamper tell plastic tags with unique numbers on them. At least that way you will know if your bag has been opened by anyone + extra layer of deterrence.

 

[codash1099]

On top of TSA locks on my bags I always use tamper tell plastic tags with unique numbers on them. At least that way you will know if your bag has been opened by anyone + extra layer of deterrence.

Nothing will deter a determined thief.

 

[cmon0005]

Nothing will deter a determined thief.

That is true, but it is just that extra layer, every extra layer you add reduces your risk it might only be 1% extra deterrence, but that 1% could mean the difference between getting something stolen or not by a less determined thief. However as you mentioned a determined thief will get through anything!

 

[Archphoto]

I remember using TSA locks in the US - had all our bags (camera equipment) opened and inspected by them. Was surprised to see the red dots enabled and I'll admit was concerned, but they put "Info Cards" into each, informing me they'd been "Inspected for additional security reasons". Felt better knowing this, but I guess a thief could easily make one of these up in PShop and throw into the bag after lifting what they wanted.

My main reason for using them though, is more to keep them from being accidentally opened or having the tamper tags removed at one end and it being open to one and all the entire length of the (often numerous flights) trip in question. As the TSA locks can be opened and relocked - once a regular lock (or TamperSeal) is removed, they sure aren't going to replace it (leaving the equipment even more vulnerable than I'd like).

Kind of stupid that they'd actually let someone photograph the key in question - even if it was in an overall photo; haven't they learned that people will do *anything* these days to achieve their goals . . . . . . .

 

[marki]

The TSA locks are they not suppose to open for the TSA with a master key? Well the last time I traveled to the LOTFAP all my TSA locks were ruined like somebody got a screwdriver and open the bags/suite-case forcefully. Ruined a lot of new luggage. After landing back in Aussie the baggage counter got my attention. Long story short I was able to salvage some of the situation.

 

[drron]

The TSA locks are they not suppose to open for the TSA with a master key? Well the last time I traveled to the LOTFAP all my TSA locks were ruined like somebody got a screwdriver and open the bags/suite-case forcefully. Ruined a lot of new luggage. After landing back in Aussie the baggage counter got my attention. Long story short I was able to salvage some of the situation.

We had that once but no TSA card in the bag so probably someone other than the TSA.but we don't have anything of great value apart from clothing in our cases.

 

[SeatBackForward]

TSA keys out on the loose was known about years ago. This isn't a recent issue.