Homeowners are increasingly looking for different methods to prop up their security. High property crime rates drive this trend, which in Maryland reaches an annual rate of up to 3.98 burglaries per 1000 residents. Burglaries are a real threat that should not be ignored. Responsible homeowners are looking for effective methods to deter criminals from breaking into their homes. One good solution for enhancing protection is smart locks, and in this article by David Todva, you can discover some good options.
What Are Smart Locks?
The front door is the most logical entry point for criminals. Smart locks make it challenging and often impossible for burglars to access the home. In essence, smart locks are a technological enhancement of a standard deadbolt or other type of lock, but instead of a key, you can use your smartphone, fingerprint, or a passcode to open the door.
The big advantage is that most of these locks have a security feature, which notifies the owner when somebody is tempering with the lock. This makes it possible to notify law enforcement or even warn the intruder that they have been discovered. Such features justify their name as smart.
Another big perk is the access log integral to smart locks, which notes every entry by an authorized person with an appropriate time stamp. Multiple manufacturers offer smart looks. The features and quality will vary, but the underlying concept is the same.
Desirable Features of Smart Locks
The checklist for purchasing a smart lock must cover several essential features of a top-notch digital lock. You also need to integrate it into the overall smart home security system used by your family. The key points to cover when selecting a new smart lock include:
- Encryption: The method of transmitting the authentication key from your device to the lock must be secured. Look for locks with sophisticated encryption protocols that ensure secure data transfers.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: When purchasing a digital lock, one desirable feature is multi-factor authentication, which means that aside from the standard password, a secondary verification is necessary to open the door. Usually, it’s a fingerprint or a code transmitted from your smartphone. This provides an extra layer of protection and is user-friendly.
- Tamper Alerts: The ability to receive information that someone is trying to break into your home is highly valuable. Digital locks can notify you when somebody is tampering with the system. Some have an inbuilt alarm, discouraging criminals from future attempts to gain forced entry.
- Biometric Authentication: Cheaper smart locks work with passwords, but high-end smart locks rely on biometric data that cannot be stolen or falsified. You can enhance security with fingerprint or facial recognition locks.
Tips for Using Smart Locks
Purchasing a smart lock is the first step. However, once installed, you should remain vigilant and prevent any gaps appearing in your security system. Smart locks are vulnerable, and you need to take precautions to limit the risk of getting hacked. We share a few valuable tips below.
Use Strong Passwords
Most smart locks use passwords, and the best method is to tailor a unique cipher and not something generic like your name or birthday. Do not forget that in today’s social media landscape, it’s easy for criminals to find basic info such as your birthday or pet’s name. Use a complex password by combining letters and numbers with special characters. This will limit unauthorized access.
Monitor Access Log
Keep track of who is accessing your smart lock to identify unusual activity. This is practice if multiple people have access to your home. Being aware of suspicious behavior can help you prevent a problem before it occurs.
Regular Firmware Updates
Smart locks use software to function reliably, and those applications can have bugs that need to be corrected to prevent vulnerabilities. New threats are constantly emerging, and the software must be updated to fix security features. Regularly visit the official website or enable automatic updates on the app.
Smart Home Companies in Maryland
The Maryland smart home industry is vibrant, with multiple companies offering innovative methods to enhance home security via surveillance, automation, lighting, and other solutions. A few of the businesses offering seamless integration of home security technologies include:
- Gramophone
- One Source Systems
- Strategic Home Media
- Home Technology Architects
- Go Safer
- Crimpco
- IoT For All
- Origin AI
- Power Systems Design
- Constellation Energy – Ginna Nuclear Station
- QuoLab Tech
- John Nevins Andrews School
- Geek Insider
- Bethesda Systems
- Zreyas Technology
Conclusion
Smart locks offer an advanced layer of security, making them a vital part of a modern smart home system. By choosing the right features and following best practices, homeowners can significantly enhance their home’s protection against burglaries.
Recent Comments