Breaking into a Suitcase with a Ballpoint Pen and What You Can Do About It

ITS Tactical / Imminent Threat Solutions · 930.8K views · 2012-06-05 · 4:07

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Overview

ITS Tactical demonstrates how a ballpoint pen can open a zippered suitcase without leaving a trace, bypassing its lock, and suggests countermeasures.

On Hacker News

Cited in TSA luggage-lock threads to show that locks on zippered bags offer little real security.

Discussed on HN; no positive recommendation is recorded in this export · HN mentions 2015–2016

Topics

Security & hacking Home, DIY & practical skills

What people said

szemet · 2016-07 · Reference
Zip tie? Only a ballpoint pen is needed, and you will never know someone messed with your luggage. Definitely easier than any lock... [VIDEO]
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limaoscarjuliet · 2015-12 · Reference
Most bags can be opened and closed with a ball point pen WITHOUT A TRACE completely bypassing any locks. [VIDEO]
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chiph · 2015-09 · Reference
So use a ballpoint pen on the zipper. You jam it in the nylon teeth so they separate, and you can loot the bag. Afterwards, use the zipper pull to heal the teeth and there's no trace you were in there. [VIDEO] To counter this (and unauthorized use of a TSA key), wrap your bag in industrial cling-wrap plastic. You should also go right to baggage claim when you land. Most airports don't have someone looking at the bag claim receipts, so thieves can walk right out with a bag.
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Sources

Video by ITS Tactical / Imminent Threat Solutions, played through YouTube.

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