Smart locks are a new technological advancement, so they’re not widely used (as of now).
However, some people are installing them as replacements for standard door locks, and there’s a chance they’ll become more popular over the next few years.
But do smart locks actually help prevent theft?
Smart locks actually help prevent theft because they’re difficult to pick and require passwords and app login details to work. Only you have access to your smart lock app, so your home should be safe from theft if you don’t give anyone access to your smart lock app.
Understanding the safety of smart locks is essential if you’re considering buying one for your home.
This article will discuss how they prevent theft in greater detail, and it will also discuss the safety of smart locks vs. regular locks.
How Do Smart Locks Prevent Theft?
Smart locks prevent theft because they’re small, secure computers that only you can unlock. They connect to the internet via WiFi, which is why you can access them via your smartphone or another device.
From your smartphone, you can control the lock and give people access to your home no matter where you are (as long as you have an internet connection).
So, the only way a burglar can get past the lock is if you let them in, which you won’t do!
Let’s look at how smart locks prevent theft in more detail below.
#1: Only selected people who have access to them
When you install a smart lock in your home, you decide who will have access to it.
You can generally do this by adding devices to your smart lock app.
So, you’ll know that no one untrustworthy will access your smart keys if you don’t add any unknown smartphones to the app.
Once you have access to your smart lock, you can let people in remotely.
For example, if you’re out of town and a delivery man comes to your home, you can remotely let them in to leave the package.
And, of course, if someone suspicious comes to your door, you’ll have the choice to keep it locked.
#2: It’s difficult to hack into a smart lock
Thankfully, it’s highly difficult (almost impossible) to hack into a smart lock.
Therefore, it is improbable that a random burglar can do it unless they somehow have access to your smart lock account or smartphone.
And if a lock is too confusing or time-consuming to break into, thieves will likely give up and move to an easier target.
#3: You can remotely lock your door
From time to time, you may have to leave your home in a rush.
If this is the case, you might forget to lock the door on the way out.
Usually, this means you need to go all the way home to lock the door or just leave the door unlocked all day in the hopes there won’t be a burglary.
But with a smart lock app, you can check the status of your home at any time, no matter where you are.
And you can lock it or unlock it from anywhere, whether at work or traveling across the world.
So you never have to worry about accidentally leaving the door unlocked and open for thieves!
Read also: Turn Old Android Phone Into Security Camera W/O Internet
#BONUS: Don’t share account details or passwords with anyone
Although smart locks are generally safe and good for preventing theft, you must be aware of the dangers of sharing information with people.
Different smart locks work differently; some require passwords/pins, while others require you to use an app.
Whatever the case may be, don’t share your smart lock information with anyone. This includes:
- App login details.
- Smart lock passwords/pins.
- Your smartphone password.
You should only give people you fully trust access to your smart lock (such as family members).
And remember – if someone knows the passcode to your phone, they’ll likely be able to access your smart lock app. So make sure only people you trust have access to your smartphone.
Smart lock vs regular lock safety
If you’re thinking of buying a smart lock for your home to prevent theft, you might be wondering whether or not it’s more effective than a regular lock.
There are some excellent reasons why a smart lock is better than a traditional lock, but there are also some reasons why it might not be the best choice.
Below are some safety issues to consider when comparing a smart lock with a regular lock.
Smart locks are often connected to the internet
Unlike regular locks, smart locks are connected to the internet. So, they’re more susceptible to hacking.
Of course, this doesn’t mean your smart lock will get hacked, but you must understand that it’s possible.
To prevent this as much as possible, ensure your home WiFi is secure and password protected.
You should also consider a firewall, a security device that protects your home network from hackers.
Hacking isn’t a concern with regular locks, so this is one of the leading security cons of smart locks.
However, lock picking is more of an issue with standard locks.
Since smart locks don’t have the key holes that regular locks have (and that are needed for lock picking), thieves may have a more challenging time opening a door fitted with a smart lock.
You might also want to check out: 15 Best Compatible Cameras For SmartThings (Guide)
Smart locks can only be controlled by specific people
As I’ve already mentioned, smart locks can only be controlled by specific people.
On the other hand, regular locks can be used by anyone who has access to them.
So let’s say you lose your key near your house, and an untrustworthy person finds it – they can then use that key to attempt to open doors in the nearby area, eventually reaching your home.
While this scenario is unlikely to occur, it’s still possible.
On the other hand, if you have a smart lock installed and lose your smartphone, you can simply call your lock provider (or contact them on their website) and tell them to block the app on your phone.
If you do this, whoever finds your lost phone won’t have access to your home.
Conclusion
Smart locks help prevent theft because they’re connected to the internet and can only be opened via smartphone apps in most cases.
So, only people with direct access can open the door.
Although smart locks are secure and can prevent theft, you must be careful not to give anyone untrustworthy access to your smart lock app (or your smartphone).
If you use a password or pin, don’t share it with people you don’t trust.
And if you lose your phone, contact your smart lock provider as soon as possible to protect your home.