Tamper-indicating seals have been used for well over 7,000 years yet the fact remains that considerable confusion and misconceptions exist regarding seals. Much of this confusion is fueled by some of the common terminology used to describe seals and seal usage.


Confusion and Misconceptions About Seals

The term tamper-proof seal suggests that the seal can’t be tampered with, much like a water-proof watch that will keep water out. This term is actually misleading because we want the seal to indicate that tampering has taken place. That’s the seal’s job. Perhaps this term came about because a seal will leave behind proof of tampering if tampered with.

Likewise, the term tamper-resistant seal is equally as misleading. This term suggests that the seals function is the same as a lock, which is to resist tampering. Again, this term is contrary to the seal’s true function.

In either case, it’s important to remember the function of a seal is not to lock an individual out but rather is meant to indicate to us (and often to the individual) that tampering has taken place.

The term security seal is often used instead of tamper-indicating seal. In fact, I often use this term over the latter. Others may reserve the term security seal to describe a special type of seal such as a barrier seal. In reality all tamper-indicating seals provide a legitimate form of security. For example, camera security systems at banks are not meant to stop people from walking through the doors. Obviously, banks want and need people to walk through their doors. A camera security system will however deter most people from robbing a bank, knowing that their actions are being recorded. Tamper-indicating seals provide a similar form of security, which is based largely on the psychological effect of knowing that you’re being watched.


Why Use a Seal Instead of a Lock?

There are a number of reasons why using a seal for a given application may make more sense than using a lock:

1. All locks can be defeated. Most locks can be defeated by amateurs very quickly.
2. Locks often require complicated and expensive key-control or combination-control procedures. Usually, the key or combination must be present at, or sent to, the receiving location. This presents additional vulnerabilities.
3. Seals are typically easier and faster to remove than locks. This is especially important in cases of emergencies when removing a lock can take up valuable time.
4. Seals are usually lighter and smaller than locks. They require less to store and ship.
5. There are many applications where knowing that tampering has occurred may be more useful and practical than trying to stop it. Pharmaceuticals and consumer food products are perfect examples where indications of tampering are very important.
6. Most locks are not very effective at recording tampering.
7. Locks may deter intruders to use alternate routes in order to gain entry. This may result in greater and more expensive damage to property.
8. Seals give security personnel a reason to carefully inspect the protected area or container as a result improving overall security.
9. Trap seals can be hidden whereas locks aren’t typically covert.

The above points aren’t meant to suggests that seals are better than locks. Obviously locks are one of the corner stones of any good security implementation. What I am suggesting however is that in some cases locks are being used where seals should be used instead.

Security seals are low-cost and very customizable. They differ in types shapes and sizes and can be covert or bright as day. Sometimes the seemingly simplest solutions are the best solutions when it comes to protecting your business, your home, your products, your information and the rest of your stuff!


Start Protecting Your Stuff: Part 1 – Part 2 – Part 3