Hackers duplicated a key photographed from 200 feet away using imaging software and a 3D printer.

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Benjamin Laxton, Kai Wang and Stefan Savage of UCSD set out to create an automated system for duplicating keys from a photograph.

Their SNEAKEY system is capable of creating a key from a photograph taken from their fourth floor lab.

Software analyses the image to determine the key manufacturer and the bitting code indicated by the visible bumps on the key.

A 3D printer is then used to create a physical key which can be used to open the lock.

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