The purpose of keyed locks is to maintain physical security, while the purpose of cipher locks is to control access, limiting either unannounced intrusions or unaccompanied access to particular areas of a facility that are sensitive.Cipher locks are used to control access to areas such as airport control towers, computer rooms, corporate offices, embassies, areas within financial institutions, research and development laboratories, and storage areas holding weapons, controlled substances, etc.

This cipher lock is called a Three Digit Code Lock, which was developed by Powerkeep corporation, for security purpose. Cipher locks are available in a variety of metallic colors and can be equipped with either a knob or a lever. The system is mechanical, the master could set the secret code at anytime.

In addition to being used for doors and cabinets, password locks have many interesting uses to protect anything belonging to you, as shown below.