Smart locks have transformed the way we secure our homes. With features like remote access, voice control, guest codes, and integration into smart home ecosystems, they offer convenience that traditional locks simply can’t match. But as more households adopt this technology, a pressing question arises: Can smart locks be hacked? And if so, just how secure are they in practice?
The short answer is yes—smart locks can be hacked. However, the likelihood and impact of such an attack depend on several factors: the brand, model, installation quality, network setup, and user behavior. Understanding these variables is essential for anyone considering or already using a smart lock.
This article dives deep into the real-world security of smart locks, exploring known vulnerabilities, documented breaches, and practical steps you can take to minimize risk. The goal isn’t to scare users away from smart technology but to empower them with knowledge to make informed decisions.
How Smart Locks Work: A Security Primer
Unlike mechanical locks, smart locks rely on electronic components and wireless communication protocols such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Z-Wave, or Zigbee. They typically include:
- A motorized bolt mechanism
- An onboard processor and memory
- Wireless connectivity modules
- User authentication methods (PIN codes, biometrics, smartphone apps, key fobs)
- Cloud-based services for remote access and logging
When you unlock your door via an app, the command travels from your phone to your home network, then to the lock. If remote access is enabled, it may pass through a cloud server hosted by the manufacturer. Each step in this chain represents a potential entry point for attackers.
Security researchers have demonstrated exploits at nearly every layer—from intercepting Bluetooth signals to compromising cloud accounts. For example, in 2017, security firm Pen Test Partners revealed serious flaws in certain August and Schlage models that allowed attackers within proximity to unlock doors using custom scripts and inexpensive hardware tools.
“Any device connected to the internet increases your attack surface. Smart locks aren’t inherently unsafe, but their complexity introduces new risks that mechanical locks don’t have.” — Dr. Kevin Fu, Cybersecurity Researcher and FDA Advisor on Medical Device Security
Common Ways Smart Locks Are Hacked
Hacking doesn’t always mean breaking encryption or writing advanced malware. Many successful attacks exploit weak configurations, outdated firmware, or human error. Here are the most common attack vectors:
1. Bluetooth Sniffing and Relay Attacks
Some smart locks use Bluetooth for proximity unlocking. Attackers can exploit this with a relay attack: one device captures the signal near the authorized phone (e.g., inside a house), while another relays it to the lock outside, tricking the system into thinking the phone is nearby.
2. Weak or Default Passwords
If your smart lock connects to a mobile app or cloud service, weak account credentials can allow unauthorized access. Reusing passwords across platforms increases the risk significantly.
3. Firmware Vulnerabilities
Like any software, smart lock firmware can contain bugs or unpatched security holes. Manufacturers issue updates to fix these, but many users never install them.
4. Physical Tampering
While less common, some older or poorly designed smart locks can be forced open using physical manipulation, such as bumping or drilling. Others may have exposed reset buttons that allow factory resets if accessed.
5. Cloud Account Compromise
If your smart lock syncs with a cloud platform (like Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home), a breach of your email or account could give attackers remote access. This was seen in cases where phishing led to full home automation system takeovers.
Real-World Case: The Yale Assure Lock Breach
In 2022, a security researcher discovered a critical flaw in the Yale Assure Lock SL, a popular Z-Wave model. By sending specially crafted radio signals, an attacker within 30 feet could force the lock into pairing mode and gain full control—without needing a password or physical access.
The vulnerability existed in the Z-Wave protocol implementation, not the lock itself, but Yale was responsible for patching it. While a firmware update eventually resolved the issue, thousands of devices remained exposed for months due to low user adoption of updates.
This case highlights a major challenge in smart home security: even when manufacturers act responsibly, user behavior determines actual protection levels. A secure lock is only as strong as its weakest link—including the person installing it.
Comparing Security: Smart Locks vs Traditional Locks
It’s important to remember that no lock is 100% secure. The question isn’t whether smart locks are perfect—but whether they’re safer than the alternatives.
| Feature | Smart Locks | Traditional Locks |
|---|---|---|
| Pick Resistance | Moderate to high (depends on design) | High (with high-security cylinders) |
| Bumping Resistance | Generally high (electronic mechanisms) | Varies; vulnerable without anti-bump pins |
| Digital Attack Risk | Yes (Wi-Fi/Bluetooth/cloud) | No |
| Remote Monitoring | Yes (logs, alerts, access history) | No |
| Key Duplication Risk | Low (digital codes, revocable access) | High (physical keys easily copied) |
| Power Dependency | Yes (batteries required) | No |
As shown, smart locks trade physical attack resistance for digital capabilities. They eliminate lost-key scenarios and allow granular access control—useful for renters, Airbnb hosts, or families with children coming and going. But they introduce dependency on power, software integrity, and network security.
Best Practices to Maximize Smart Lock Security
You don’t need to abandon smart locks to stay safe. With proper precautions, you can enjoy their benefits while minimizing risk. Follow this checklist to harden your setup:
✅ Smart Lock Security Checklist
- Choose reputable brands: Stick with well-known manufacturers like August, Yale, Schlage, or Ultraloq that prioritize regular security updates.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Protect your account with an authenticator app or SMS verification.
- Update firmware regularly: Check for updates monthly or enable automatic updates if available.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Never reuse passwords across smart home accounts.
- Secure your Wi-Fi network: Use WPA3 encryption, change default router passwords, and consider a separate guest network for IoT devices.
- Disable unused features: Turn off remote access if you don’t need it—this reduces exposure to cloud-based attacks.
- Monitor access logs: Review who unlocks the door and when. Set up alerts for unusual activity.
- Install a deadbolt backup: Pair your smart lock with a traditional deadbolt for added physical security.
“The biggest mistake people make is treating smart locks like magic boxes. They require maintenance, awareness, and good digital hygiene—just like your computer.” — Sarah Gordon, Senior Fellow at the Institute for Security and Technology
Step-by-Step: Securing Your Smart Lock in 60 Minutes
You can significantly improve your smart lock’s security in under an hour. Follow this timeline:
- Minute 0–10: Locate your lock’s model number and check the manufacturer’s website for the latest firmware version.
- Minute 10–20: Open the companion app and verify that automatic updates are enabled. If not, install any pending updates manually.
- Minute 20–30: Navigate to your account settings and enable two-factor authentication. Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy.
- Minute 30–40: Change your account password to a strong, unique one. Avoid dictionary words or personal information.
- Minute 40–50: Log into your router’s admin panel. Ensure your Wi-Fi uses WPA2 or WPA3 encryption and that the default password has been changed.
- Minute 50–60: Review access logs and remove any old or unused user codes. Consider setting temporary codes for guests instead of permanent ones.
This routine should be repeated quarterly—or immediately after any suspicious activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone hack my smart lock from another country?
Only if your lock has remote access enabled and your cloud account is compromised. Without remote access, attackers must be physically close (within Bluetooth/Wi-Fi range). Strong passwords and 2FA make long-distance hacking extremely difficult.
Do smart locks stop working during a power outage?
No—most run on batteries (typically 4–12 months life). Some models have emergency power options, like a 9V battery terminal or USB-C port. Mechanical override (key or thumbturn) ensures you’re never locked out.
Are fingerprint smart locks less secure?
Biometric sensors vary in quality. Low-end scanners can be fooled with fake fingerprints or photos. High-end capacitive sensors (used in phones) are much harder to spoof. Even so, treat biometrics as a convenience feature—not a foolproof security layer.
Conclusion: Balancing Convenience and Real Security
Smart locks can be hacked—but so can traditional locks. The difference lies in the nature of the threat. Mechanical locks face physical attacks; smart locks face digital ones. Neither is invincible, but both can be made significantly more resilient with proper care.
The real security of a smart lock doesn’t come from the device alone—it comes from how it’s installed, maintained, and integrated into your broader home security strategy. A top-tier lock paired with a weak Wi-Fi network or reused password is still vulnerable. Conversely, a mid-range lock with strong digital hygiene can outperform a high-security deadbolt in terms of access control and monitoring.
Technology evolves, and so do threats. Staying informed, updating systems, and practicing good cyber habits are non-negotiable for anyone embracing smart home devices.
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