Replace sidelight glass with shatter-resistant polycarbonate.Install strike plates made of heavy-duty metal, and secure them with 3-inch screws.Reinforce wood door jambs with additional steel plates, which make the door harder to kick in.Replace hollow-core wood exterior doors with solid wood or steel doors.Circuit boards that control electronic locks can fail.During a power outage, some electronic locks fail or disengage, forcing you to use a backup key - but then your system isn’t keyless, is it?.In testing, a team of British lock hackers easily opened a fingerprint-reading lock by inserting a paperclip into its backup key chamber.In fact, some smart locks are easier to defeat and can be more annoying to use than traditional locks: “Smart locks are more convenient, but not any stronger than regular locks,” says Joey Lachausse of the Associated Locksmiths of America. In CR tests, the Medeco Maxum defied forced entry - the most common type of home break-in - better than the high-tech locks tested. “They’re looking for the least resistance.”Ī biometric deadbolt lock, which scans fingerprints, can cost $300 and be less secure than "Consumer Reports'" top-rated Medeco Maxum 11WC60L, a regular keyed lock that costs $190. “Burglars are criminals of opportunity,” says Glen Mowrey, a retired North Carolina deputy police chief. In fact, criminals admit that security systems with camera surveillance - not locks (smart or otherwise) - are the biggest deterrent against burglaries. “It’s an attention-getter.” Do High-Tech Locks Make Your House More Secure?īurglars mostly enter your home through an unlocked door or by forcing open a window or door. “The first thing people see when they walk to my door is that touchpad, and they want to know all about it,” Siciliano says. Siciliano’s home is outfitted with a touchpad lock that glows blue and can be activated via cellphone. “It’s a sales tool,” says Robert Siciliano, a security expert for Schlage locks. ![]() ![]() You can program codes for specific people, and the lock will offer a warm LED greeting when they arrive. Surveillance lock: Combines easy access with surveillance and takes a picture of whoever opens your door. ![]() Some will text you when someone else opens the door. Some locks recognize your phone and open automatically as you approach. Smart phone-controlled: Your smart phone syncs with your lock via Bluetooth, enabling you to control entrance remotely and keep track of who comes and goes. Key fob (proximity lock): Carry a fob in your pocket, and these locks open automatically or with a simple tap or press the fob button and unlock the door as soon as you pull into the driveway. Biometric: Locks that recognize your fingerprints and open with a swipe of your finger.
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