There’s been a recent rise in smart locks being installed as replacements for the traditional pin-and-tumbler key locks.  In some cases, the change is due to ease of use, the ability to share digital keys, and a way to provide limited access control.  Whatever the reason, it’s important that you know some of the vulnerabilities inherent in these new smart locks.

Due to the inclusion of electronics, smart locks often don’t have the some robust physical protections that fully mechanical locks do.  In many cases, the covers of these locks can be removed easily granting access to the circuits that can allow a bad actor to activate the lock without the digital key.  Another thing to watch out for in a smart lock is the quality of the encryption between the “key” device and the lock itself.  If you plan to use a smart lock, ensure that you obtain a good quality one that doesn’t use cloud-based services.  It is also critical to track firmware updates and keep your smart lock regularly updated.  This is quite possibly the most difficult part of owning a smart lock and the security of your facility relies on the fact that this part cannot be overlooked.  

So, before you swap our your standard mechanical lock for a smart lock, ensure that you know all of the advantages and risks involved.