Your privacy and security are of prime importance.
That’s why you need a strong lock that withholds access for your home, car, or business. There are many options available to you- deadbolts, Mortice Locks, Euro lock, Yale lock, and smart locks. For the uninitiated, the number of options available is quite overwhelming. In this post, we’ll see how smart locks perform against traditional locks (In essence, all other locks which are not smart locks are called ‘traditional’ locks).
A. Traditional Locks
What are traditional locks?
Though this is a term not used much, traditional locks are all locks that require a physical key or the press of a button.
It could be a mortise lock, deadbolt lock, knob lock, and various other types of locks. It doesn’t matter where these locks are to be used, what matters is for which purpose they are used. We’ll get to this later.
How do they work?
Most locks work when a key is inserted to activate the locking mechanism. For example, a Pin-Tumbler lock has spring-loaded pins which load into the cylinders when the right patterned key elevates the pins.
Though lock installations come with the door, sometimes it makes sense to change the type of locks depending on the room’s use. For example, if you want to keep stray animals out of your backyard, a pin tumbler lock would do.
How secure are they?
As mentioned earlier, the usage of locks depends on the security needed. For example, for your front door, a single or double cylinder deadbolt lock is enough. These are known to provide you with maximum security.
On the flip side, you could use a simple pin tumbler lock to secure a door to prevent access to children or other unauthorized people. This could be a storeroom or a guest room.
You can enhance the security of traditional locks with the help of stronger locks or locks that are resistant to picking or bumping.
B. Smart Locks
What are smart locks?
These are electronic versions of traditional locks. You may or may not need a key for such locks. Such locks can be opened by typing a code, using your smartphone, or using a fob/physical key. The name ‘smart’ locks come from their ability to be managed by a smartphone and integration with other devices.
These smart locks make it possible to control access to your home in real-time- you can remotely lock the doors if you are going for a long time or you could give a special code to your guests when they are in town.
How do they work?
Smart locks require a lock and key to work properly. It requires you to have a pre-authorized smartphone (or another device) that allows you to control the locking mechanism. Based on the make and features, the lock can notify you when your kids are back from school or when a guest has arrived.
Smart locks don’t need to have a physical key, some have alphanumeric codes while others can open with a fingerprint scan. Many of these locks can integrate with other smart devices you have at home.
How secure are they?
Though smart lock installation can be done just as quickly as traditional locks, they are not completely secure. As they work with your home’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, anyone who can hack these systems can gain unauthorized entry to your home.
Though most smart locks come with multiple layers of security checks, they can still be hacked. Worryingly, if you lose your phone and forget the backup password, you can get locked out of your home.
Many smart locks come installed with a deadbolt. This gives you the best of both worlds- if you forget the keys, you can still gain access with a virtual key or a code.
Yet, there are cases of cyber-attacks on smart locks. Many smart lock manufacturers are going the extra mile to secure their products.
Wrap Up
Though smart locks come with advanced security features, traditional locks are still considered safe and secure. What matters is which locks you use where. If you are looking to overhaul your home or businesses’ security, contact a locksmith today!