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.
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.
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.
Shopping for a smart lock is hard enough without having to worry about what door handle you'll pair it with. Most aren't paired with one from the start and it doesn't make sense to buy a complete handleset, only to toss the deadbolt that you don't need.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Although smart locks are generally more secure than standard locks, they're still vulnerable to hacking. This doesn't mean that you need to get rid of them or trade them in for standard locks—it just means that you should implement greater security measures.
Are electronic door locks safer than keyed door locks? Definitely not, but they are just as safe as keyed locks, and if a person is tech-savvy and wants ease of access instead of having to search around on their person for the keys to their home door, an electronic door lock is most definitely a good idea.
security simplified
Google Smart Lock lets you to get right down to work (or play) without needing to remember passwords and security codes. Works with your Android devices, Chromebooks, Chrome browser and select apps.
Yes, if you tend to lose your keys often. With some many types out there offering various access modes beyond the traditional mechanical key, a digital lock means you won't need to carry your keys around with you wherever you go. Yes, if you want a door with flexible security options.
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 smart lock can use low energy Bluetooth and SSL for communication and use 128/256-bit AES to encrypt the communication. An electronic lock is a locking device operated by an electric current. Electric locks are sometimes independent, and their electronic control components are directly installed on the lock.
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.
From research, it has been observed that keypad door locks can be hacked if they are not properly set up.
Wondering how long can digital locks last? On average, a standard digital lock will have a lifespan of less than 5 years.
PLEASE NOTE: Your August Wi-Fi Smart Lock has 2 3V CR123 or CR123A Lithium batteries. It is important to replace both batteries at the same time. We do not recommend using rechargeable batteries because of their limited capacity.
Some smart locks are keyless, not requiring (or allowing) any sort of key at all. However other smart locks come with a physical key, usually as a backup option incase the smart functionality fails.