Picture this: you’ve just purchased a safe to protect your valuables — maybe a family heirloom, important documents, or your firearm collection. You feel secure. You feel in control. Then you hear the news: the safe’s manufacturer still has a code that could open it. And in 2023, that’s exactly what happened with Liberty Safe.
How It All Unfolded
Liberty Safe is one of the most recognized safe brands in the U.S., trusted by thousands of homeowners and gun owners. But in late 2023, during an FBI investigation, the company provided an access code for a customer’s safe.
They were following the law — a valid warrant had been issued. Legally, they did the right thing. But for many customers, it felt like a breach of trust. The safe they thought was only theirs could now be accessed by someone else.
The story spread fast. Social media buzzed, people debated whether the company should have refused, and Liberty faced a wave of criticism. The company responded by updating its policies, allowing customers to permanently delete stored codes, and emphasizing they would only provide access when legally compelled.
Why This Matters for You
Most people assume that when they buy a safe, they are the only ones who hold the combination or code.
Here’s the problem: many modern electronic safes have factory reset codes or backup codes stored by the manufacturer. These codes exist to help if you forget your combination — but they also create a hidden backdoor. That means someone besides you could potentially open the safe if they have the code — legally or not.
The Liberty Safe controversy was a wake-up call: convenience for the manufacturer shouldn’t come at the expense of your control.
Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Safe
- Ask your safe manufacturer: Do they store a backup or reset code for your safe?
- Request code deletion: If they do, ask them to remove it. Liberty Safe now offers this option.
- Consider a lock upgrade: A professional locksmith can replace an electronic lock with a mechanical or independent digital lock that only you control.
- Get a security checkup: Have a trusted locksmith audit your safe to ensure there are no hidden vulnerabilities.
- Stay informed: Understanding how your safe works is the first step in protecting your valuables.
How LockWorks Can Help
At LockWorks, serving the Seacoast NH area, we help homeowners and small businesses take back control of their security.
We offer services such as:
- Replacing or upgrading electronic and mechanical locks
- Auditing safe codes and access permissions
- Educating clients about hidden backdoors in modern safes
- Ensuring your valuables remain under your control, not someone else’s
Because when it comes to your home, your family, or your business, peace of mind is priceless — and it shouldn’t have a backdoor.
Final Thought
The Liberty Safe story isn’t just a cautionary tale; it’s a reminder that security is more than steel and electronics. True security means knowing that you — and only you — hold the key.