Smart door locks, also known as electronic locks, have become increasingly popular as the go—to choice for securing residential properties. And why not? They offer unmatched convenience and versatile features. However, compared to traditional locks that have been around for centuries, smart lock technology is relatively new.
Therefore, it is understandable if you have concerns about their security, especially when it comes to robustly securing your home. You might wonder if are smart deadbolts safe enough to resist tech—savvy thieves from hacking the smart locks and bypassing the security they provide. Additionally, you may be wondering if security and convenience are well—balanced with smart door locks.
In this article, we will explore the safety of smart deadbolt locks to help you make an informed decision about whether they’re the right choice for your home security!
How Do Smart Locks Work?
Before we dive into the safety of smart locks, let’s first define what they are and how they work. A smart deadbolt lock is a battery—operated device that allows you to lock and unlock your door using various means, including Wi—Fi, Bluetooth, digital keypads, and biometric recognition, and even smart devices like Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant for a seamless smart home integration.
Certain models even allow you to unlock your door from anywhere using your smartphone app. Moreover, the models often offer additional features like timed access codes, ability to monitor the lock status remotely, access logs, built—in alarm system, and much more.
Can Smart Locks Be Hacked?
Even if they come with various great features, the question stands: are smart deadbolts safe? Can they be hacked? The simple answer is yes. However, no lock type is immune to vulnerability. Like any other locking mechanism, smart locks can also be compromised by determined thieves.
The chances of this happening are low if you stick with smart locks that are thoroughly tested to provide ultimate durability and security. You can further strengthen the security of your smart lock by utilizing the following tips.
Choose a Strong Code
To protect your password from being compromised, it is crucial to use a strong code that is difficult to crack. Use long and complex codes and avoid passwords that may be easy to guess, such as your name, birthday, pet’s name, etc. If you suspect that your code is in the wrong hands, the convenience of smart locks is that you can change it immediately.
Buy from a Reputable Brand
Choose a smart lock from a reputable brand with a track record of security and reliability. Not all smart locks are created equal, so it is best to stick with a brand known for its trustworthy track record. This way, you can ensure that your smart lock has been thoroughly tested for security vulnerabilities and is less likely to be hacked or compromised.
Keep Your Software Up—to—Date
Keep your smart lock software up—to—date with the latest security patches and firmware updates. Companies often release updates to keep the security and functioning of the lock in check. This will ensure that any security vulnerabilities are patched promptly, and your access to your home remains secure.
Utilize the Security Features
Many smart locks models offer various features that can help you even more steps to protect your home security.
- Turn on the auto—lock feature to ensure that your door is always securely locked when you are out.
- Control the codes and generate various codes for different people while controlling when they work.
- Utilize decoy numbers feature which gives you random numbers to input before inputting your actual code, making it hard for anyone to discern the code through the fingerprints and other signs left on the keypad.
- Connect the built—in alarm system to be notified of any suspicious activity on your lock.
- Use 2—factor authentication to add an additional layer of security, making it even harder for intruders to gain entry.
Security Advantages of Smart Door Locks Compared to Regular Locks
After discussing the smart use of smart locks, let’s also examine their security features, which many smart locks offer.
No Need to Worry about Stolen or Lost Keys
One of the biggest advantages of smart deadbolts is that you do not need to worry about losing or having your keys stolen, nor about unauthorized key duplication. Unauthorized access to your keys can be a major security concern, but since smart locks do not require keys, this worry is eliminated.
Easy Access Changes
Even if someone gets access to your code or smartphone, changing the code is simple and quick. With admin access, you can add, modify, or delete codes at any time, making it impossible for someone with the old code to access your home. Additionally, if your smartphone is stolen, which has an app to access your lock, you should be able to log in to your lock brand’s site account and revoke access. Conversely, if you want to change the access of your traditional door lock by rekeying it, you need to call a locksmith or do it yourself with a kit, which can be inconvenient especially if you stick with DIY.
Fewer Lock Tampering Techniques
Thieves use various lock tampering techniques to target standard locks, such as bumping the lock with a bump key and hammer, snapping the cylinder with a tool, picking the lock by manipulating the lock pins with tools, and so forth. However, keyless operation makes smart door locks immune to these manipulation techniques that regular locks are susceptible to.
An average burglar is unlikely to know how to work with complex locks and be able to hack through them to unlock the door. Your chances of crossing paths with a dangerously knowledgeable hacker are slim, as are the chances of them succeeding with a tremendous amount of sophisticated work required to hack the lock.
Thoroughly Tested for Security
All reputable brands—such as Schlage. August, Yale, Kwikset, Wyze, etc.—rigorously test and update their locks to provide extremely durable and excellent security to users. The data is typically securely encrypted with 128—bit AES encryption (used in online banking) and is backed up by other robust security compliances.
Thinking of Installing a Smart Deadbolt Lock?
Although smart deadbolts may be relatively new, they have proven to be a secure and convenient way to protect your home. By using a strong code, purchasing from a reputable brand, keeping your software up—to—date, and utilizing the various security features, you can maximize your smart lock’s security benefits.
Additionally, smart locks offer many advantages, such as keyless and easy access control, as well as a versatile range of advanced features. These do not enhance just the security, but also the convenience. So if the question of “are smart deadbolts safe?” is concerning you, you can rest assured!
Does this have you convinced to enhance the security of your house with smart technology? Then look no further than Faster Locksmiths for installing smart locks! Our Brampton locksmiths can help you choose the best smart lock for your home, address any security concerns you may have, and procure and install the lock for your front door! Get in touch with us today to install a smart door lock for your home.