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Deviant Ollam

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Practical Lock Picking: A Physical Penetration Tester's Training Guide 2nd Edition

by Deviant Ollam (Author)

4.7 603 ratings

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Practical Lock Picking, Second Edition, is an instructional manual that covers everything from straightforward lockpicking to quick-entry techniques such as shimming, bumping, and bypassing. Written by Deviant Ollam, one of the security industry's best-known lockpicking teachers, and winner of the Best Book Bejtlich Read in 2010 award, this book contains detailed photos that make learning as easy as picking a lock. Material is offered in easy-to-follow lessons that allow even beginners to acquire the knowledge very quickly. Whether the student will be hired at some point to penetrate security or simply trying to harden his or her own defenses, this book is essential.

This edition has been updated to reflect the changing landscape of tools and tactics which have emerged in recent years. It consists of 6 chapters that discuss topics such as the fundamentals of pin tumbler and wafer locks; the basics of picking, with emphasis on how to exploit weaknesses; tips for beginners on how to get very good and very fast in picking locks; advanced training; quick-entry tricks about shimming, bumping, and bypassing; and pin tumblers in other configurations.

This book is geared specifically toward penetration testers, security consultants, IT security professionals, and hackers.

Detailed full-color photos make learning as easy as picking a lock
Extensive appendix details tools and toolkits currently available for all your lock picking needs

ISBN-10

1597499897
ISBN-13

978-1597499897
Edition

2nd
Publisher

Syngress
Publication date

October 8, 2012
Language

English
Dimensions

7.32 x 0.67 x 9.17 inches
Print length

296 pages
See all details

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Winner of the Best Book Bejtlich Read in 2010

"Practical Lock Picking (PLP) is an awesome book. I don't provide physical testing services, but as a security professional familiar with Deviant's reputation I was curious to read PLP. Not only is PLP an incredible resource, it should also serve as a model text for others who want to write a good book. First, although the book is less than 250 pages, it is very reasonably priced. Second, Deviant wastes NO space. There is no filler material, background found in other readily available texts, reprinted Web site content, etc. Third, the writing is exceptionally clear and methodical, with extreme attention to detail and a master's approach to educating the reader. Finally, the diagrams, pictures, and figures are superb." --Richard Bejtlich, TaoSecurity

"No matter what your background is, if you want a new and fascinating insight into this world, I don't think any book will give you a better introduction to this field than this one." --Barry Wels, Founder and President, The open Organisation Of Lockpickers

"You have exhausted your budgets on the myriad of high tech cyber threats and finally have time to take a breath. Just as you settle in your chair to review the dashboard which shows the fruits of your tireless effort, an alert hits your phone. The voice on the phone cries out 'The servers are GONE!' This book will show you what happens when attackers decide to 'get physical." --Chris Nickerson, Lares Consulting

"The clear explanation and plentiful diagrams leave the reader with a clear idea of how lock mechanisms work, and the practice exercises that follow build on this knowledge to allow the reader to quickly progress before moving on to the simpler techniques, shimming and bumping...Overall the book does much to dispel the myth that lock-picking is an arcane, difficult art and puts the reader in a position to carry out more effective physical security reviews...In summary this is an excellent practical introduction to the subject and the publishers are to be congratulated for producing another good niche penetration testing book." --Nick Dunn, BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT

"Deviant’s material is presented with rich, detailed diagrams and is offered in easy-to-follow lessons which allow even beginners to acquire the knowledge very quickly. Everything from straightforward lockpicking to quick-entry techniques like shimming, bumping, and bypassing is explained and show. Whether you’re being hired to penetrate security or simply trying to harden your own defenses, this book is essential." --The Journal of Law Enforcement

"While reading this book, it will be difficult for you to sit calmly and go through it, you will be tempted to look for the locks around your house and start tinkering with it…. What makes this book easy to understand are the clear cut diagrams showing the internal design of locks. You will hardly find a page in this book without those design pictures and all of these are precise engineering-diagram types – not just some random lock pictures. It is very clear that author has taken great efforts to get those pictures right and this is what gives this book 5 star rank!" --SecurityXploded Blog

"There is a well known member of the locksport community called Deviant Ollam He has released a book on lockpicking and penetration testing of locks. Practical Lock Picking: A Physical Penetration Tester's Training Guide [Paperback] This man is an excellent teacher and has given many lectures on locks and picking." --Lockpicking.com

"This is a fantastic book that I highly recommend if you have any interest in physical security. It's a great reference and guide book for getting started with lock picking, learning how locks work, and really motivates you to want to get your hands dirty trying out the techniques covered in the book." --Dark Readings Evil Bytes Blog

"Great book for the beginner or an old pro. Been reading lock picking books for 35 years and this is one of the best... Deviant Ollam, one of the security industry's best-known lock picking teachers, has assembled an instructional manual geared specifically toward penetration testers. Unlike other texts on the subject (which tend to be either massive volumes detailing every conceivable style of lock or brief "spy manuals" that only skim the surface) this book is for INFOSEC professionals that need essential, core knowledge of lock picking and seek the ability to open most locks with relative ease." --e2e Security website

"Be sure to check out his book as well: Practical Lock Picking: A Physical Penetration Tester's Training Guide. The book, published this past July by Syngress, comes with a DVD ‘filled with indispensible lock picking videos and color photos." --The Ethical Hacker website

"Practical Lock Picking is an awesome book… Not only is PLP an incredible resource, it should also serve as a model text for others who want to write a good book… There is no filler material… the writing is exceptionally clear and methodical with extreme attention to detail and a master’s approach to educating the reader… The diagrams, pictures, and figures are superb… Overall, this book is helpful for those wishing to pick locks AND those who want to know how to write a good book." --TaoSecurity blog

"…for those that have locksmithing in their blood, or want to get greater insights, the book will be a great resource that will help them get there." --Slashdot.com and RSA Conference, December 2012

Review

Learn how to pick simple and complex locks alike with full-color illustrations and the best teacher around -- Deviant Ollam!

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Syngress; 2nd edition (October 8, 2012)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 296 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1597499897
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1597499897
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.46 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.32 x 0.67 x 9.17 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #90,423 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #11 in Security How-to & Home Improvement
- #26 in Information Management (Books)
- #65 in Law Enforcement Politics

Customer Reviews:
4.7 603 ratings

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Deviant Ollam

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Deviant Ollam's first and strongest love has always been teaching. A graduate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology's Science, Technology, & Society program, he is always fascinated by the interplay that connects human values and social trends to developments in the technical world. While earning his BS degree at NJIT, Deviant also completed the History degree program at Rutgers University.

While paying the bills as a security auditor and penetration testing consultant with The CORE Group, Deviant is also a member of the Board of Directors of the US division of TOOOL, The Open Organisation Of Lockpickers. Every year at DEFCON and ShmooCon Deviant runs the Lockpick Village, and he has conducted physical security training sessions for Black Hat, DeepSec, ToorCon, HackCon, ShakaCon, HackInTheBox, ekoparty, AusCERT, GovCERT, CONFidence, the FBI, the NSA, DARPA, the National Defense University, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, and the United States Military Academy at West Point. His favorite Amendments to the US Constitution are, in no particular order, the 1st, 2nd, 9th, & 10th.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5

603 global ratings

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Joshua Jordan

Fundamentals, Step-by-Step - Works Like a Charm

Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2013

Verified Purchase

I stumbled upon this book while browsing and decided to purchase it from mere curiosity. I have a part-time job at a hardware store and am constantly getting questions about what padlocks are the most secure or which deadbolt set should one go with. This book certainly opened my eyes, particularly to padlocks - I haven't had much time to practice on any deadbolts yet, but the mechanics are basically the same.

Along with this book, I also purchased a small pick set to see if what I was reading would actually have real world practicality. Since padlocks are relatively inexpensive, I began toying around with different models and discovered that many - the majority sold in the hardware store I work at - are easily overcome with a basic picking set; namely, all one really needs is a tension wrench and a rake pick (detailed in the book). The first padlock I purchased was a cheap Master Lock - after reading midway through this book, as a novice pick artist, I opened a Master Lock in less than five minutes. I have since refined my technique and Master Locks can be opened as if one had the key and not a wrench and rake.

Since I was able to crack Master Lock brand padlocks so easily, I began trying different models and brands that my store sold. One-by-one, they all succumbed to the basic skills learned in this book. I can open every Master Lock our store sells, every Tru-Bolt, the few Brinks we sell, and the few Schlage we sell. All of these locks were fairly easily compromised except for one - that is the Schlage 994831:

http://www.amazon.com/Schlage-994831-Padlock-2-5-Inch-Shackle/dp/B0043EVDAU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358829492&sr=8-1&keywords=schlage+padlock

This thing is a beast and took days for me to finally crack. So the lesson learned about padlocks from this book is that one should seriously consider using the Schlage - despite its cost, it will be well worth it to thwart most, even very determined, thieves from taking whatever is valuable behind that lock. Like I said, the book was a real eye opener as to how vulnerable this common means of securing property really is.

As for deadbolts and standard handle locks, I have not attempted to use the techniques described in this book on any; however, if they all follow the same general mechanism, which this book will illustrate in intricate detail, then there are certainly a lot of locks open to circumvention via lock picking. I have heard; however, that the Dexter locks (of higher quality) mirror the Schlage padlock in thwarting an attempted pick.

Aside from these sorts of tumbler locks, there really isn't much to step up to unless you want to spend a serious amount of cash. The most difficult, or intimidating lock, in my mind is the round key-lock. These require even more specialized tools to open, so the safety factor of these seems fairly high. There are also magnetic locks, electronically controlled, but I can only imagine the cost.

Brands of locks aside, the book really does do a great job of explaining in detail the internal mechanics of all of these various locks (some are more refined and harder to crack) and the book turned out to be very difficult to put down. The book could easily be read in one session, but the desire to check out the techniques described will be strong.

If the book has taught me anything other than a new, inexpensive hobby, it is that, rest assured, someone will be able to crack any lock you will likely find in a local hardware store, especially given the proper motivation. My motivation was from curiosity and to help customers select the correct product when asked. Those would be some of the more expensive locks, but if you value what you secure with a padlock, or door lock, or deadbolt, it should definitely be one built to thwart such an easy skill to acquire. Particularly when there is literature out there that can teach someone to pick effectively in a matter of hours.

19 people found this helpful

Helpful

davidthawaii

A surprisingly in-depth compendium of the hows and whys of lock picking.

Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2013

Verified Purchase

While not at the graduate school level, this should perhaps be considered a Junior or Senior level reference textbook of lock picking for interested, self-taught students. When a book starts off by espousing the ethics of lock picking, you know this is a serious look at the topic. This is a basic enough introduction, though, that almost anyone can begin with this book. Others, that have been investigating lock picking for a while, will still find lots of tidbits here that they may not have known about before. The computer-done illustrations are somewhat bland in a book of this sort, but are absolutely clear and to the point; which is its intended purpose. The detailed, close-up photos of picks, locks, and tools are what generates genuine interest here; especially, if these things are a little unfamiliar to you. Some photos could have been clearer or better lit; but, just by studying the photos (and the text is usually very enlightening, too, of course), the reader can tease out interesting revelations about why certain locks are easier (or harder) to pick, and how and why specific tools can be used to do the picking. Which, of course, is the whole purpose of this book.
Although in paperback form, the pages are printed on slick paper, which makes everything sharp and clear, and causes the photos and colored illustrations to pop from the page. It should last for a long while in your library, even after being referenced again and again.
All in all, an enjoyable, interesting and well-done book by an interesting, well-known character in the lock picking world.

5 people found this helpful

Helpful

Waldo Unpaid Reviews

A great book

Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2020

Verified Purchase

This is the only book you will ever need in order to understand lock picking. Let me say there is nothing quite as exhilarating as the first time you feel that shackle release from picking!

This book has awesome illustrations to help you understand the insides of a lock. Watch some of the authors YouTube videos too. He is actually very funny.

A great book for beginners. A great reference book for intermediates. Maybe even the experts could learn a thing or two. I’m just glad there wasn’t a test :-). Although I am surprised Deviant didn’t put a centerfold of a Master Lock in this book.

Anyway, buy this book. You wont regret it.

9 people found this helpful

Helpful

MetalGearFiskee

Very Helpful

Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2021

Verified Purchase

I recently got into the hobby of Lock Picking. It’s a random hobby but a very practical one as long as it’s done ethicality. This book is fantastic and much more in-depth than all of my college books I’ve had in the past and at a third of the price. The information presented in this book and illustrations are very informative. The index at the end is especially helpful for finding information on specific topics. Deviant Ollam and Shane Lawson both did a great job on this book. I Would give this 6 stars if I could!

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

Glenn a walter

Needs to be updated to new methods

Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2021

Verified Purchase

A very good book for introduction into lock picking. Does not mention core drilling ( two methods) of tubular locks or camera being inserted in lock and pictures of tumblers position . Use of decoder key, and making new key from decoded data. No mention of new portable methods to make keys.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Some Random Engineer

Skip all other books!

Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2022

Verified Purchase

I wish I had found this book first. It’s *by far* the best I’ve read. It has thorough, contains easy to understand explanations, instructions, and tips and tricks, as well as great pictures and illustrations. A fantastic book.

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Top reviews from other countries

Amazon Customer

Fantastic

Reviewed in Canada on September 10, 2023

Verified Purchase

An important purchase for those interested in learning the techniques of lock picking. I can’t stress how good this book is.

Artistinero

The best book on the subject

Reviewed in Germany on February 11, 2021

Verified Purchase

Look no further, this is it. Probably the best book about lock picking. Very informative with excellent pictures.

Chris Johnson

A great introduction for anyone learning lock picking

Reviewed in Australia on March 28, 2023

Verified Purchase

This book explains in fine detail the way locks work. The copious illustrations make it easy to understand the mechanisms inside the lock which hold it shut, and what needs to be done to open the lock without a key. I have not yet read the book completely, but I have read enough to know that this book is exactly what I need to learn what I previously thought of as a "black art." Highly recommended.

boiled_elephant

Indispensable, with wide appeal

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2017

Verified Purchase

Honestly, it's a brilliantly clear manual. It explains the techniques and the underlying logics of lockpicking so transparently and simply that anyone can understand it - though being able to do it is another matter, since it involves a lot of patience and a delicate touch. He describes a variety of tools and approaches, not just the 'best' or quickest way of doing things, covering the advantages and disadvantages of all methods. He cites real-world experience (the author is a security consultant and is often paid to perform covert intrusion tests for companies) and explains the most common weak points in security systems and locks. I found this invaluable in reassessing my own security and habits.

That's the underlying value of this book, and why I'd recommend it not just to lockpicking geeks but to anyone with any responsibility at all - it makes you more aware of security. You'll begin to grasp how locks are usually breached, where your home's or business' weak points are, and you'll learn to pay more for certain kinds of locks and totally avoid others based on the technologies inside them. Even if you never plan to buy a lockpick, it's a really illuminating, enjoyable read that lays bare a murky and little-understood aspect of security that should matter to all of us.

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