Having the right home security equipment can provide peace of mind. And, with some items, like smart locks, it adds convenience to your everyday life. It's why I like them. If I leave home and don't remember if I locked the front door, I don't have to drive back to check. I can open the lock's app and do it remotely.
I also like them because you can assign temporary codes for occasional visitors. This ensures that I don't have to make duplicate keys (which could become lost, most likely by me) and end up in the hands of someone I don't want.
As with any security equipment, vulnerabilities can arise. So, I'm going to show you some ways to protect your home from keyless break-ins.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Find the right smart lock for your home
If you already have a smart lock, we’ll get to a few tips below to help keep it secure. But if you’re shopping for one, it’s worth choosing a model that fits your door and works well with your smart home setup.
Some locks are built for Apple HomeKit, while others pair best with Google Home or Alexa. Look for models with strong app integration, reliable remote access and easy installation, especially if you want to control everything from your phone or smartwatch.
Here are a few lock options based on expert insights from Tom’s Guide.
The August Wi-Fi Smart Lock adds secure keyless entry, remote access, and easy app control, no extra hub needed. Works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit.
It’s the top overall pick because it upgrades your existing deadbolt without replacing it. August locks install on the inside of your door, making your standard lock smarter and more convenient while still letting you use your key in a pinch.
The Yale Deadbolt Smart Lock lets you manage access to your home from anywhere using the Google Home app or other compatible platforms.
Matter over Thread technology helps extend battery life with its energy-efficient mesh network. You can share custom entry codes, set alerts and control your door remotely for added security and convenience.
The Schlage Encode Plus works with Apple Home Key, allowing you to unlock your door with your iPhone or Apple Watch.
You can manage up to 100 access codes, view lock history, receive notifications and control multiple locks from one app. The auto-lock feature conveniently relocks your door with customizable time delay options for added peace of mind.
Make your home less attractive to thieves
First, it's important to understand that smart locks have some software vulnerabilities. However, a thief would need technical know-how to exploit these weaknesses. Most home burglaries are crimes of opportunity committed by amateurs.
So, if someone tries to break into your home, it's probably because it looks easy to get in and you have items that can be quickly stolen. While smart locks are a good step toward keeping your door secure, you should also implement other security measures.
Installing security cameras around entry points signals to thieves that someone is watching. Automatic lights are also essential, especially during this time of year when daylight is limited, so they can't hide in the shadows.
Doing these things could qualify you for a discount on your home insurance policy. Contact your provider to see which equipment, if any, qualifies. And if you're looking to lower insurance costs from an existing carrier, use this Bankrate tool to find a new policy fast:
Secure your digital life
Generally, we're not great at passwords. We set ones we'll remember since life throws so much at us, then use them for everything.
However, if a thief knows you pretty well, they can accurately guess your password or use hacking techniques to find it. Once they're into your Wi-Fi network, it makes it easier for them to access any devices you have connected to it, such as your smart lock. From there, they can unlock and lock your door with ease, which is not optimal.
This is why it's important to pay attention to software updates on your router, cell phone and any other device connected to your home's network. Before installing your smart lock, check for updates since it might not have the latest software updates. On top of this, use strong, unique passwords for all things digital that are difficult to crack.
This is why I like password managers. They create strong, random passwords and store them for you, so you don't have to remember them all.
A few other tips to keep you protected include:
- Disable temporary door codes once you no longer use them; this prevents someone from continuing to have access when they no longer need it
- Use multi-factor authentication, particularly biometrics
- Have a separate connection for your home's security equipment apart from your personal devices
- Use Z-Wave devices as they connect through a mesh network, not Wi-Fi
Ultimately, thieves are opportunists, looking for an easy score. As such, you likely won't have to worry about your average criminal trying to hack your smart lock.
That said, there are some smooth criminals out there with digital skills. Using these tips and installing the right security equipment can make it less desirable for thieves of all skill levels, keeping you safe and protecting your most valuable assets.
Related content
-
Dental Cost Advice for New Retirees, From a New RetireeWhat I faced in my first dental bill after retiring.
-
Fish and Chips? More Like Fish and a Side of Customer Confusion and AngerYou expect chips — French fries, actually — to come with your order of fish and chips? Think again. This restaurant could be violating the truth-in-menu laws.
-
Does My Car Insurance Cover Rental Cars?Is it safe to decline the extra coverage car rental companies offer you when booking? Here's what you need to know.
-
Outsmarting the AI Job Algorithm: Why Older Women Need a StrategyWhen you're job hunting, AI may undermine your best efforts. Here's how older women can throw a wrench in the algorithm.
-
I'm Embarrassed to Ask: What Is a Life Insurance Trust?Life insurance trusts, particularly irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), can minimize estate taxes and protect your heir's inheritance.
-
Are Your Employees Quietly Cracking? How to Repair the Cracks Before Everything BreaksSome employees who are unable to change jobs due to economic conditions are doing only the bare minimum, leading to decreased work quality and team morale.
-
I'm 61 and need $50,000 for home repairs. Should I borrow given today's rates or take a withdrawal from my $950,000 401(k)?We asked financial experts for advice.
-
Credit Score News Could Help First-Time HomebuyersLenders who sell mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac used to only be able to use FICO for loan qualification. Now there's VantageScore, owned by the three major credit bureaus.
