Smart locks are not only great home improvements but also convenient for the modern world because they can be used from your phone without a key and automatically detect who is coming through the door. With these locks, you are able to lock and unlock your door without the need of a key. All you need is your smartphone to get in and out of the house with no hassle.Smart locks also make it easier for people to monitor who’s coming in and out of their home. These locks will notify you when someone has entered or exited your home and can also give you notifications on your phone if someone is trying to break into your house. In addition, they are gaining popularity because they offer you the option of giving temporary access to other people such as a family member, friend or tenant. This has made smart locks popular at Airbnb’s.
It’s clear that smart locks are an increasingly popular and convenient way of securing your home. They come in all shapes and sizes, including the popular ones by August, Kwikset, Schlage, and Yale. The question is though how safe are these smart locks? Can they be hacked just like any other device?
Today dear readers, let’s take a look at the advantages of smart locks and what is the truth about their supposed security.
What are the advantages of smart locks?
While hacking these locks is a possibility, they still provide much stronger security than their older brothers. For one, forcing open a Smart Lock is almost impossible, as they will automatically lock themselves shut as soon as any type of force is detected, or if the device is damaged. They are programmed to need no kind of force applied to open or close, which means that any attempts to break them or force them open will lock them immediately. On the other hand, while hacking them is certainly a possibility, it is by no means an easy task. The latest smart gadgets, be it phones, TVs, or locks, are programmed to prevent these kinds of hacking attempts, either by sending an alert to the owners of someone trying to break security or by shutting themselves down completely. Finally, as we said before, there is no perfect security system, and no matter how sophisticated the programming may be, it can be hacked, yet the process is not easy unless our assailant is a technological savant, and even then it takes time, most likely enough for either the owner or someone to realize something is going on.
Higher security with smart locks
Smart Locks may not be perfect, but they are quite effective in both keeping security and making life easier. For one, smart locks can keep track of who opens them, creating a log for the admin to check whenever he or she wants. This goes a long way in making sure that everybody who should be in the house is, and a boon for parents to know that their kids arrived safely at home. Another commodity is that most smart locks can be set up and synced with your smartphone through Bluetooth, so you only need to approach the door with your phone’s Bluetooth on and the door will open. There are even more sophisticated options to increase security, such as fingerprint scanning and security codes. And if by any chance the energy or internet goes out, there’s no need for worry, as Smart Locks also have traditional key ports to work within these situations.
Can smart locks be hacked?
Smart locks can be hacked so keep this in mind. However, the likelihood of your smart lock being hacked is very low. With that said, it’s important to remember that a smart lock, like any other smart device, is a tiny computer. This computer is programmed to lock or unlock any given door, both through WiFi or Bluetooth, and can make life much more simple. Yet as with any other computer or smart device, it can be hacked. Although much more secure than their analogical brothers, there is no perfect security system and smart locks don’t escape this rule. The good news is that hacking one of these tiny friends is a lot harder than forcing a regular lock.
Are smart locks expensive?
There is a wide range of brands, types and prices of locks. The most expensive ones are usually more secure and may have some added features like security cameras and keypads, but price should not be the only factor when looking for the best smart lock.
Can I install a smart lock myself?
Installing a smart lock is not a simple task. In fact, it can be quite difficult, especially if you don’t know what you’re doing. Locks are not created equally and the same goes for smart locks. A high-quality lock will come with installation instructions, but if you are not familiar with the process then it might be best to call a professional. You should also keep in mind that the security of smart locks is heavily reliant on the quality of the lock and the installation. That’s why it’s always better to hire a professional if you’re looking for help with installation or troubleshooting an issue. Locksmiths can provide and install high-quality smart locks for homes and cars at competitive prices.
Other Popular Smart Devices
Smart Locks are just the tip of the “Smart Iceberg” when it comes to smart home gadgets. With smart lighting, fridges, ovens, TVs, and chargers, each day the possibility of building a house completely controllable through our phones or tablets is clearer. While it may still be a bit costly to manage, as a Smart Lock price can range between 100$ and 300$, the investment is worth the effort. Let this article be the first step for our readers to “smart up” their homes.