Smart locks are becoming increasingly popular, and for a good reason. They allow you to lock and unlock your doors remotely, monitor who enters your home, and provide keyless access to trusted individuals. However, with the increasing popularity of smart locks, many people are asking if they are safe. In this blog post, we will take a look at the safety of smart locks and explore how they work.
What are Smart Locks?
Smart locks are electronic locks that you can control using your smartphone, voice assistant, or other smart devices. They are designed to provide greater convenience, security, and flexibility for homeowners. They come in various forms, including deadbolt locks, padlocks, and door handle locks. They typically work by replacing your traditional lock and key with a keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth technology that allows you to control your lock remotely.
How Safe Are Smart Locks?
The safety of smart locks has been a topic of debate among homeowners and security experts. While smart locks offer advanced security features, there have been concerns about their susceptibility to hacking and other security vulnerabilities.
1. Vulnerability to Hacking
One of the most significant concerns about smart locks is their susceptibility to hacking. Since smart locks rely on wireless communication to operate, they are more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. If a hacker gains access to your smart lock, they can unlock your door and gain entry into your home. However, most manufacturers of smart locks have implemented security features to prevent hacking. For instance, some smart locks use encryption technology to protect against cyber-attacks.
2. Battery Life Concerns
Another concern regarding smart locks is their battery life. Smart locks require a power source to operate, and if their batteries run out, you may be unable to enter your home. However, most smart locks come with low battery indicators that alert you when the battery needs replacement or recharging.
3. Compatibility Issues
Smart locks may also have compatibility issues with older homes or traditional doors. Some older doors may not be able to accommodate the installation of smart locks, and if the door is not compatible, the smart lock may not provide the intended benefits.
4. The Risk of Physical Attack
Smart locks can also be vulnerable to physical attacks, such as bumping or picking. Although smart locks do not use traditional keys, they still have a keyhole, which can be manipulated by a skilled thief. However, most smart locks come with additional security features, such as reinforced deadbolts, tamper alarms, and anti-pick technology to prevent physical attacks.
How Smart Locks Work
Smart locks rely on wireless communication and encryption technology to operate. Here’s how the different types of smart locks work:
1. Keypad or Touchscreen Locks
Keypad or touchscreen smart locks require you to enter a code to unlock the door. You can create and manage multiple codes for different users, and some smart locks even allow you to set up temporary access codes. Most keypad or touchscreen smart locks also feature a physical keyhole as a backup in case the batteries run out.
2. Bluetooth Smart Locks
Bluetooth smart locks work by connecting your smartphone to the lock via Bluetooth. When you approach your door, the lock detects your smartphone’s Bluetooth signal and unlocks the door automatically. Some Bluetooth smart locks also allow you to grant temporary access to others via their smartphones.
3. Wi-Fi Smart Locks
Wi-Fi smart locks rely on your home’s Wi-Fi network to operate. They allow you to lock and unlock your door remotely using your smartphone or other smart devices. Some Wi-Fi smart locks also feature a physical keyhole as a backup in case of battery failure.
4. Fingerprint Smart Locks
Fingerprint smart locks require you to scan your fingerprint to unlock the door. They work by storing your fingerprint data in the lock’s memory and verifying it each time you try to unlock the door. Fingerprint smart locks may also allow you to create and manage multiple user profiles, making them ideal for families or roommates.
Final Verdict
Smart locks are safe to use when used properly. They offer advanced security features and convenience, making them an attractive option for homeowners. However, there are also some concerns about their safety, and it is essential to choose the right smart lock and ensure that it is installed correctly. Smart lock manufacturers have implemented additional safety measures to prevent hacking and other security vulnerabilities, and it is recommended that you choose a smart lock with advanced security features. With proper research, installation, and use, smart locks can provide a safe and secure solution for home security needs.
Got questions about whether or not smart locks are right for you? Let us help! Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you!
Smartphones have been all the rage for over a decade now—but what about smart homes? It seems like our phones and our homes will be interconnected sooner rather than later. One facet of a smart home is a smart lock.
If you’ve ever owned a vehicle with keyless entry, smart locks are similar. They are keyless door locks that can be operated remotely through a smartphone application. You can avoid getting locked out by using smart locks.
This article will cover smart locks and some tips to never get locked out of your house again.
No keys necessary
If you’ve ever tried to bring groceries inside and had to unlock your door, you understand how cumbersome that can be. With a smart lock, you can simply open an app on your smartphone and unlock your home’s door. You can do it before you even get out of your car. Never again will you have to worry about losing your keys, as you’ll have total control over your home’s locks.
Superior accessibility
Another benefit of using a smart lock is that you can operate it remotely. If you were running late and left home in a hurry, you may have forgotten to lock your door. With a smart lock, you won’t have to choose between leaving your door unlocked all day or going back to lock it. You can use the app on your smartphone to lock your door if you ever forget. You can even set it up so that you receive a notification telling you that you forgot to lock your door.
Better security
It’s true that you can avoid getting locked out with smart locks. They also provide better home security in a few different ways. First, you won’t need a spare key. Sometimes people try to hide spare keys around the outside of their home. Potential thieves and robbers know this and know where to look for spare keys and may try to use them to get inside.
A smart lock eliminates the need for a spare key. Additionally, there are smart locks on the market that log each entry, exit and attempt to open them. This can come in handy if you have children and don’t want to wait up for them when they come home or want to see who’s tried to enter your home over a particular time period.
System integration
Your home’s smart lock will require internet access and a Bluetooth connection to function. As long as you have stable internet and a consistent power source, this can be a positive. You can even integrate your smart lock with other home security applications like video doorbells or security cameras.
Having all your home’s security applications on the same network can make it easier for them to work together and offer you a convenient way to monitor who’s been coming and going outside your home. Smart locks are even available with numbered key codes or keyholes themselves if you want to have a secondary way to enter your home in the event of a power outage.
Call to get your smart lock today
When it comes to tips to never get locked out of your house again, installing a smart lock is at the top of the list. To avoid getting locked out of your home, call us at Artie’s Lock and Key, where we offer free quotes on smart lock installation.
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!
We all have that certain someone on our holiday shopping list who’s impossible to shop for. The person either already seems to have everything, or claims they don’t need a gift. Fortunately, we have a solution: purchase those difficult individuals a smart lock as a holiday gift in Fairfax, VA!
Regardless of your home’s size or location, you could probably use some more home security. This post will cover a few of our favorite products that will bolster your home’s security this holiday season.
Locks
Ensure everyone on your list has total peace of mind by giving them smart locks this holiday season. Instead of using a traditional key, smart locks are opened via an application on a smartphone. That same app can also lock the door remotely. So, if you think you forgot to lock the door, you can click a button and lock it from wherever you are.
Just be sure to hire a professional to install your smart lock. Otherwise, your home security gift in Fairfax, VA might not be as effective or even work properly.
Doorbells
If someone already has a smart lock or doesn’t seem interested in receiving one, consider a smart doorbell instead. Smart doorbells like Google Nest Hellos, Arlo Video Doorbells or Ring Video Doorbells allow homeowners to see who’s at the front door using a smartphone app.
The homeowner can opt to get a notification every time someone approaches the door and subsequently see an HD video of the person. This is a great feature for the holidays, as it’s perfect for monitoring the front door for package delivery.
Devices
Amazon Echo, Google Nest and other smart devices are becoming increasingly popular in homes across the country. These devices are small and sleek, but incredibly powerful. In addition to playing music or telling you the weather forecast, your smart devices can aid in your home security.
When properly integrated, you can set your smart device to turn the lights on automatically when you’re not at home, monitor your doorbell or even lock your doors. These devices have also become much cheaper over the past few years, so they’re the perfect home security gifts in Fairfax, VA for shoppers on a budget.
Outdoor lights
If you don’t want to give a smart device that controls the interior lights, at least consider giving your loved ones exterior smart light fixtures. Exterior smart lights can be set to turn on automatically at nighttime or when you’re not at home, further deterring any would-be burglars.
Better still, some smart outdoor light fixtures come equipped with built-in hidden cameras to catch thieves in the act. Placing one with a camera at the front door provides the same functionality as a smart doorbell plus the added smart light technology.
Install your holiday gifts with help from Artie’s Lock and Key
If you need help installing the perfect smart lock holiday gift in Fairfax, VA, look no further than Artie’s Lock and Key. In addition to selling top-of-the-line smart home devices, we also offer residential locksmithing services. Give us a call today to see what we can do for you!
The locksmith industry is beginning to look a bit different than it did in the past. More homeowners are replacing the traditional lock and key with smart lock installations in Fairfax, VA. Meanwhile, in commercial buildings, digital door locks grant access with just a couple of buttons. All industries benefit from technological advancements, and locksmiths are no exception.
Smart locks
The locksmith industry has made smartphones the new house key. Homeowners can hire their locksmith in Fairfax, VA to complete a smart lock installation. Then, your phone uses Bluetooth to remotely unlock the front door. Smartphones are a reliable way of securing homes because, just like a traditional key, your phone is generally on your person at all times.
Keyless entry
Digital door locks can do more than secure a house. The newest car models have replaced the traditional locking mechanism with wireless remotes and push-to-start ignitions. That’s why locksmiths in Fairfax, VA are continually educating themselves about security systems beyond a simple lock and key.
Keyless entry is also great for commercial spaces that require heightened security, like hospitals and medical labs. With the push of a button, qualified personnel can gain entry to a restricted area. Technology has advanced beyond manual locks, and keyless entry is now the preferred solution for buildings that need it the most.
Card access
Card access is another popular form of digital door locks. Just like keyless entry, this type of security system is used all the time in commercial spaces. If you look closely, you’ll notice card access is everywhere. For instance, hotel guests may be given a card to access their suite. Government officials use card access to enter rooms that are closed off to the public.
In addition to keyless entry and smart lock installation, locksmiths are learning how card access works so they’re equipped to open doors that require something other than a manual key. After all, their job is to help stranded customers no matter which type of locking system is standing in their way. As technology evolves, so do the capabilities of a locksmith.
Digital passcodes
Digital passcodes have been around for decades, and can be found in both commercial and residential spaces. Homeowners who live in gated communities may use a passcode to enter their neighborhood. They might even have a gate located at their driveway entrance so only friends and family members can set foot on the property.
These digital locks are great for office buildings that have restricted access but still require many employees to come and go. Instead of handing physical keys to dozens of workers, everyone can get inside by memorizing a simple passcode. Digital door locks in Fairfax, VA also heighten security at the main entrances to apartment buildings. This cuts back on theft by allowing access only to tenants.
Technology continues to evolve, which is why you need a locksmith that leans toward the future. If you’re looking to update a security system, consult the innovative locksmiths at Artie’s Lock And Key. We install and repair locks that feature the latest technological advancements. Whenever you need help, we’re just a phone call away.
Are Smart Locks Safe?