Can Smart Locks Be Hacked?

 

Technology has become an integral part of modern-day society, seamlessly integrated into daily operations and processes. Smart Locks have emerged as a natural byproduct of this technological evolution as a modern, reliable, and convenient solution for securing and managing access to physical spaces.

 

Designed with safety and security in mind, Smart Locks offer a range of benefits for users seeking to establish a secure and controlled environment for themselves and others. By providing advanced security features and cutting-edge technology, Smart Locks aim to create a safe and welcoming space for everyone, ensuring peace of mind and convenience for users in a variety of settings.

 

However, like every other technology, hostile individuals develop their methodology to inflict danger and harm for their selfish benefits. Here are valuable points to consider analyzing the question comprehensively.

 

Is Smart Lock an Exception?

 

Like any technology, Smart Locks are not entirely immune to hacking. However, most modern smart locks are designed with security in mind and have advanced encryption and other measures to prevent unauthorized access. Each feature is developed to create a closed lock and has developed and adapted consistently, eradicating any possibilities of hostile activities by providing plausible solutions.

 

However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. By staying vigilant and proactive about your security, you can help reduce the risk of technology being hacked or compromised and protect your personal and sensitive data.

 

Recent Major Reports about a Smart Lock Hack

 

Report 1

In 2018, security researchers discovered that certain models of a popular smart lock had a vulnerability that could allow them to be easily hacked. The lock, which used Bluetooth technology to communicate with mobile devices, was found to be susceptible to a spoofing attack that could allow a hacker to gain access to the lock without a valid access code.

 

The vulnerability was traced to a flaw in the lock’s firmware, which could be exploited by a hacker with knowledge of the lock’s communication protocols. While the manufacturer issued a firmware update to address the issue, the incident highlighted the potential risks of using smart locks that relied on wireless communication and underscored the importance of keeping smart lock firmware up to date.

 

Report 2

In 2019, a security researcher named Anthony Rose discovered a vulnerability in the LockState RemoteLock, a popular smart lock used by many Airbnb hosts. The vulnerability allowed anyone with a Bluetooth-enabled device to easily exploit the lock and gain access to a property without a valid access code.

The issue arose when the lock’s firmware was updated, causing a failure that resulted in the lock’s network module being disconnected from the cloud. The company’s solution to this issue was to send replacement units, which caused major inconvenience for many of the lock’s users.

 

Report 3

In 2020, a cybersecurity researcher named LimitedResults discovered a flaw in the Tapplock One, a smart padlock that allows users to control access using a mobile app. The vulnerability allowed anyone with a smartphone to bypass the lock’s security measures and gain access to the padlock without a valid access code, using a process known as “brute-forcing.”

This means that an attacker could input a large number of potential codes until the correct one was found, essentially rendering the lock useless.

 

Solutions

 

Choose a reputable brand: Research a smart lock from a reputable brand with a strong security track record. Reputable brands are more likely to have a strong track record of security and prioritize their products’ security. To add up, reputable brands typically invest more time and resources into product development, testing, and security research, which can lead to a more secure and reliable product.

 

Additionally, reputable brands may be more responsive to security issues or vulnerabilities and more likely to release timely patches or updates to address potential threats.

Choosing a reputable brand can also provide additional benefits, such as better customer support and more reliable hardware and software.

 

Regularly update firmware: Keep your smart lock’s firmware up-to-date to address potential security vulnerabilities.

Regularly updating the firmware of your smart lock is important because it can help protect against security vulnerabilities and bugs. In addition, firmware updates often include patches and fixes for known security issues or exploits, which can help keep your smart lock secure and prevent unauthorized access.

Firmware updates can also provide performance improvements and new features that can enhance the functionality of your smart lock.

 

Use strong, unique passwords: Use a strong, unique password to secure your smart lock account, and avoid using default passwords that can be easily guessed.

Using a strong and unique password can help ensure that only authorized individuals have access to your smart lock. A strong password is one that is difficult to guess or crack, typically consisting of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. A unique password is not used for any other accounts or services, as using the same password for multiple accounts can increase the risk of security breaches.

It’s also important to avoid sharing your password with others and to change your password regularly to help prevent unauthorized access.

 

Secure your network: Ensure that your home network is secure by using a strong, unique Wi-Fi password, disabling remote access if not needed, and using a secure Wi-Fi protocol like WPA2.

A secure network connection can help ensure that your smart lock is not vulnerable to hacking or other attacks, and can prevent unauthorized access to your smart lock from outside your network.

To secure your network connection, you can use a strong and unique Wi-Fi password, enable WPA2 encryption, and disable remote management features. These measures can help prevent unauthorized access to your network, and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to your smart lock.

It’s also important to keep your router firmware up to date, and to regularly monitor your network activity for any suspicious behavior.

 

Disable unnecessary features: Disable any unnecessary features or settings that could potentially pose a security risk, such as remote unlocking or sharing access codes.

Disabling unnecessary features can help reduce the potential attack surface and minimize the risk of security vulnerabilities. Features that are not essential to the operation of your smart lock may introduce additional security risks, which can leave your smart lock more vulnerable to hacking or unauthorized access.

By disabling unnecessary features, you can help reduce the attack surface and minimize the potential for security vulnerabilities. This can include disabling features like remote access or integration with third-party services or devices. These features can introduce additional security risks and increase the potential for unauthorized access.

It’s also important to regularly review and update your smart lock’s settings to ensure that only necessary features are enabled.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Technology has existed for an extended period, and It’s unlikely that there will ever be a time when Smart lock technology cannot be hacked or compromised in some way. As long as humans develop technology, it is inherently fallible and subject to vulnerabilities and exploits.

Even the most secure systems and technologies can be hacked or breached through creative or persistent efforts by skilled attackers. However, through ongoing research, testing, and improvements, it is possible to minimize the risk of security breaches and mitigate their impact when they occur.

The key is maintaining a proactive and comprehensive approach to security that incorporates best practices, tools, and strategies.

Overall, the chances of a smart lock being hacked depend on a variety of factors, and while no security measure can offer 100% protection, taking appropriate precautions can help minimize the risks and protect the security of your smart lock

 

Ojismart is the best Smart Lock provider in UAE. We offer a wide variety of Smart Lock products, expert technicians/engineers support, and a seamless process that prioritizes our client’s concerns. In addition, Ojismart is keen to provide consistent innovation and convenience to deliver the best Smart Lock. A Smart Lock for every Door.