Homes and businesses in Australia are always at risk of break-ins due to known vulnerabilities. Thieves are resourceful and often find ingenious ways of forcing entry into a house or commercial premises.
This article takes a look at what makes entry doors into buildings vulnerable and how fitting smart locks can help strengthen security and prevent forced entry.
What are some vulnerabilities of entry doors for residential and commercial properties?
The entry door to any building is one of its most vulnerable points and one that burglars most regularly target. Once the door is breached, it’s generally open season for thieves to help themselves to whatever they like. So, what are some of the vulnerabilities of entry doors?
Weak or inadequate locks
Unfortunately, many entry doors are fitted with flimsy or inferior locks, which don’t take much work to break through. Often a weak lock can be breached by simply kicking the door hard. For instance, a cheap lock will likely break on the very first kick. A weak door frame will readily come apart under exerted force.
Why key locks are vulnerable
Firstly, a member of the household might lose their keys, making your home a potential target if those lost keys fall into the wrong hands. Secondly, expert thieves can quite easily pick a key lock and gain entry to a house or commercial building.
Key locks wear out over time too, making it even easier to pick the lock. Key locks can also be bumped with a specially cut ‘bump’ key. Cheap pin tumbler locks are most vulnerable to key bumping.
Exposed hinges
Some entry doors, especially on older properties, have exposed hinges. All a burglar needs to do to gain easy entry is take out the screws that join the hinges to the frame and open the door.
Glass panels
Some entry doors have glass panels or are made entirely of glass. Thieves simply have to smash the glass to gain access to the building. Even tempered or reinforced glass is still vulnerable to breakage.
What are smart locks?
Smart locks take advantage of modern technology by providing advanced locking systems that enhance security and offer convenience. Unlike traditional mechanical locks, you control a smart lock electronically. This can be done via a tablet, smartphone, or some other connected device such as a computer.
One huge advantage of a smart lock is it provides keyless entry, which mitigates some of the vulnerabilities discussed above. Instead of gaining entry with physical keys, smart locks require PIN codes, biometrics, or mobile apps. They can also be locked and unlocked remotely via Bluetooth or an internet connection.
You can often integrate smart locks with platforms such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, or Apple HomeKit. This enables automation and voice commands. Some models of smart lock also monitor access times. This provides real-time notifications of when the lock was accessed and by whom.
How do smart locks work?
The smart lock functions using sensors, motors, and electronic components. For example, the physical lock mechanism, whether a deadlock or a latch, is controlled by an electronic actuator. The communication module allows communication with external devices like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or Zigbee/Z-Wave.
The control interface allows access via smartphone apps, keypads, fingerprint scanners, or even voice commands. The majority of smart locks are powered by a battery, and users are alerted when battery power is running low.
Installing smart locks in your home or business: What are the benefits?
- One of the major benefits of installing smart locks is no one needs to carry keys around. Access can all be managed remotely, so no more sharing keys or the possibility of lost or stolen keys, leaving a building vulnerable to burglaries.
- A smart lock enhances entry point security exponentially. For instance, location-based or time-limited access helps prevent unauthorised entry into a house or commercial property.
- You have the convenience of flexibility by being able to customise access. This is accomplished with different access codes or by giving different permissions to each user.
- Smart locks enable you to receive alerts when unauthorised access is detected, as they monitor who enters and exits and can determine individuals who haven’t been granted permission.
- Another benefit of smart locks is they act as deterrents to thieves. Burglars prefer easy targets whenever possible, so as soon as they encounter a building fitted with smart locks, they’re likely to simply turn away and seek out something easier.
Are there any potential drawbacks with smart locks?
No locking system is one hundred percent secure. There are always some vulnerabilities, and modern day criminals are smart and remain up-to-date.
- For example, there is the possibility that a smart lock can be hacked by someone with the necessary skills.
- There is also the potential for connectivity issues. For instance, a poor signal for Bluetooth or Wi-Fi may prevent the smart lock from opening when trying to gain access.
- Smart locks are also dependent on a power system to operate. You need to monitor and maintain the batteries. If a smart lock is hardwired into the electrical system, then power outages will render the lock inoperable until power is restored.
- They are also typically more expensive than traditional locks.
Smart locks have the upper hand in residential and commercial security
Despite a few drawbacks, the benefits of installing smart locks far outweigh any potential cons. The smart lock is simply superior on every level in comparison to a traditional mechanical lock. Smart locks are robust, helping to prevent forced entry. With a sturdy door in place, it’s virtually impossible for a thief to gain entry by simply kicking or shouldering a door fitted with a quality smart lock.
A smart lock is also fairly simple to install if the model is designed to retrofit an existing lock or deadlock. Advanced systems will require professional installation by an experienced technician.
Talk to us about smart locks
Casa Security is your premier residential and commercial security company in Perth. If you want to learn more about smart locks or to have them installed on your premises, give us a call or send us an email today.