Scientists have developed a new software called the ‘Sneakey’ which would allow duplication of keys using their images. Hence, it is now possible to create a duplicate key without the knowledge of the user by just using the image of that person’s key. The software adjusts angles and distances between cuts and a 3D representation is converted into a tangible key, which can be used in place of the original.

The technology would definitely raise security concerns and perhaps people will have to blur the images of their key just as they would blur the images of their credit cards or IDs when posting online. Even an image taken from a height of 195 feet can be converted into a recognizable data to manufacture the duplicate key.

However, RFID enabled keys may not be duplicated because they come with a tag attached to them and the reader will accept nothing but that particular tag. The research has been conducted by the scientists of UC San Diego. Thanks to advanced digital imaging and optics, such a feat could have been made possible. However, not everyone would be pleased with the idea of duplication of keys using the key’s photographs.

Via: JacobSchool