Smart and easy-access locks are boosting in popularity, totally transforming home and office security. There are a number of new electronic and keyless door locks available for a property, but as they are still new systems, people stay uncertain over whether they are more secure than their traditional counterparts.
Do key entry door systems make your property secure?
Digital or smart locks are marmite-level divisive in the security community. Some love them, some hate them, and both sides are pretty much right. Good-quality, professionally-fitted keyless entry door locks are safe, but will they make your property safer than the locks you already have? High quality locks are essential to securing your property, and anything inside it, but whether a smart lock is right for you, is dependent on the property and your user needs.
There are a wide range of door entry systems that will make your property safe and secure. It’s important to remember that the main flaw in a properties security system isn’t the lock, but the user. Most burglars are opportunists, and will usually enter your home through an unlocked door or by forcing open an entry point, this could be your door or your window. In spite of the fact that good quality locks can be a critical security measure, this is only the case if you actually use good quality locks.
Can Keypad Locks Be Hacked?
Are you tired of lugging around your keys? What about worrying about losing your keys? Currently, keypad locks give a magnificent solution to all of those inconveniences.
Keypad locks will deliver keyless entry to your home. “That sounds great,” you might say, meanwhile, one question remains, how safe are they?
Can keypad locks be hacked? Keypad locks can be hacked if the wireless network they are working over has not been set up and secured correctly. Keypad locks that do not use any wireless signals cannot be hacked but are generally not a lot safer than standard locks as an experienced locksmith can pick them.
How to Prevent Your Keypad Lock from Being Hacked
Everything may be hackable to a certain extent. Much like how any lock is pickable if the thief has the experience, the right tools, and, most notably, enough time.
Nevertheless, there are some things that we can do to increase the security and decrease the odds of a keypad lock being hacked.
Setup a Separate LAN Network
Make a separate wireless network that will be used only for your smart home security devices. That way, you will decrease the collateral damage.
Regularly Change Your Passcode
Do not forget to update the passcode of your keypad lock repeatedly. That way, you can reduce the wear and tear to only a few of the numbered keys.
Use Difficult to Guess Passwords
Always use a long, random password. The password should not follow any particular patterns or have any words. The best passwords are longer ones (more than six characters) with varying combinations of digits, lowercase and uppercase letters, and symbols.
Secure Your Wireless Network
Often homeowners do not recognize how vulnerable to hackers their wireless networks are.
Start by changing the SSID broadcasting and default SSID of your wireless network and make sure the wireless network is encrypted by a hard to hack network encryption like the WPA2-PSK.
Keep the App Firmware up to Date
If your keypad is net-connected and you can also use an app to control it, make sure it is kept up to date every time. Smart home security devices and the subsequent apps are not perfect.
Setup a Second Layer of Security
It is recommended never to rely simply on one layer of security. Make sure you have a second layer of security. This will involve security cameras, door and window sensors, and motion sensors.
How to know if a smart entry system is for you
Although keyless door entry systems are easy to operate, if you are forgetful, or don’t like these sorts of modern technologies, smart locks may not be for you; while a smart key doesn’t need to fit the lock, a smart lock still needs to fit the user. These security systems are highly beneficial to apartment blocks; debate rages within the security community around whether audio or video entry systems make for the best entry systems for flats, over a conventional lock and key.
Keyless door locks are also useful for workspaces and large properties, where workers may be based a long walk away from the front door. For instance, door entry systems with facial recognition let you control who enters the building without the inconvenience of walking to the front door.
Here are the pros and cons to consider before you choose to go with a keyless entry door lock for your home or business:
Advantages of using keyless door entry systems
- They’re keyless. This is, certainly an obvious one but keys can be easily lost, which is both a nuisance to the holder and a potential security issue as well.
- Keyless door locks provide easy access for authorized personnel. If anyone without a passcode requires access to your property immediately, they can contact you to receive the code.
- You will know exactly who has and who hasn’t entered your property.
- They can be easier for people with certain disabilities who may struggle with keys
- They can be aesthetically pleasing, with a pick of different styles and colors to suit your property. Keyless locks could also make the property more attractive to potential buyers when or if you look to sell.
Disadvantages of using keyless door entry systems
If the lock gets used commonly and is left uncleaned or without being dusted. The PIN may be easier to guess as the buttons used will be obvious.
If the digital door locks are powered by electricity, it could stop working as a result of a power failure. In this respect, it’s best to find digital door entry systems with backup batteries.
It’s only safe if only trusted people know the PIN. Make sure you change it from the default code when you install the door entry system. And make sure only people you want to give access to your property know what the PIN is.
If you, or any of your team, are especially forgetful, having to remember a PIN could lead to some degree of inconvenience.
One thing is for certain, they must be fitted by someone who knows what they’re doing. There is no reason why you shouldn’t get a keyless entry door lock for your property, nevertheless you should make sure it is fitted by a professional.