CRL CRL Physical Security Assessment & Recommendations 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A customer reports that their sliding glass door is easily lifted off its track. What is the most effective security recommendation?
- Install anti-lift pins or a track blocker along with a secondary foot lock or pin lock (Correct answer)
- Replace the sliding door with a standard swing door
- Add a decorative bar across the door for aesthetic deterrence
- Apply security film to the glass panel to prevent shattering
Correct answer: Install anti-lift pins or a track blocker along with a secondary foot lock or pin lock
Anti-lift devices prevent the door from being raised off the track, while a secondary lock prevents lateral sliding even if the primary latch is bypassed.
Question 2: What security concern does a locksmith identify when a commercial door has a wide mail slot at lock height?
- A 'fishing' or hand-through attack can manipulate the thumb turn or lever handle to open the door from outside (Correct answer)
- The slot allows wind to reduce the effectiveness of weatherstripping
- The slot weakens the door's fire rating and code compliance
- It presents no security risk as long as the deadbolt is engaged
Correct answer: A 'fishing' or hand-through attack can manipulate the thumb turn or lever handle to open the door from outside
Mail slots near lock hardware allow attackers to use tools or a hand to rotate interior thumb turns, bypassing the lock entirely.
Question 3: During a security walkthrough, a CRL notes that a commercial tenant uses a key-in-knob lock as the sole entry point locking device. What upgrade should be recommended?
- Add an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt because knob locks have weak latch bolts susceptible to shimming and wrenching attacks (Correct answer)
- Replace the knob with a lever handle for ADA compliance
- Install a surface-mounted rim lock instead of a deadbolt
- Add a chain lock on the interior as a supplemental security device
Correct answer: Add an ANSI Grade 1 deadbolt because knob locks have weak latch bolts susceptible to shimming and wrenching attacks
Knob locks are easily defeated by wrench force or shimming the spring latch; a Grade 1 deadbolt provides a solid bolt that resists these attacks.
Question 4: What is the recommended minimum deadbolt throw length for a residential door to meet basic security standards?
- 1 inch (25 mm) (Correct answer)
- 1/2 inch (13 mm)
- 3/4 inch (19 mm)
- 1.5 inches (38 mm)
Correct answer: 1 inch (25 mm)
A 1-inch deadbolt throw is the widely accepted minimum standard because it provides sufficient bolt engagement in the strike to resist kick-in forces.
Question 5: When assessing a commercial building's key control policy, which condition represents the greatest security risk?
- Unrestricted key blanks with no record of who has been issued keys over the building's history (Correct answer)
- A master key system managed by a single authorized locksmith
- Patented restricted keyways with a signed key authorization log
- Electronic key fobs with an audit trail and remote deactivation capability
Correct answer: Unrestricted key blanks with no record of who has been issued keys over the building's history
Unrestricted keyways and absent issuance records mean any key holder can duplicate keys without authorization, making the entire lock system compromised.
Question 6: A security survey reveals that a building's exterior lighting is inadequate near entry points. How does this directly relate to the locksmith's security recommendations?
- Poor lighting increases cover for forced entry attempts and should be addressed alongside mechanical lock upgrades (Correct answer)
- Lighting is an electrical concern outside the locksmith's scope of recommendations
- Lighting only affects interior security and has no impact on lock selection
- Better lighting reduces the need for higher-grade locks
Correct answer: Poor lighting increases cover for forced entry attempts and should be addressed alongside mechanical lock upgrades
Adequate lighting is a deterrence layer that complements mechanical security; a holistic security survey addresses environmental factors alongside hardware recommendations.
CRL CRL Physical Security Assessment & Recommendations 2
A customer reports that their sliding glass door is easily lifted off its track.
What is the most effective security recommendation?