• booly@sh.itjust.works
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    1 year ago

    Things might be different by now, but when I was researching this I decided on the Yale x Nest.

    It’s more secure than a keyed lock in the following ways:

    • Can’t be picked (no physical keyhole).
    • Codes can be revoked or time-gated (for example, you can set the dog walker’s code to work only at the time of day they’re expected to come by).
    • Guest codes can be set to provide real-time notifications when used.
    • The lock keeps a detailed log of every time it’s used.
    • The lock can be set to automatically lock the door after a certain amount of time.

    It’s less secure than a physical traditional lock in the following ways:

    • Compromise of a keycode isn’t as obvious as losing a key, so you might not change a compromised keycode the same way you might change a lost key.
    • People can theoretically see a code being punched in, or intercept compromised communications to use it.
    • Compromised app or login could be used to assign new codes or remotely unlock

    It’s basically the same level of security in the following ways:

    • The deadbolt can still be defeated with the same physical weaknesses that a typical deadbolt has: blunt force, cutting with a saw, etc.
    • The windows and doors are probably just generally weak around your house, to where a determined burglar can get in no matter what lock you use.
    • Works like normal without power or network connection (just can’t be remotely unlocked or reprogrammed to add/revoke codes if not online)

    Overall, I’d say it’s more secure against real-world risk, where the weakest link tends to be the people you share your keys with.

    • zik@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      But since smart locks generally also have a traditional mechanical mechanism for backup, aren’t they inherently always less secure than a traditional lock since you can find the weakest link in either of the two mechanisms?

      • Bongles@lemm.ee
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        1 year ago

        Usually yes, but this person is saying theirs does not have a physical keyhole.

        • booly@sh.itjust.works
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          1 year ago

          Yup. The backup for battery failure on this model is that the bottom of the plate can accept power from the pins of a 9V battery, held there just long enough to punch in the code.