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Smart Locks: Are They Safe for Homes?

Smart locks have given a new definition to the home security system. Their customization features and functionality let you monitor and control your home's safety. These locks are far smarter than ordinary locks.

Smart locks are keyless locks that your smartphone app can control from anywhere. These locks are connected to your home Wi-Fi system or Bluetooth to receive commands remotely from the app. You can open these locks through fingerprints, access cards, mobile apps, mechanical apps, PIN (personal identity number), or remote OTP (one-time password) access. All such features have given smart locks the ultimate security that every homeowner deserves.

Difference Between Smart and Ordinary Locks

When discussing home security, the types of locks we choose make the difference. Moreover, you should be familiar with and comfortable using the lock system to ensure easy monitoring.

Traditional lock systems have been with us for centuries, but digital smart locks are gaining more popularity. Let's understand the difference between them.

  • Security:

Ordinary locks are more susceptible to malfunctioning. Anyone can break it open with a hammer or a stone. Moreover, physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. In either case, it is easy to deceive ordinary locks.

 

Digital smart locks provide significant security with features like limited access, fingerprint identification, face unlock access, card access, and PIN.

 

  • Convenience:

Smart locks offer more convenience than ordinary locks. When using smart locks, you don’t always have to carry a physical key. You can unlock your home through your smartphone or by scanning your fingerprint.

You can also give temporary access to your guests without giving them a physical key.

 

Are Smart Locks Safer Than Traditional Locks?

Suppose you went out of town and forgot to leave your house key for your dog sitter. Perhaps you left home in a rush and now don’t remember whether you locked your home.

In the case of a traditional lock, you need to get help from your neighbour to check whether you have locked your home. Conversely, you can check the lock's status through an app when using smart locks.

When using a smart lock, like Atomberg SL1, you or someone reliable can unlock your home from anywhere. All you need is an app on your mobile and an internet connection.

 

Impressed with this powerful feature? Let's understand other salient features that ensure smart locks' safety:

 

  • Personal Login: You will have an account and password to access the smart lock’s features.

 

  • Encryption: Smart locks will hide your login details, making it impossible for a burglar to break in.

 

  • Authentication: The smart lock device will send you an OTP on your smartphone to modify your lock settings. This additional step improves the security of your smart lock.

All such features of smart locks have given them the utmost security, and you can further increase their safety by keeping a strong password for your home Wi-Fi network and router up-to-date.

How Are Level Locks Better Than Smart Locks?

Level locks have transformed smart locks, making them extremely difficult to hack. Below are some of the features of level locks:

  • These extremely compact locks can be unlocked even with your finger touch.
  • These are built with stainless steel and thus are powerful enough for the toughest protection.
  • It looks like a normal lock but has smart features hidden inside it.

 

Can Smart Locks be Hacked?

Like any other machine, a smart lock can be hacked like a small computer. Hackers can steal your phone data or access the lock through Bluetooth. Let’s identify some ways your smart lock can be hacked:

  • Bluetooth Sniffing:

As most smart locks work on Bluetooth, hackers can try various Bluetooth hacking devices to unlock your door. However, as Bluetooth facilitates only small-range communication, the hacker cannot unlock your door from afar.

 

  • Wi-Fi Breaching:

Another way for hackers to hack your smart lock is through Wi-Fi. Hackers can find vulnerabilities in your Wi-Fi connection or guess your password. However, they must be near your lock to get this data.

 

How to Prevent Hacking

Although smart locks are much more secure than ordinary locks, there are still some measures you can take from your end for additional protection:

 

  • Use smart locks from trusted brands.

Always buy the best smart locks from a well-known company (like Atomberg) following robust security protocols.

  • Update your lock with the new firmware.

Firmware is the software responsible for the effective communication between the smart lock and your Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. In case of any updates required in the firmware, you will get that notification on your smartphone. It will fix any vulnerability in the lock code. So hackers won’t be able to exploit it.

  • Use two-factor authentication.

Through two-factor authentication, you can provide additional protection to your lock. This way, you will need a password and another authentication, usually an OTP sent to your smartphone.

Make Your House Safer With Smart Locks

Moving ahead with the latest technologies is always a smart choice. Choose a smart lock if you are looking for a new secure lock system for your home.

  • Create different codes for friends, workers, and family.
  • Update settings in mobile devices to get an alert whenever a code is used.
  • Set a temporary code for your guests, which you can easily wipe off later.

Conclusion

We have used ordinary locks for several years without questioning their security. However, as we all know, ordinary locks are susceptible to picking, and it is often common to misplace the unlocking keys.

Hence, you must switch your traditional, less secure locks with keyless smart locks for better security. These smart locks store your user data with three levels of encryption, ensuring all your personal information is in safe hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. What is the power source of a smart lock?

Like any electronic device, a smart lock requires a power supply in the form of a battery. Usually, you will get a notification on your smartphone about the battery level and when it needs replacement.

  1. What happens to smart locks functioning if the internet goes down?

Most smart locks use Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, fingerprints, and access cards. So, even if your home Wi-Fi goes down, you can open the door with the other options.

 

  1. What is the battery life of smart locks?

Usually, the battery life will depend on how frequently you lock and unlock your doors. However, in general, the average life of any smart lock is around 8 months.

Oct 27, 2023