A smart lock enables you to manage your doors remotely. If you forget to lock your door, you can do so while miles away at work or on vacation. You can also allow in your guests, babysitter, dog walker, or children while you are away from home. Some smart locks come with smart cameras that enable you to watch live feeds of your property remotely. So, you can watch someone at your door and even talk to them through speakers integrated into the system. 

However, you must be vigilant as your smart lock system can be hacked. Here are ways you can protect your smart locks from hackers.

Manage Your Passwords Properly

If a hacker steals your smartphone, they can access cloud files and retrieve your smart lock password. Hackers use various methods to steal passwords. They can use phishing tactics whereby the criminals will masquerade as someone or an entity you know, such as family, friends, and organizations you have worked with. Then, the hackers will send you a malicious attachment that will download a program that can access your information if you click on it.

Some hackers use legitimate apps to hide malware. If you download the app on your phone, your device's security and privacy will be breached. Also, hackers can use credential stuffing to steal your data. The attacker feeds large volumes of random passwords and usernames into automated software. The program will run this data across several websites looking for matches.

You can protect your smart lock by using complex passwords that combine different numbers, letters, and special characters. You should also change your password often and ensure your phone is stored safely, especially in public.

Use Pin Codes

You can manage your smart locks using voice commands, for example, locks with Z-wave technology. While this feature offers convenience, it can make your locks vulnerable to hackers. A person that knows your voice command can open your locks. The hackers can even open your door remotely using a transducer. 

To avoid this problem, ensure you integrate your smart locks with voice commands and pin codes. The locks will request a code every time you make a voice command. Hence, this security feature offers a second line of defense that protects your system from attackers.

Update Your Software

You need to update your smart lock software regularly. Outdated software is prone to malfunctions, making it vulnerable to attacks by experienced hackers. Updates usually eliminate bugs and seal any security loopholes in your system. Remember, technology changes rapidly, so a lock that's currently secure can easily be breached in the future if you don't update it as instructed. If you aren't sure about what to do, you should call lock experts to help update your smart locks.

Contact a locksmith to learn more.