Keys are one of the oldest and most common ways to control access to a building. However, many businesses rarely stop to think about how secure their keys actually are. If you manage a school, apartment building, office, or other shared facility, chances are you’ve asked a simple question at some point: Who has copies of our keys?
For many organizations, the honest answer is “We’re not really sure.” Employees leave, vendors come and go, maintenance staff make duplicates, and over time the number of copies grows beyond anyone’s control. High security key systems, such as Medeco, can make a significant difference in these situations.
The Problem with Traditional Keys
Most traditional keys offer very little protection against duplication. Even when a key is stamped with the words “Do Not Duplicate,” that marking does not actually prevent someone from copying it. In the past, it was assumed that a locksmith or hardware store employee might notice the “Do Not Duplicate” marking and refuse to make a copy. Today, that protection is even weaker. Many hardware stores now offer self-service key duplication kiosks, allowing anyone to copy a key without any oversight.
For businesses that rely on standard keys, that means anyone who has temporary access to a key could potentially make copies without the owner ever knowing, via kiosks and 3D printers.
What Makes Medeco High Security Keys Different
Medeco key systems are designed specifically to prevent unauthorized duplication and improve control over who has access to your building. Unlike standard keys, Medeco systems use patented keyways and controlled key blanks. This means keys cannot be freely copied at hardware stores or kiosks. Only authorized Medeco dealers are able to duplicate them.
When a Medeco system is installed, the building owner or administrator can establish a list of approved individuals who are authorized to request duplicate keys. If someone outside that list attempts to get a copy made, the request will be denied. This controlled process gives businesses a much clearer understanding of who has access to their property.
Preventing Real-World Key Control Problems
Many organizations lose control of their keys through everyday situations.
- Employees leave but keep their keys or lose them
- Contractors and vendors are given access
- Cleaning crews or delivery personnel may receive copies for convenience
Over time, those extra keys can spread far beyond the original group of trusted users, and building management can lose track of which keys were given to which people.
Maintenance practices can also contribute to the problem. In some buildings, maintenance staff are used to handling key duplication themselves. While this may seem convenient, it can create major security gaps.
In one example that Assured Security has recently seen, a multifamily property had to rekey the entire building twice within a short period of time. It was discovered that a maintenance employee had been creating duplicate keys and handing them out to vendors and service providers. Without realizing it, those copies made and handed out were grand master keys, allowing access across the entire building, including individual tenant’s private residences.
Situations like this are exactly what controlled key systems are designed to prevent.
Stronger Security Without Replacing All Your Hardware
One common concern businesses have is cost. Many assume that upgrading to a high security key system requires replacing every lock and piece of hardware in the building. In many cases, this is not necessary.
If the existing door hardware is in good condition, it is often possible to replace only the cylinder inside the lock with a Medeco cylinder. This allows businesses to upgrade their key control without replacing the entire lock or door hardware.
This approach can make the upgrade far more affordable while still delivering the security benefits of a controlled key system.
Making Key Control Simple for the Right People
Another misconception is that high security key systems make it difficult to obtain legitimate copies. In reality, Medeco systems are designed to balance security with convenience. Businesses can designate specific people who are authorized to request duplicate keys. When those approved individuals need a copy, the process can be handled quickly through Assured Security, an authorized Medeco dealer.
This allows organizations to maintain tight control over duplication while still supporting the practical needs of building managers, janitorial teams, and other trusted staff.
Where High Security Key Systems Make the Most Sense
While almost any organization can benefit from better key control, certain environments tend to see the biggest impact. Schools and school district facilities often manage keys across multiple buildings and departments, making duplication control critical. Apartment buildings and multi-housing properties must manage tenant turnover while protecting shared spaces. Office buildings frequently deal with employee turnover and vendor access.
In each of these cases, maintaining control over who has keys can help prevent security issues before they occur.
Building a Smarter Approach to Physical Security
High security keys are just one part of a broader security strategy. When combined with strong door hardware, access control systems, and alarm monitoring, they help create a layered approach that protects people and property more effectively.
At Assured Security, we work with organizations to evaluate their existing door hardware and key systems before recommending any upgrades. In many cases, improving key control can be one of the simplest and most effective ways to strengthen overall building security. If you are unsure who may have copies of your building’s keys, it may be time to take a closer look at your key system.
Contact the team at Assured Security to schedule a security assessment or on-site visit and learn how a high security key system could help protect your facility
