Secure by Design: Why New Infrastructure Demands More than Off-the-Shelf Locks

When planning new infrastructure, it’s tempting to default to “standard” components. For many, locks are treated as commodity hardware chosen based on price and availability rather than long-term performance.

But in today’s world, where vandalism, tampering, and service disruption are all on the rise, off-the-shelf cam locks no longer meet the demands of modern infrastructure projects. A secure-by-design approach is needed, one that builds resilience into every stage of the specification process.

The Risks of Off-the-shelf Locks

Legacy lock designs like pin hex, square head, or tri-head were never built for high-risk, public-facing environments. When used in new infrastructure projects, they introduce vulnerabilities from day one. Common issues include:

• Susceptibility to tampering with everyday tools such as screwdrivers or pliers.
• No compression technology, leaving enclosures prone to rattling or forced entry.
• Empty spaces and protrusions that provide leverage points.
• Limited durability under repeated use or environmental conditions.

Choosing these locks at the specification stage may appear cost-effective, but the real price comes later in the form of vandalism-related repairs, cabinet replacements, and service downtime.

Why Secure-by-design Matters

Secure-by-design means thinking about resilience not as an afterthought, but as a core design principle. For enclosures, that means recognising the lock as the frontline of security and specifying tamper-resistant designs from the outset.

Benefits include:

• Reduced lifetime costs by avoiding early replacements or expensive callouts.
• Increased resilience to tampering and forced entry.
• Extended service uptime by protecting the systems inside cabinets.
• Better alignment with public safety priorities, where reliable security is no longer optional.

What Tamper-resistant Locks Add to New Projects

Specifying tamper-resistant locks from the start allows new infrastructure to deliver lasting value. Key engineering features include:

• Three-point contact opening to resist manipulation.
• Compression mechanism for a tighter, more durable seal.
• Smooth, low-profile surfaces with no leverage points.
• Restricted key inserts to minimise unauthorised access.
• Compatibility with standard footprints, giving flexibility for future retrofits or replacements.

This combination helps ensure that new cabinets, feeder pillars, telecom enclosures, and transport infrastructure are equipped to withstand the realities of their environment.

Building Resilience Starts at Specification

Off-the-shelf locks may seem convenient, but in public-facing infrastructure, they create vulnerabilities that can cost far more in the long run. By choosing tamper-resistant cam locks from the design stage, you’re investing in resilience, service continuity, and public trust.

Whether you’re specifying new builds or planning upgrades, secure-by-design decisions protect infrastructure for years to come.

📞 Call us: 01952 890158
📧 Email: sales@contoursecure.co.uk
🌐 Visit: www.contoursecure.co.uk

Or enquire online to  request a sample or discuss how tamper-resistant cam locks can be specified into your next project.