The demise of the humble mechanical lock and key might be some way off yet.For all the possibilities they open up, so-called ‘smart locks’ can readily become dumb in several scenarios.
Hundreds of people recently discovered that they were unable to open their doors by their usual means when their smart locks were disabled – digitally, at least – by a botched software update.
Earlier this month LockState issued an update to its 6000i series smart locks that was designed for its later-generation 7000i models. The 6000i locks were subsequently unable to reconnect to the company’s web service.
As well as the remote locking and unlocking function, the mistake cost users’ access to remote access, status alerts and keypad entry code-management.
The company couldn’t even remedy the situation with a remote fix, meaning customers have to return part of the lock for repair – turnaround time one week – or wait three weeks or longer for delivery of a replacement lock.
In a statement, the company attempted some damage limitation by giving owners one free year of access to connected services.
Roughly 500 locks have been affected, says LockState.
Users had to resort to the time-honoured method of inserting a metal key.
Anyone using the locks for Airbnb hosting may be more inconvenienced still. Users of the peer-to-peer accommodation portal can make letting out property easier – in theory – by recruiting the services of LockState through the Host Assist program.
Around 200 Airbnb hosts are reported to have been affected.
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Placing anything that uses electricity on the world wide web can be a hacker magnet waiting to happen, as the daily news of somebody being hacked is old hat. I don’t read much online about garage door openers or automotive key fobs being hacked, although I know its possible. However, automotive key fobs and garage door openers have worked successfully for decades. Technology should be about Return on Investment, and it seems most remote control deadbolts on the market today are simply too expensive and too hackable.