Are Smart Locks Safe?

Kwikset Kevo pictured

The Internet of Things (IoT) aids and enhances the way we interact with a wide variety of devices and appliances at home. The market for smart devices has grown so much, that it has pushed its way outside the front door. Smart locks have grown in popularity, replacing the need for having a physical key. Question is, are they safe? Can your smart lock be hacked and/or opened by someone else?

According to a handful of home security experts, smart locks present the same kinds of risks that other Wi-Fi enabled devices do. There's always a chance they could be hacked or bricked. But to put things into perspective, the expert consensus is that any kind of lock is, in theory, pick-able whether deemed "smart" or not. There is just no fail-safe smart lock option, at least, not at the current moment. That may change in the future as smart locks get smarter, but no smart lock is a sure thing to deter break-ins. 

Then, why buy one? Convenience. 

Smart locks make it easy to open or close a door without a physical key. You may want to grant remote access to a guest or friend, or maybe you just don't want keep a key jangling around in your pocket. Some smart locks automatically unlock as you approach the door with a smartphone, and lock when you move away from it and/or can be operated using voice controls. 

If you're considering a smart lock for your home for the added convenience they bring, be sure to pay careful attention to any known security issues, and follow any directions that come with the lock. Like traditional locks, often they're picked, breached, hacked or opened due to operator error (hiding keys in plain sight, using weak home Wi-Fi security protocols or forgetting to lock them in the first place.) 

 Stay safe out (and in) there!