With advances in digital technology, it was only a matter of time before we saw the development of new types of locking systems, marking the end of the traditional front door key.
Smart technology is now integral to our everyday lives, we use cards to get into hotel rooms and vehicles can be started without a key.Now you can enter your home using your smart phone, internet and
Bluetooth technology, but the big question remains - are smart locks are safe?
The Pros Of Smart Locks
There are many different smart locks on the market allowing you to configure, remotely control and unlock your front door through an app on your phone.There’s no doubt they add a significant level of security with you alone controlling the whole system.
House keys are among the most commonly misplaced items so smart locks not only improve security but they’re far more convenient and can avoid any lock-out situation arising.
Smart lock technology enables you to send virtual access codes to members of your family or even visiting tradesmen, so you’re able to keep tabs on who’s going in and out of your house. What’s more you can deactivate a code at any time so once a tradie has completed any work, his code can be deleted.
A smart locking system remains one of the hardest security systems to crack akin with the level of security you may see at a bank.
Smart lock manufacturers have regular software update cycles to minimise any security breaches.
They’re useful for those with mobility problems as guests can be let in and out of the house, and the door locked remotely without any need to greet or say goodbye at the entrance.
There is amazing potential with smart locks and the way they can be integrated with other assistant devices in the future, such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Nest enabling a high level of all round-home security.
The Cons Of Smart Locks
While the lock may be smart, so are hackers who have the expertise to tamper with the devices and create false access codes.
There is, and always will be a risk of internet-connected devices being hacked.While they are engineered and manufactured to an incredibly high security standard security breaches do happen.
At a recent international security conference ‘DEF CON’ in America, experts noted that up to 75% of smart locks could be hacked by professional cyber criminals who had a high level of knowledge and could crack encryption codes and pin numbers.
Even well-designed smart lock apps may be compromised through other apps which are sitting on the phone, although the installation of mobile phone security software should reduce this risk.
Some smart locks are used along with a traditional dead bolt, other types require you to replace your existing dead bolt altogether, but it’s easy to remove these devices with a simple screwdriver.
In order for a smart lock to work effectively the door must be firmly closed to secure the deadbolt.
Home owners using these smart lock devices have to be vigilant, as mobile phones can be easily lost or stolen which could add complications if they fell into the wrong hands.
As always, with any lock technology, it can be difficult to know what’s best suited to your home, so why not speak to the experts at Door Stop to find out more?We have two showrooms in Osborne Park and Joondalup and with 35 year’s industry experience in doors and associated fixtures and fittings, we can help with all your requirements.
