Intro to Physical Security Bypass
Karen Ng, Matthew Cancilla
DEF CON 33 · Day 1 · Main Stage
In "Intro to Physical Security Bypass," Karen Ng and Matthew Cancilla deliver a rapid-fire exploration of common physical security vulnerabilities, demonstrating how many seemingly secure entry points can be easily compromised without resorting to complex lockpicking techniques. The talk emphasizes that while lockpicking often captures the imagination, a vast array of faster, more consistent, and simpler bypass methods exist, leveraging design flaws, improper installation, and human error. This presentation serves as a crucial wake-up call for anyone responsible for securing physical spaces, from residential properties to high-security corporate environments.
AI review
Competent, well-organized intro to physical bypass techniques with solid demo coverage — but this is a DEF CON 101 talk, not a research contribution. The content is well-executed for its lane, but veterans in the room already know the J-tool, the canned air REX trick, and shimming padlocks. It earns its slot as an accessible on-ramp, not as a conversation-advancer.