While smart locks offer ease of access and they can be locked from anywhere, if you forget to lock up, they are very similar to traditional locks when it comes to security. Since most smart locks work with a traditional deadbolt, they are just as secure as traditional locks.
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.
Or are they more secure than traditional locks? The answer is that they can be. If a keyless lock means you're more likely to lock your doors every time you leave, less likely to hide a key underneath a doormat, or make tons of extra keys to share that you eventually lose track of, then yes, they can be more secure.
Technical glitches aside, smart locks, like most other categories of tech products, come with the potential for hackers and concerns over battery life. While some go the do-it-yourself path, for others, the cost of installation can be a barrier for consumers looking to level up their home security.
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.
Even a 5- or 6-digit PIN is exponentially safer than a 4-digit code – as long as it's not 123456. From then on, the Lock Screen will show you the numeric keypad when it asks for your passcode. For ultimate safety, I recommend a password that's a combination of letters, numbers and symbols.
Our Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Connect™ Smart Deadbolt with Alarm, and Schlage Touch™ Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Lever have all received a grade A in security, the best possible grade to keep your home, and everything inside it, safe.
Kwikset smartkey locks are certified Grade 1 security for residential use by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association and are advertised by Kwikset as being invulnerable to being hacked with wires, screwdrivers, or anything else inserted in the keyway.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are usually used on a home's exterior door. Available in single- and double-cylinder styles, deadbolts are rated according to their strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. A Grade 1 is the highest grade and provides the most security.
Smart locks can add both convenience and safety to your home. This convenience and safety are greatly enhanced when your lock is integrated into a larger home security system. Smart locks are just one of many smart devices you can have in your home.
PushButton locks are ideal for interior and exterior doors in your home or business. They are capable of securing your doors at all times and add privacy when needed.
Since they don't contain dials, keyed locks offer a superior level of security when compared to combination locks. Unless a thief has the key, he or she won't be able to open it. Furthermore, keyed locks are better protected against shimming than combination locks.
Keypad locks have a different hardware design than other types of locks. They don't have cylinder mechanisms, so they essentially cannot be picked or bumped like conventional locks. This keeps the building more secure. Instead of risking losing keys and having to rekey or change out the lock.
All of Yale's smart locks have a security rating of ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 (Grade 1 is highest). They aren't as strong as the Schlage Connect, a Grade 1 lock, but are ideal for use in residential settings.
Device Spoofing
This is a process where a hacker impersonates a device on a network to gain access. Rose used a Raspberry Pi (link to Amazon) to impersonate the smart lock and tricked its cloud server to send him its password. Rose then sent the password to the smart lock and opened it.
A trust agent lets a feature bypass the screen lock when the trust agent verifies that it can trust the device environment. If you turn off the Smart Lock feature, you should turn off the Smart Lock trust agent. User Guide. Security. 103.
Also in the non-forced entry category, there is no doubt Schlage is better. With a better, more precise manufacturing process and 2 additional security pins than the Kwikset deadbolt, Schlage locks are significantly harder to pick, bump or compromise in non-destructive ways.
The special tool that is designed to bump open these specially designed locks breaks open everything inside, leaving no outer damage, and then allows you to turn and unlock the deadbolt to open the door.
Kevo Smart Lock, 2nd Gen is a far more advanced smart lock than the original Kevo Smart Lock. It is BHMA grade 2 certified and UL listed and with that it is very secure product for residential security. It also features advanced smartkey technology.
Smart locks can be hacked. With any wireless technology, hacking is a risk and smart locks are no exception. However, if they are installed correctly, their software is kept up to date and you keep your passwords safe, then they are extremely difficult to hack.
Deadbolts are the most secure because they need to be engaged when the door is shut. They have a unique locking device built into the bolt, that can't be forced back into the door, thus preventing unwanted entry. The deadbolts sets back into the door 1 inch vs. a Spring bolt which sets back 1/2 inch.