Invisible Smart Locks (2024)

FAQs

How easily can smart locks be hacked? ›

How Can Your Smart Lock Be Hacked? 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.

Cons Of Having A Smart Lock

Smart locks communicate with your phone, usually via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If your phone is stolen, you lose it or it dies, you could get locked out if you don't have a backup plan (like logging in to your account on another device).

Your smart door lock runs on batteries and any codes that have already been added to your lock will still work. You will not, however, be able to remotely control the lock (or any other devices in the app) or add and delete Access Codes until the power and the hub come back online.

Non-WiFi-enabled Smart Locks

Non-WiFi-enabled locks usually incorporate the Bluetooth protocol. This helps connect the lock to your smartphone, allowing both devices to communicate with each other. Its features, functions and performance aren't affected by an Internet connection.

On a basic level, most smart locks will let you lock and unlock the door wirelessly from your phone, using an app. Others add in keypads for coded entry, which can help you rely on your keys a little less while also making it easier to share access with others.

Are smart locks hackable? Any technology that connects to the internet has the potential to be hacked. However, smart locks that work with a traditional locking mechanism, that can only be physically opened with a key, offer the best resistance against hackers.

Keep your home secure

Yes, smart locks are connected to networks, and anyone with a smart lock should absolutely keep their apps updated, passwords secure and use a PIN for unlocking via voice assistants. However, smart locks do eliminate the risk of someone swiping the key from underneath your doormat.

If we frame the new generation of smart lock as an upgrade instead of a fix, the answer is yes, there is room for improvement. Smart Locks mean you have one less thing to worry about when leaving the house or office and offer a wide range of benefits.

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.

Do smart locks affect home insurance? No, there are no 'insurer approved' smart locks for home insurance purposes. As long as a mortice deadlock is used alongside a smart lock, using a smart door lock will neither reduce your home insurance premiums nor make them more expensive.

How long do batteries last on smart lock? ›

Several factors play into how long your batteries will last, including environment, temperature, and weather stripping. Typically, battery life ranges from 6 months to 1 year.

Smart Locks

These are locks that have not been made using traditional locking mechanisms. Therefore, the locksmith is not going to be able to use the typical set of tools to open these locks. In order to open a smart lock, the locksmith needs to have advanced IT and programming knowledge to get the lock to unlock.

The difference lies in the following: Digital locks require some form of physical interaction with or proximity to the lock to function. Smart locks integrate with wireless, Bluetooth or similar technologies to enable remote access control, typically through a mobile device.

Electronic keyless locks are extremely reliable, but like any other battery-powered device, there will eventually come a time when the battery's power will run out.

Like any other technology, the keyless entry system can be hacked. When you install a keyless front door lock, there's always the possibility of it becoming a target for hackers and thieves.

Shackleless Padlocks

Contrary to the name, these actually do have a shackle, but the steel body completely encases it. No part of it is exposed, making it impossible to tamper with or cut the shackle. Shackleless padlocks are generally combined with a specific security “hasp,” or latch.

They are only meant to be placed on the interior facing side of the door. Technically these locks are not pickable. They are simply placed on the inside of your door, and can only be actuated by a smartphone, voice control, or, in some cases, a key fob.

Abus Granit Plus 37RK/80

If you are serious about investing in a padlock that cannot be cut by bolt cutters, the ABUS Granit Plus is going to be your best bet. Called one of the world's most secure padlocks, the tensile resistance is upwards of six tonnes and it is crafted from hardened steel.

What is the most secure lock for a front door? ›

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.

When installed and used correctly, smart door locks can be just as safe as conventional door locks. And with authentication features like a combination key code or fingerprint and facial recognition, they may be safer than traditional key and tumbler locks.

Smart homes command higher prices and may be easier to sell as a result. The key is having smart products installed and functioning before you list your home, because most buyers don't want a prewired home that still needs products installed.

Remote control

To be able to control the safety of you house, office or business is a game changer. Imagine you can control everything from your phone, from wherever you are. For most smart lock systems one can also unlock and lock the door remotely, without using a digital key at the door.

There's a chance that your phone simply hasn't updated its location status in a while. If this is the case, Smart Lock will stop working, as Trusted Places needs a fairly recent location report before it will unlock your phone.

Check to ensure the lock mechanism is in the same orientation as earlier. You should not have resistance when locking the door here. If you encounter resistance, the door lock motor is being overworked and causing the batteries to drain faster.

Use a Bump key

A bump key is a very simple tool that can be used to open most locks. The tool is inserted into a keyway and then one or more pins are bumped using an allen wrench or toothpick. That allows you to unlock doors without the use of a key. You can use this method during an emergency situation.

Can a burglar unlock a deadbolt? ›

Deadbolts use a solid piece of metal to secure the door, while standard cylinder locks use a spring to help make it easier to lock the door. Unfortunately, the spring does not provide much security and it can easily be forced. Deadbolts, however, are still vulnerable to lock picking.

Most of the digital locks have Bluetooth connectivity. This is rare, but hackers can still use a Bluetooth sniffer to access the lock. It is rare because hackers need to have very deep knowledge about the code. They will also need some complex computer hardware for Bluetooth sniffing to get information.

Keyless door locks aren't necessarily more secure than traditional locks. Every lock on the market, keyed or keyless, has a physical weakness: The lock is only as strong as the construction material, the length of the deadbolt, and the strength of the material the bolt slides into.

Cons: Digital locks outfitted with Advanced Encryption Standard are quite secure, and most digital locks have built-in anti-theft alarms that will go off should someone try to tamper with the mechanism. That said, it is still possible for smart locks to be hacked.

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.

Any smart home device that is capable of connecting to the internet has the potential to be hacked, accessed remotely, and in many cases, even controlled by outside users ‒ just as any website or computer can be.

ANSI Grade I

They're mostly used in high-security and commercial settings like banks and office buildings. They're also being used in residential settings as a result of the increased need for home security. ANSI Grade 1 locks are the strongest, most expensive type of lock you can buy for residential use.

The difference lies in the following: Digital locks require some form of physical interaction with or proximity to the lock to function. Smart locks integrate with wireless, Bluetooth or similar technologies to enable remote access control, typically through a mobile device.

While properly installed deadbolts provide reasonable protection, there are risks. With single cylinder deadbolts, burglars often break door-side windows to simply reach in and turn the latch. Double cylinder deadbolts can slow family members trying to flee from the house in case of fire or other emergency.

Keypad locks that do not use any wireless signals cannot be hacked but are usually not a lot safer than standard locks as an experienced locksmith can pick them. It is worth noting that having your keypad lock hacked is probably one of the least likely ways that someone will open you lockers.

What is the biggest danger of the smart home? ›

A 2021 research project revealed that typical smart homes are vulnerable to a high number of data attacks. Reported instances of smart home attacks have included hackers remotely controlling smart lights and smart TVs, unlocking IoT-enabled doors, and remotely turning on and streaming video from smart cameras.

Smart devices collect a wide range of data about their users. Smart security cameras and smart assistants are, in the end, cameras and microphones in your home that collect video and audio information about your presence and activities.

Abloy Protec2 PL 330 Padlock

It is one of the only locks in the world that has never been picked. It has a hardened boron alloy steel shackle to provide resistance to bolt cutters (but is not bolt cutter proof).