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Restricted Keyways & Patented Keys Explained
Your guide to 'do not copy keys' including restricted keys and patented keys.
Thousands of burglaries and break-ins occur every year using keys rather than forced entry. This is being made even easier thanks to apps and services that can copy keys from just an image. So how can you keep your property or business protected from the very keys meant to secure it?
Restricted keyways and patented keys offer a level of protection far beyond conventional keys, but what sets them apart and how do they enhance security? By understanding the features (and differences) of restricted keyways and patented keys, individuals and businesses can gain valuable insights into how they can bolster the overall security of their property.
What are Restricted Keyways?
Restricted keyways are designed to enhance security measures by limiting key duplication to authorised personnel only, making it significantly harder for unauthorised individuals to copy keys. This added layer of protection ensures that keys cannot be easily reproduced, reducing the risk of break-ins.
How Restricted Keyways Enhance Security Compared to Standard Keyways
Restricted keyways are designed with unique configurations that restrict access to unauthorised key duplication. By limiting the distribution of restricted keys, businesses and homeowners can have greater control over who can duplicate keys, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to their properties via copied keys.
This added layer of security offers peace of mind and ensures that only trusted individuals have the ability to create and request duplicate keys, enhancing overall security protocols and minimising the potential for break-ins or security breaches.
What are Patented Keys?
Patented keys offer an advanced level of security by restricting key duplication to a specific company. This heightened security measure ensures that only the property owner, verified through identification, can request key cutting services. By utilising patented keys, individuals can significantly enhance the protection of their property against unauthorised access.
Advantages of Using Patented Keys Over Restricted Keyways
When considering advanced security options for key systems, the use of patented keys presents distinct advantages over restricted keyways. Patented keys offer a higher level of protection as they are legally protected. This legal protection provides an added layer of security that restricted keyways lack.
Opting for patented keys over restricted keyways can provide tighter security and peace of mind, especially for businesses and properties requiring enhanced protection against unauthorised access.
Who Can Benefit from Restricted Keyways and Patented Keys?
Using restricted keyways and patented keys can greatly benefit businesses and homeowners by preventing tenants or employees from duplicating keys without permission. Patented and restricted keys are particularly useful for businesses with many staff, where keeping track of keys may be more difficult. Below are some cases that can benefit from restricted keyways and patented keys:
Landlords and HMOs:
Using restricted keyways and patented keys can greatly benefit businesses and homeowners by preventing tenants or employees from duplicating keys without permission. Patented and restricted keys are particularly useful for businesses with many staff, where keeping track of keys may be more difficult. Below are some cases that can benefit from restricted keyways and patented keys:
Financial Institutions:
Financial institutions deal with sensitive and valuable information and assets, making security a top priority. Restricted keyways and patented keys can help in restricting access to specific areas within the institution, such as vaults or secure rooms.
Government Facilities:
Government facilities often house classified information and assets that require high levels of security. Restricted keyways and patented keys can provide an extra layer of security by limiting access to specific areas based on the level of clearance.
Healthcare Providers:
Healthcare providers store confidential patient information, drugs and medical equipment that need to be secured. Restricted keyways and patented keys can help in securing medication storage areas, patient records, and restricted zones within healthcare facilities.
Educational Institutions:
Educational institutions have a responsibility to provide a safe and secure environment for students and staff. Restricted keyways and patented keys can be used to control access to classrooms, offices, laboratories and other sensitive areas within the campus.
Commercial Properties:
Commercial properties house valuable assets, inventory, and confidential information that need to be protected. Restricted keyways and patented keys can help in securing offices, storage areas, and restricted zones within commercial properties.
What to Do When Your Restricted Key is Lost or Stolen
In the event that a restricted key is misplaced or stolen, prompt action is crucial to maintain the security of the premises and regain access for authorised personnel. The first step is to notify the key controller or the locksmith who issued the key. They can then initiate a rekeying process to render the lost or stolen key useless. This involves changing the lock cylinder effectively revoking access to the previous key.
Simultaneously, it's essential to assess the overall security risk posed by the missing key. This may involve conducting a thorough inspection of the premises to ensure no unauthorised access has occurred. Depending on the circumstances, it might be necessary to implement additional security measures, such as installing temporary security guards.
In master key systems, utilising restricted and patented keys can significantly enhance the overall security measures in place. These keys offer an additional layer of protection by preventing the duplication of master keys that may be able to open many locks. This heightened level of security minimises the risk of unauthorised key copies, providing peace of mind for those managing master key systems.
Improving Security with Restricted Keyways and Patented Keys
Restricted keyways and patented keys offer a crucial extra layer of security in safeguarding property and preventing unauthorised access. These high security keys provide enhanced protection against duplication and unforced entry, benefiting individuals and businesses across various industries.
Contact us with your questions about restricted and patented keys
If you're thinking about high security keys and locks for your property, get in touch and our friendly and expert team will find the best solution for you.
Alternatively, you may wish to call our team on 01902 737 672 or email us via sales@masterkeysystems.co.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.