Homeowners have locked up their homes for some time now. Keeping your family, possessions, and home safe from those that want to cause harm is among the top priorities. But with modern technology, locks have evolved. Options between traditional locks and smart locks are now a debate as to the effectiveness of the security they provide. Today, we at Texan Lock and Key would like to look at smart locks versus traditional locks for your consideration.
ANSI Grade Traditional Locks
Traditional locks have many variations, but referencing them is essentially the locks that require manual engagement in order for the locking mechanism to function. Options of traditional locks for example, include deadbolts, mortise locks, knob locks and so on. With a turn of a key, a twist of your thumb, or a push of a button all constitute a traditional lock. To unlock or lock these mechanisms often requires a key or code, to which a pin tumbler locks, rim lock, or mortise lock than performs its purpose. If the wrong key or sequence of buttons for a code is pushed, the lock will not comply, keeping the home secure. Deadbolts and other traditional forms of locks are graded on a system based on the ANSI standards and depending on the grade the lock has earned, dictate the level of security it offers. The traditional locks can also be enhanced with the use of solid metal strike plates and longer deadbolt throws. Many of these locks can feature resistance to lock picking, lock bumping, and other methods commonly used to bypass the locking mechanism.
Security of Traditional Locks
In order to know the quality of security your traditional lock offers, there are a few determining factors to consider; placement, frequency of use, as well as if the lock works in conjunction with other methods. Basically, traditional locks are in fact an excellent source for securing your home as long as you utilize the highest quality and top graded locks as well as ensuring optimal installation.
Automated Smart Locks
To put it in simple terms, basically a smart lock is an automated version of the traditional lock. The same mechanics apply, the only difference is that these locks are integrated with electronic properties to allow them to be operated remotely or electronically. Smart locks are often referenced because they can be operated with smartphones or other smart devices and the appropriate apps. Homeowners can monitor and control the locks to their home in ways that are not applicable to traditional locks. Smart lock manufacturers focus on efficiency and unique features more so than they do the actual security. In order for the smart lock to perform its locking and unlocking process, it has to receive its operational instructions from a pre-authorized device, as well as a cryptographic key. Additionally, smart locks have the ability to monitor the status of the lock and send pertinent alerts to authorized devices. Where some smart locks also have the ability to hand out temporary keys to third parties, and these temporary keys function as spare keys, they generally do not have a physical key. Typically, either a special key fobs or a set of instructions issued by home automation protocol, which will authenticate that it is the proper key for the lock is issued.
Can Smart Locks Be Hacked?
Though the smart lock is trendy and innovative, many question the integrity and quality of the security it provides. Between cyber crimes on smart locks and the customizing holes that are created to install smart locks, they can be hacked fairly easily. Until the kinks are worked out and the security improved, sticking with traditional locks offers your home more security.
Residential, Commercial & Automotive Locksmith in KILLEEN, AUSTIN, SAN ANTONIO, ROUND ROCK, SAN MARCOS, FRISCO, NEW BRAUNFELS & HOUSTON TEXAS
If you are looking to upgrade your locks, contact Texan Lock and Key and let our experts recommend the highest secure locks available to keep your home and loved ones safe.
