Do key cloning apps put you at risk?
DURHAM (WTVD) -- When you think of getting a key copied, the traditional locksmith may come to mind. But new apps are making copying keys easier for you, and anyone else who gets their hands on your keys.
With the new apps and websites, if you have a smartphone, and a white sheet of paper, you can clone your key.
After taking a picture of your key, the app charges to generate a code. With that code, you can either wait for the app to mail you a new key, or go to a local locksmith or key making kiosk to have the key copied immediately.
While these apps may be convenient, locksmith Mark Menacker, owner of the Triangle Pop-a-Lock's said there are safety concerns with the apps.
"The main concern is about the people who may misuse the technology," Menacker said.
For example, if you leave you keys open at a bar, restaurant, or even at work, you risk the chance of someone taking a picture of your keys and having them copied through the app. Handing your keys to someone you don't know is now an even bigger concern.
"If you need to hand your keys to the valet or mechanic, always just hand them your car key, you don't need to hand them your whole key chain," Menacker said.
He said the key codes are stored indefinitely on the app.
"If moving into a new house or new apartment with this app, if someone lived in the house, you could take a picture and keep all the information in their system and reorder a key a year or two after they left," Menacker said.
Key Me and another app, Keys Duplicated both say the technology doesn't increase risk of theft. They say required user profiles discourage would-be criminals from logging in.
"We have some other security checks on the back end, not necessarily to tie you to the key but to make sure it doesn't look photo shopped or fishy. If we have any doubts about the key we will email the person and say please take the picture again to make sure they still have access to the key," said Jordan Meyer, COO of Keys Duplicated.
They said it's just as easy to simply steal a key and make a copy, or use other tools for sale online that can measure keys.
"With our mobile app we require a credit card to purchase, user verification; it has to be an Apple-verified device and an Apple ID to download it. We also require USPS verified mailing address," said Michael Harbolt, Key Me.
For more protection, you can upgrade to a higher security lock and key which requires multiple forms of ID and won't work with these types of apps.
The best advice is to keep your keys close to you, in your purse or pocket, and not to let them out of your sight.
