Just How Safe Is It to Have a Smart Lock on Your Home?

Smart locks sound great and convenient: you simply lock and unlock your door using your phone! There’s no hassle, no searching for your keys, and no jiggling the key around in the lock until it catches just right. A smart key won’t ever break in the lock and will never fall into the depths of your couch cushions.

But many people wonder about hackers and thieves finding a way around the system, as well as have concerns about how reliable this wireless technology is. If you have questions about smart lock safety in Fairfax, VA, read on for some insight.

How do smart locks work?

The basic idea behind a smart lock is that you can use your phone to lock and unlock your door. This technology utilizes wireless protocol and a cryptographic key, which sends signals to the device. This means you can give access to someone else even when you’re not at home. Beyond this, smart locks have functionality that monitors access to the home and can send alerts if there’s a problem.

What are the problems with smart lock security?

Smart locks work by sending a message from the smartphone to the lock and back via an encrypted message on the cloud. However, hackers are sometimes able to intercept that message and use it to gain access to your home. Hackers are able to do this via inexpensive network-sniffing devices. Other reported problems include the smart lock incorrectly reporting the door is unlocked and the smart lock failing to respond.

What should I look for when purchasing a smart lock system?

While there are security concerns when looking at smart lock systems, there are steps you can take to mitigate these issues. Many smart lock manufacturers allow users to monitor an activity log, which is very useful and will let you know immediately if your system has been compromised.

Some smart locks also have an auto lock function, which is a significant improvement over the traditional lock. Additionally, some smart lock manufacturers are addressing security problems via a firmware patch.

Just like when looking at any security product, you should be sure to ask plenty of questions and find out how exactly the manufacturer stands behind its product. Many homeowners also use a secondary physical lock just in case the smart lock is not functional. While developers and producers of smart locks still have work to do, there are already many people who prefer the convenience and ease of smart locks.

When you’re in the market for smart lock security in the greater Fairfax, VA and Washington, DC areas, Artie’s Lock and Key is here to help. For more than four decades, we’ve provided services for residential, commercial and automotive clients alike. We are proud to offer you the best locksmithing service in Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William counties and the surrounding communities. Our professional locksmiths are here to handle any job. Contact us today for all your lock and key needs—we look forward to assisting you!

Categorised in: Smart Lock Installation

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