Master Key System Security

A Master Key System, like any security arrangement should be an informed consideration to include immediate and future needs, how and when the system will be implemented & installed, and by whom the system will be serviced thereafter.

One area which should be high on the ‘needs list’ is that of system security. Master Key System security can be split into three clear areas, physical security, key security, and data management & security.

These areas should be understood during the specification process, so that the chosen Master Key System meets client needs and expectations.

Physical Security

ABS Design cylinders and padlocks feature attack resistant technology and innovations* to increase the level of protection for your building/ site. Accredited to the latest standards, ABS Design products combine performance with security .

Consideration should be given to perimeter doors where the level of physical security provided by the cylinder should be optimised. ABS Master Key Systems can incorporate door cylinders accredited to TS007 3 Star, SS312 Diamond, and TS007 1 Star.

Key Security (Key Copy Protection)

One of the most popular misrepresentations with Master Key Systems is that of key copy protection. There are many phrases and terminology which are used to present Master Key Systems which offer a level of protection which is greater than the reality. Some of these claims use trademark as a level of protection, others use key registration, or key restriction in their claims, all of which are misleading.

The Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) produce a publication which explains the issues around misrepresentation regarding key copy protection, and how patent protection is the only legal option should key security be your requirement.

It should be noted that a Master Key System which does not have authentic key copy protection is not considered a secure system. Keys for these systems could be legally reproduced with or without the system owners knowledge, which in turn can significantly increase the risk of a security compromise.

At ABS we offer secure Master Key Systems with the benefit of patent protection, your assurance of system security and reduced risk of unauthorised key duplication. Your ABS Security Specialist is your support for additional keys, which are supplied in accordance with the ABS Master Key System key duplication security protocol.

Data Management

A Master Key System requires data management. Both the client and the system provider should share a common language and business behaviour in relation to the data required to ensure long life Master Key System performance. These records can contain details of lock locations, key permissions, dates of key/lock issuance, service activities, and maybe even personnel names.

Only trusted personnel from the Master Key System owner should be authorised to arrange procurement of additional keys/locks and/or the servicing/maintenance of their system.

Records will be maintained by your ABS Security Specialist, and will be kept in a secure environment to safeguard against Master Key System compromise.

Data Security

Data protection and security has become a constant in our lives, and the data security of a Master Key System can be addressed too.

With increasing pressures put upon businesses around GDPR and the need to protect sensitive data, a Master Key System can be supplied in accordance with TS17814.

TS17814 is a standard which has been published to provide guidance to providers, installers and users of Master Key Systems. Compliance with this standard ensures that the data required to complete all the activities in the supply, installation, maintenance and servicing of a Master Key System maintains the systems integrity.

Each party involved in the process will accept that by breaking or failing to comply with the obligations to which they have agreed (as per the project requirements and that of the sub-sections within Section 4 of TS 17814), may result in the compromise of the entire Master Key System and any liability that may result.

When planning a Master Key System in accordance with the guidance contained within TS17814, it is important to remove all references which can be related to personnel who will be users of the Master Key System. Further security and best practice can be achieved by removing reference from keys which relate to the keys function, for example, Grand Master Key, Accounts Office, Perimeter Doors etc.