USB Fangled Skeleton Key Helps Break into Old Fashion Locks

A device that might just be a little too late to be useful has shown up recently, a USB Key Impressioner. This James Bond wannabe gadget can be inserted into a car lock and electronically map the interior of the lock. The device scans the position of the tumblers and transmits that information to a computer via USB. The software then takes that information and creates a pattern for a key cutter to make a perfect key for that lock. While this sounds pretty nefarious, unless you factor in common sense, it's not all that useful.

It's also not exactly a quick process and there's nothing really stealthy about a key cutting machine. You won't be gone in 60 seconds, but it could mean less of a problem the next time you lose your car keys. One quick insert and a few hours later you have a new set of keys. So far, the USB Key Impressioner only works on older model Fords with simple metal keys. Even if you had the desire to use this for evil, most modern cars already have this beat with advanced locks and microchip keys. This won't be available to the public at any point. That's just as well, unless you are repo-man working for a used Ford dealership.