These locks can use different types of authentication mechanisms such as biometric sensors, key fobs, mobile apps, or PIN codes to verify the identity of the user. However, like any other digital device, smart-locks are vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
Like any technology, smart locks are vulnerable to hacking if they are not properly secured. Hackers can use a variety of techniques to gain access to a smart lock, such as exploiting vulnerabilities in the lock's software, intercepting wireless signals, or simply guessing the password.
Not only can many smart locks be hacked, but they also are proven to have other vulnerabilities like the ability to be removed with a flathead screwdriver. Since smart locks often work with an existing deadbolt, this may mean they have the same level of security as traditional locks.
The good news is that experienced burglars hate smart security and smart locks. As a result, they would much rather target the 75% of homeowners who have no home security system whatsoever.
How Can Your Smart Lock Be Hacked? Like most smart devices, people often forget that a smart lock is actually a small computer, and it can be hacked. It's possible for hackers to access your phone's data and break in, or they can access the lock itself if it's Bluetooth-enabled.
Smart locks can be much more expensive than conventional lock-and-key systems. Our smart locks occasionally may not work properly when we try to sync them with other devices or connect them to our cell phones. Weak WiFi or a network issue may be one cause of this.
A passcode-protected entry is a great way to enhance your front door security, whether you're on vacation, at work, running errands, or simply when guests are using the house. Another great benefit of smart locks is that you can set notifications to help you remember to lock the front door on your way out.
Because they are electronic and often connected to a home network, they are open to hacking or infiltration. As your codes fly through the air, skilled hackers can pick up the code from a fob, or break into your Wi-Fi and access the keypad codes and gain access to your home.
So your locksmith cannot open your smart lock unless they have advanced IT skills, special tools, and programming skills. You, however, have to be careful not to share passwords carelessly or use weak passwords.
Best High-Security Door Lock
CR's take: The Medeco Maxum 11TR503-19 is the strongest deadbolt across all of our lock categories. It's top-notch for drilling, withstands kick-ins very well, and is designed in a way that makes it quite difficult to pick.
Yes, smart locks are as safe as traditional locks. Here's why. We have trusted traditional locks to secure our homes for centuries without questioning their capabilities. However, most standard locks are vulnerable to picking, not to mention how easy losing or misplacing a key is.
An estimated 80% of IoT devices are vulnerable to a wide range of attacks. Smart home devices are vulnerable to attacks because they are special-purpose devices.
Unlike the TV remote, these devices can collect and store information on your usage, habits, and preferences — either on the device or on the network. All that data makes your smart home a potential privacy risk, and every device you add to the network adds a new privacy concern.
Easy Access
Some smart locks can even be programmed with proximity detectors so that the door automatically unlocks as you approach it. Smart locks are an excellent option for those who have mobility issues.
In short, if you want a lock that's faster to open and more user friendly under pressure, a e-lock is probably your best bet. That said, manual locks aren't a bad option. If you've got a lock from a quality manufacturer like Sargent and Greenleaf or Lagard, you're going to be getting something extremely reliable.
What's the main difference between a smart lock and electronic lock? The key distinction between smart and electronic locks is that smart locks can unlock using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth technology, while electronic locks require some form of physical interaction or proximity to the key.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are commonly used on exterior house doors. Single and double cylinder locks are classified by strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Grade 1 is the highest and provides the best security.
Leaving the keys in the back of the door is a bad idea for the same reasons and is particularly risky if the front door has a glass panel in or near it. The glass can easily be broken to steal the keys from the lock allowing intruders to gain access into your property.
With that in mind, most smart locks last for about 6 to 12 months on a single set of fresh batteries or a fresh charge. Wi-Fi locks can be an exception to this rule, though, often lasting a few months at a time before requiring a change of batteries.
Your Smart Lock will give you low-battery warnings for multiple weeks before it loses power. However, if your Smart Lock dies entirely before you can replace your batteries, your key will still work. This is the same deadbolt key that you've always used - the Smart Lock doesn't change the key needed.
Batteries power most smart locks. This means that in the case of a power outage or internet disconnection, the lock will continue to work. In most cases, users can still unlock the door by entering a PIN code, scanning their fingerprint, or using a physical key, depending on the smart lock model.
However, most smart locks have backup batteries that kick in during a power outage, so they'll continue to work even if the power is out. And even if your smart lock doesn't have a backup battery, you can usually still open it manually with a key or override code.