When you own a smart home, you won’t spare any effort to make it secure. So, you might believe the smart locks are the key to your mental peace.
A smart lock alone is not secure enough unless you make it impassable with the help of encryption services and changing your password regularly. You can also safeguard the lock using a voice-controlled PIN. Also, make sure to go through all the accompanying features of the smart lock, as these include layers of extra protection.
Only smart locks can not secure your overall smart home, however, if you not use your smart lock safely, then, hackers and thieves can easily get into your smart home. Keep reading this guide, I will explain you all in details. So, you can use your smart door lock in safe way.
Smart locks and drawbacks
Naturally, smart locks offer a world of convenience, but it does have its potential share of disadvantages. Always remember, no safety mechanisms are perfect.
Smart locks, for instance, are tamper-resistant but not tamper-proof. Its functionality is dependent on internet connectivity and uses wireless technology. Hackers can break in without many efforts since the data is encrypted but not invisible.
Poor connectivity can also be a big letdown. Imagine the situation, if the Wi-Fi is down, or the smart lock goes out of power. So, it is all about knowing about using smart locks safely.
Honestly, you would want to stay away from these problems. There is no reason to fret if you know the proper way of using these locks safely; you are all set to experience convenience like never before.
Practical tips for safe usage of smart locks
It is not about hackers only. Spare a thought about the criminals who would want to break in by bringing the door down, regardless of whether it has a smart lock or not.
So, you should consider investing in a security strike plate, security cameras, and a monitored alarm system.
Also, you can consider getting a smart lock that appears different physically than the ones we are familiar with. It can buy you precious time. The intruders trying to break in the door, have to locate the lock, and meanwhile, the smart lock synced with the monitored alarm system will raise the alarm for alerting.
Use a PIN with your voice
Voice assistants are the favorite tools of smart homeowners. The smart lock of your home can effortlessly be connected to it.
Remember, using a PIN for unlocking it when you use voice commands. Yeah, it can take a while figuring out on the ways to do this, but it is worth it.
Else, it is not difficult for someone who has bits and pieces of information about your device to ask the voice assistant to open the door, and it will oblige.
The good thing is, voice assistants like Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa makes it mandatory using a voice PIN for unlocking the smart lock.
Several other smart lock companies are following suit. I reiterate if the smart lock you currently own does not have a default arrangement of setting voice PIN. You should make one at the earliest to use it safely.
Take good care of your smartphone
As you know, your smartphone holds the key to unlock the smart lock on most occasions. There are several brands of such locks that require sensing the presence of the phone for unlocking the door.
Therefore, you must safeguard your phone by all means. If the phone is misplaced and it lands into the hands of criminals, they can quickly get access to the lock. Additionally, they may even change the door lock codes with the integrated app in the phone.
Protecting the smart lock from hackers
One of the reasons that give hackers easy access to hack the smart locks is the password you choose. Most individuals tend to use the same password across all the platforms where it is applicable, making it easy for those rogues to crack.
So, you must regularly change your password or at least try to set a complicated password that is tough to crack.
Emphasize on data encryption
Smart locks use wireless protocols like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. When you try unlocking the door from the phone, the electronic key is broadcasted to the smart lock. It goes without saying, the smart lock key is sensitive information, and it is vulnerable to interception to anyone who has some sort of wireless protocol sniffing device. Here lies the importance of encryption.
You should make sure that the smart lock apps encrypt the key before broadcasting to and from the lock. A number of manufacturers, after realizing the importance of encryption, are now offering services that use encryption. Somehow, even if the smart lock key is stolen, the hacker will be unable to access the lock without the proper key credentials.
Using creative codes for different members of the family
You should always set up specific codes for each member of the family and friends. If you provide the same access code to everyone, you are risking the safety of your home.
Modern smart lock offer the convenience of to try and use at least ten different codes. Let each of the family members have a different code. By doing this, you can also monitor the activities of people who frequent your house.
The associated app in your phone for operating the smart locks will reveal which user unlocked the door if you want to take a look at a time convenient for you.
Scheduling the lock
Some of the smart locks offer you the facility of scheduling codes. For instance, you can schedule a particular time limit in which the door will open and close.
The feature is handy if you have a bunch of guests at your home. You can create an expiring code for them. By doing this, you enable access to the people who need to use your home for a fixed period when they are in need.
Make use of the extra features that come with these locks
At the present day, many of the smart locks include some additional features, feel free to explore them properly.
These features are included for catering your unique needs. The Decoy numbers, for instance, can be of great help. The feature lights up the keypad even before you can type in the code.
Usually, the decoy numbers offer a wide range of variations. It emphasizes on using the keypad extensively and entering specific codes for unlocking the door. The intruders would find it increasingly difficult to break the lock. As you know, these rogues are generally experts who are masters in guessing access codes, or even the fingerprints.
Use the auto relock feature
I do not blame you if locking the door is the last thing you remember while leaving the house.
The auto relock feature will automatically lock the door after a certain period. Undoubtedly, this aspect can be convenient for those who usually forget closing the doors.
Setting up reminders for extra security
In case, the smart lock does not include an auto relock feature, set reminders to your smartphone. If anyone in your family leaves home forgetting to lock the door, it sends a reminder to your phone after a specific time. You can then use the app for locking the door from a remote location.
Updating the firmware
This is one of the most important step to secure a smart lock.
Manufacturers of smart home devices that include intelligent locks release periodic updates and patches to overcome any security loopholes.
Thus, you should update the smart lock apps or any related companion apps for enhancing the performance of the smart lock.
Chances are the auto-update feature can remain turned off by default. You should monitor the apps at regular intervals for firmware or software updates.
Conclusion
A smart lock without any doubts can be a handy tool for homeowners who tend to misplace the keys or host many visitors. If you comply with the guidelines as discussed above, you can ensure the safe use of the smart locks and much-needed peace of mind.
