Master Physical Security Testing: Lock Picking, Door Bypass, and Access Card Cloning

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Introduction:

Physical security is often overlooked in cybersecurity, yet it remains a critical attack vector. This hands-on workshop by Nico Leidecker and Harris N. offers practical techniques for ethical hackers, including lock picking, door bypass, and RFID cloning—essential skills for penetration testers and red teams.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learn lock-picking techniques for common physical security mechanisms.
  • Understand door bypass methods used in real-world breaches.
  • Master RFID/NFC card cloning for access control testing.
  • Apply skills in a controlled environment with the Covert Access Vault.

You Should Know:

1. Lock Picking Basics with Simple Tools

Lock picking is a foundational skill in physical security testing. Below is a basic guide to raking a pin-tumbler lock:

Tools Needed:

  • Tension wrench
  • Rake pick

Steps:

  1. Insert the tension wrench into the bottom of the keyway and apply slight rotational pressure.
  2. Insert the rake pick and rapidly move it up and down to set the pins.
  3. Maintain tension while raking until the lock turns.

Why This Matters: Many office buildings rely on low-security locks vulnerable to these techniques.

  1. Bypassing Magnetic Door Locks with a Bypass Tool
    Magnetic locks fail when power is interrupted. A simple bypass can exploit this:

Tools Needed:

  • 9V battery with leads
  • Wire cutters

Steps:

  1. Locate the magnetic lock’s wiring (often near the door frame).
  2. Cut the power wires and attach the 9V battery to simulate a fail-open state.

3. The door should release, allowing entry.

Security Fix: Install backup power or mechanical overrides to prevent this attack.

3. Cloning RFID Access Cards with a Proxmark3

RFID cloning is a common attack for unauthorized access.

Tools Needed:

  • Proxmark3 device
  • Blank RFID cards

Steps:

  1. Use the Proxmark3 to scan the target card: 
    hf 14a read -u

2. Save the card’s UID and data:

hf 14a dump -f cloned_card_data

3. Write to a blank card:

hf 14a write -u -f cloned_card_data

Mitigation: Use encrypted RFID cards (MIFARE DESFire) instead of basic 125kHz cards.

  1. Testing Covert Entry with the Covert Access Vault

The workshop’s vault simulates real-world physical security challenges.

Steps:

1. Identify weak points (locks, sensors, alarms).

  1. Use lock picks, shims, or RFID spoofing to gain entry.

3. Document findings for security hardening.

5. Defending Against Physical Attacks

Security Best Practices:

  • For Locks: Upgrade to high-security (e.g., Medeco, Mul-T-Lock).
  • For Doors: Install intrusion detection sensors.
  • For RFID: Implement multi-factor authentication (PIN + card).

What Undercode Say:

  • Key Takeaway 1: Physical security is often the weakest link—attackers bypass high-tech defenses by exploiting doors and locks.
  • Key Takeaway 2: Hands-on training (like this workshop) bridges the gap between theory and real-world breaches.

Analysis: As cyber defenses improve, attackers shift to physical methods. Ethical hackers must master these techniques to protect organizations effectively.

Prediction:

Physical security testing will become a standard part of penetration testing engagements. Companies ignoring these risks face increased breaches via social engineering and hardware exploits.

Ready to train? Register here before spots run out!

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IT/Security Reporter URL:

Reported By: Nico Leidecker – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅

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