Are Electronic Door Locks Safe (Why They Don’t Work)

Are keypad locks safe? We go over the features and benefits of electronic door locks, as well as their installation.

The modern era has come with new technological advancements, and the door locks of homes and offices are no exception and are digitalizing their way towards safety. This article will discuss the safety and security of keyless door locks and compare them to regular locks.

Types of Electronic Locks

1. Biometric Door Locks

These door locks scan the fingerprint of an authorized person and provide entry to those whose data is stored. Face recognition and retinal scan are also used to grant permission for entry. These locks are great for any business and can be placed on the main entrance of the workplace.

The lock provides full control over the security system as the owner can change or set the pin code according to his desire. These electronic door locks can also be used by rental properties or residential areas allowing only the residents to enter, protecting them from strangers. (1)

2. Smartphone-controlled Locks

These door locks mark the future of home security systems. These smart locks make use of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity allowing the user to access the door lock via smartphones. It requires that an app is installed on the phone to open the safety lock. These locks can completely replace the front gate deadbolts because of their remotely controlled unlock system. In addition, the doors assist in keeping track of the people entering and leaving. The device can also be locked and unlocked, even when you are away from your home.

3. Surveillance Locks

Surveillance door locks operate in a way that allows users to enter a code for opening the door. The smart lock captures the picture of the person entering through the door via accessing the password. The device is easy to install, and there are no alignment and calibration issues. Its battery life is up to ten months and can extend depending on the usage of the device. Its smart lock design prevents thieves as they fear getting caught in the camera.

Safety Pros and Cons of Using Electronic Door Locks

Pros

• The benefit of using keyless entry door locks and switching from the traditional lock is that the owner won’t worry about carrying a key. The stress of losing the key or hiding the key nearby your home in case of emergency are all eliminated by the use of electronic door locks.
• The code access system allows the entry of authorized people only. If in case any person wants to enter, he can contact you to get the passcode and get access to the property.
• The business owner or house owner can always track movement near their area.
• The keyless door entry systems also provide convenience to people with disabilities and who struggle to get the key into the lock.
• The keypad door locks ensure connectivity with mobile phones and also attracts property buyers.
• Moreover, the locks provide a professional look to the business, and a choice of design can be made that bests suit the business area.
• The alarm system, remote capabilities, and notifications empower the owner to take immediate action against any situation.

Cons

• The daily use of this electronic lock will make it easier to guess the pin code as it becomes obvious through fingerprints or recording. Therefore daily cleaning and dusting must be done to stay safe and secure.
• The keypad door lock is usually powered by electricity, and therefore the working could stop if the power supply is cut off. Therefore, while choosing an electronic lock, it is best to look for a system that comprises batteries in a backup system.
• The installation cost for this system is higher compared to the traditional lock system. This cost majorly depends on the quality and brand of the system.
• A major setback of this system is that any fault that accompanies the system results in jamming of the safety system.

Are Electronic Door Locks Right for You?

Though there are many advantages of this smart lock system, if you are forgetful, this system will have you locked out. Besides this, are keypad locks safe? The answer is yes, but only as much as non-keypad locks. The fear of forced entry is higher in keyed locks compared to the keyless systems.

For a keyed lock, the intruder forcibly enters the areas, whereas electronic locks can be hacked via its backup key slots, replay attacks, and device spoofing. But to upgrade your system, the smart door locks are best to maintain a hands-free smart technology and are easy to use and operate. To further protect the smart locks, one must regularly update the password or pin code and share the password with authorized people only. Moreover, the smartphone applications must also be updated that link directly to the door lock.

Ultimately, regular locks and electronic locks both have their pros and cons. Therefore an owner must decide which system best suits their setup. The increase of cybercrime and hackers is a drawback of this device. (2)

References
(1) biometric – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/biometrics
(2) cybercrime – https://www.britannica.com/topic/cybercrime