Last year, lock firm Onity was made aware of a security flaw that allowed computer hackers to break their locks and enter into hotel rooms. Onity announced that they were in the process of fixing it, but hackers are still manipulating the system with a new hacking technique.

After several break-ins at various hotels in Arizona, police and hotel staff concluded that the burglars gained access into the rooms by inserting a small device into a data port located on the bottom of the hotel locks. This data port stores the memory in which the hackers’ device used to access a digital key and trigger the opening mechanism of the lock.

Inside Edition recently did a report about these lock-breaking devices. Security researcher and software developer, Cody Brocious, demonstrated for the cameras how easy it is to use the device. Within seconds of sticking the hand-held hacking machine into the data port, the electronic lock clicked open and Brocious immediately gained access to the room without using a key. He revealed that the small homemade device is very simple to make, costing less than 50 dollars, and videos on YouTube show just how easy it is to make and use.   

Onity is currently in the process of supplying temporary plugs to cover the data ports for the keycard locks of its more than four million rooms worldwide.

Four million is a big number. That’s four million hotel rooms unprotected, where a guests’ privacy is in danger of being invaded. According to police reports, recent items stolen from hotel rooms included luggage, TVs, laptops, iPads, the gun and badge of a U.S. Marshall, and the uniform of an airline pilot.

Because this lock issue is still very much alive, it’s important to take extra precaution when staying in a hotel. As Pat Brosnan, CEO of Brosnan Risk Communications, told Inside Edition, “You’ve got to use common sense. Leave your valuables in a safe. Don’t leave them in a room.”