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Cyber Meets Cylinder: Why Security Has No Borders
James and Darryl are at the forefront of showing how physical and cyber security are inseparable. Physical locks are the first line of defence, but to James, they’ re only one element in a broader security strategy. From RFID-enabled doors to smart car fobs, James demonstrates how easy it is for attackers to exploit even the most advanced systems.“ Honestly, I was shocked at how easy it is to hack something like a smart doorbell, an access control system or even a car. It’ s wild,” James reflects.“ We’ ve come so far with technology, but that means the risks are even higher. It’ s a whole new world. I like to stay ten steps ahead of criminals.”
His kit includes everything from custom decoders and Viking Slim Jim bands to ESP8266 boards used for hacking Wi-Fi and credentials.“ I’ ve got tools I never even imagined using before,” James laughs.“ It’ s all part of the ever-evolving challenge.”
The Locksport Community
James’ s influence extends far beyond Australia, as he’ s well-connected in the global locksport community. Inspired by figures like Bosnian Bill, Lock picking Lawyer, Deviant Ollam, Lady Locks, and Locknoob, James collaborates with other experts, sharing tools and advice.“ There’ s a real camaraderie in the locksport community,” he says.“ We challenge each other, grow together, and share knowledge. It’ s like a community.”
Real Tools, Real Tactics
James’ s gear is as cutting-edge as his techniques. His toolkit includes Multipick tools from Germany, lock core pullers, RFID cloners, 3D-printed tools, bypass devices, USB rubber duckies, and even a phone charging cable that has a micro-computer in it.“ I’ ve always been about precision over brute force,” James explains.“ It’ s about being discreet, staying unnoticed, and working under the radar.”
Penetrating Buildings with Social Engineering
James’ s work isn’ t just about physical locks; it’ s about understanding the human element of security. Through social engineering, he explained how easy it is to manipulate people into granting access. Whether it’ s by pretending to be a worker or using hacking tools to steal credentials.“ I can’ t tell you how many people still don’ t think twice before plugging in an unknown USB found in the work car park into a business network,” James warns.“ It’ s terrifying how easy it is to gain access through simple human error.
“ Give me a high-vis jacket, a clipboard, and a hard hat, and I can get through most doors,” James says.“ People just assume you’ re official and hold the door open for you, no questions asked.”
James combines physical entry tactics with the digital expertise of his colleague, Darryl. Together, they conduct deep reconnaissance using OSINT( Open Source Intelligence), gathering publicly available information to build detailed profiles of individuals and businesses they’ re assessing.
“ People have no idea how much they’ re giving away,” James continues.“ A single photo on social media can reveal so much- maybe a shot at work with login screens in the background, or a seemingly innocent post from the local park that tells me where they live.”
He also highlights common vulnerabilities in digital systems.“ We watched where employees hang out at lunch and set up a fake Wi-Fi and named it‘( That business’ s name) Free Wi-Fi,’” James recalls.“ It’ s crazy how many people logged in. We had access to emails, passwords, you name it.”
Future Goals and Irish Roots
Though James is Australian born, his family roots run deep in the UK and Ireland. In his downtime, he enjoys collecting kilts, flat caps, and fragrances.“ I wear a kilt for special occasions, and I’ ve got more cologne than I care to admit,” he laughs.“ I’ m definitely a man of many interests outside of work and prone to being obsessive about things.”
Future Goals
James’ s long-term vision for DALP is clear: expand the business into a fulltime operation and become Australia’ s premier hub for physical and cyber security training. And working with people all over the world with training, presentations, and pen-testing.“ It’ s not just about locks anymore,” he says with conviction.“ It’ s about teaching people that security isn’ t just one thing. It’ s everything. If you don’ t secure both your doors and your networks, you’ re leaving yourself wide open.”
James’ s Final Thoughts
“ I’ m autistic, so I hyper-focus and become obsessed,” James admits.“ When I get into something, I really dive deep. Lockpicking was a challenge I couldn’ t put down, but now it’ s bigger. It’ s about helping people stay safe in a world where threats evolve daily.” Whether you’ re a locksmith, a cybersecurity professional, or just someone who uses a username and password, James’ s message is clear,“ It’ s all connected, and it can all be hacked. But not if you’ re streetwise and ready. Always be suspicious and question everything.”
www. dalp. com. au darkartslockpicking @ gmail. com # KeepItBloodyLegal YouTube: Dark Arts Lock Picking
AUGUST 2025
9
Issue Takeover locksmithjournal. co. uk