What Is A Smart Lock and Should You Get One?

What is a smart lock?

A smart lock is a way of securing a door without the need for a traditional key. Instead, they are designed to lock and unlock using smart technology e.g.

• A smartphone, tablet or PC
• Entry of a correct code on a touchscreen keypad
• An approved fob or keycard
• Biometric recognition e.g. fingerprint, voice or facial

Smart locks work using a combination of wireless technologies e.g. Bluetooth, wifi etc. They also require a power supply, either battery or mains.

Digital keyless locks are not a new concept and have been around for a long time. Most people are familiar with mechanical digital locks which feature a button press keypad. These are still very popular and a great option for many businesses.

Electronic digital locks are the latest step in keyless lock technology. They first entered the commercial market in the 1980s and since then their functionality has continued to evolve rapidly.

Smart lock features and benefits

Smart locks are increasingly popular as part of an overall integrated security system. Today’s smart locks are extremely sophisticated. They offer homeowners and businesses a high level of convenience as well as a wealth of useful features:

• No more broken keys in locks
• Lost keys a thing of the past
• No hassle of keeping track of the whereabouts of a large number of keys
• Temporary virtual keys can be created e.g. for tradesmen, neighbours, family etc.
• Access can be easily removed when no longer required
• Ability to monitor individual entry/exit times etc.
• Limiting access to specific days and/or times
• Automatic locking (if door unlocked for greater than a defined time)
• Perimeter locking (e.g. if smartphone moves outside a designated perimeter)
• Remote locking/unlocking from anywhere in the world using your smartphone, tablet etc
• Integration with other smart home technology e.g. Amazon Alexa or Google Home
• Integration with smart home alarm systems

Although your home or business may not strictly need smart locks, it is clear that they can make life a lot easier!

Smart lock installation

Standalone smart locks are best fitted by a suitably trained locksmith as not all locksmiths offer this service. Depending on the model chosen, smart locks can be fully compatible with some existing locks types e.g. multipoint locks. However, your locksmith can advise you on what is best for your home or business.

Smart lock security

Many people worry about how secure smart locks are.  The good news is that they are as secure as traditional locks. In addition, some smart locks can incorporate and utilise advanced security features including:

• Tamper alarms and alarm messages sent to smartphone or police/home security company
• Use of high level encrypted Bluetooth technology
• 2FA (Two- factor authentication)
• Smart locks which allow longer passwords (less susceptible to hackers “brute force attacks”)

However, as with any digital device, good practices must be maintained e.g. smart lock software and apps must be kept up to date, your wifi network should be secured with a strong password etc.

Smart locks are not for everyone, but for those who are ready to embrace smart technology and are looking for more convenience and functionality, they are a fantastic option.

If you want to find out more about smart locks and how they can enhance your home or business security, please get in touch. KLS Locks are experts in smart lock installation as well as other Smart Home Security Solutions.