TSA lock

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Case with combination lock (right) and parallel opening TSA lock (left)

A TSA lock is a special type of lock used to secure items of luggage . These locks were developed in the course of tightening security measures in international travel (primarily to and from the USA ).

purpose

If suspicious in a piece of luggage or unidentifiable material through the baggage screening are found, the TSA lock can with a master key from the US Transportation Security Administration opened (TSA), searched the bag and the castle are then closed again. The correct combination of numbers or the key is therefore not required to open the regular luggage lock for items of luggage equipped with TSA locks.

If a suitcase does not have a TSA lock and only has a simple combination lock, for example, it can happen that the security authorities break this lock without asking the owner if the item of luggage is searched.

In the meantime, authorities in other countries have also started opening TSA locks, including Canada, Japan, Israel, Austria, South Korea and Finland.

safety

Due to the fact that it cannot be ensured that no master keys are copied and misused by thieves etc., a TSA lock hardly offers any higher security against access. It is also very easy to open the locks using a jiggler via the TSA lock cylinder.

Reprinted TSA keys, 2015

In 2015, a “construction plan” for the keys was published on the Internet so that they can be produced using a 3D printer . According to Heise online , it is clear that "the TSA locks on suitcases are no longer a protection against access by people who have an Internet connection and access to a 3D printer - nowadays neither is an insurmountable hurdle."

Marking and manufacturer

Travel Sentry logo and claim

You can recognize items of luggage with a TSA lock by the red logo of Travel Sentry Inc. or the torch symbol from Safe Skies. In addition, the exact type of lock is specified directly on the keyhole using a number-letter code (e.g. TSA006 ).

Travel Sentry

The first TSA lock was developed by Travel Sentry Inc. in order, for example, to carry out easier inspections of baggage in international air traffic to and from the United States . Travel Sentry licenses this technology to numerous baggage manufacturers.

Safe skies

TSA lock with indication of the opening by an authority key

Safe Skies is a manufacturer of locks that are also recognized by the Transportation Security Administration . Among other things, the manufacturer offers locks that show in a viewing window whether the lock was opened by an authority key. The display function can be manipulated.

Web links

Commons : TSA Locks  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ TSA LOCK® explained . In: go-travelproducts.com . Retrieved September 28, 2016.
  2. ↑ How to open TSA luggage locks? Video on YouTube
  3. ↑ Hack with 3D printer: TSA master key for luggage . In: Heise Make . September 10, 2015. Accessed September 10, 2015.
  4. ↑ (056) Safe Skies search indicator padlock vulnerability - engl. Video . December 30, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2016.