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Recently, two clients have contacted me about less than harmonious resignations of employees in positions of trust. Prior to their quitting, these employees had master keys in their possession. The keys enabled them not only to gain entry to the client's buildings, but also to roam throughout sensitive areas.

Please remember that merely insisting upon a key's return does not protect you from the use of a duplicate key. Most keys can be copied in minutes at a key shop in any mall. Many of your employees have already done so for their own convenience. For $1.50, a person with no loyalty to (and perhaps hostility toward) your business or organization can possess the key to your door.

Yes, if you have an alarm, changing the code on your system is an important first step in protecting your business. But alarms can be compromised and avoided. Good security measures dictate protection in depth.

What to do…

If you have an electronic access control system, the former employee's access card or PIN number should be voided immediately. If you have keyed locks, please change your exterior door keyways immediately.

Perelman Security Group strongly recommends that you have these lock cylinders replaced with high security locks. Such locks cost more than standard locks, however, they provide the potential for long term savings and greater peace of mind. High security locks have keys that are not reproducible by common key shops. The keys require special key blanks. Additionally, reputable locksmiths will not duplicate these keys unless a person possesses a special ID card and has prior authorization on file at the locksmith's shop.

Any quality locksmith can provide a high security keyway for your lock. Each lock manufacturer has its own design. Generally, locksmiths carry several brands.

The loss of trust in an employee is always upsetting. At least now you'll know that when an employee with a key to your door quits, it will be difficult for him/her to have obtained a duplicate.