Is the smart lock a vital part of the smart home, or are you compromising your security?

BY ALEX COX

A smart lock which accesses a central hub can offer up even more options, like a car–style remote key fob.

BETTER LIVING THROUGH SMARTER TECHNOLOGY

The earliest known lock and key was found in the ruins of ancient Assyria, the idea was further developed by the ancient Egyptians, and all–metal locks arrived around 900 CE. The lock has, it’s fair to say, been around. And while there have been subtle changes over time, particularly an increase in complexity after the late– 18th century, the principle and general construction of locks has remained relatively static. This is particularly true in the home. Pins and tumblers may have changed over time, but most locking mechanisms still involve matching one piece of metal against a prearranged set of pins or wafers. Warding may have improved, making gaining illicit access to the internals of locks more difficult, but it’s not foolproof. Locks are a constant game of cat and mouse between manufacturers and locksport enthusiasts looking to find a way past them.

Note that it’s generally enthusiasts that try to pick or intricately defeat locks. Locksmiths will, on most occasions, drill locks out. Criminals would rather take a pair of bolt cutters to your bike lock or a screwdriver to your door than spend the time putting the pins in order. All locks can be defeated if you’re determined enough, so it’s a good job that’s basically not the point of the smart lock.

SAFE AND SECURE 

Outside the home, you’ll find methods of unlocking that are far more convenient. Cars can be remotely unlocked with a key fob, or even by proximity alone. At the office, you’re not given a key, you’re given an access card to wave at a reader. Even cat flaps use this kind of tech, reading a microchip and unlocking only for those cats which are allowed, presumably because cats lack the thumbs necessary to turn a key. This is the true value of smart locks: it’s not security, though that is certainly a factor, but the added flexibility and convenience which makes them so exciting.