With the rise of the Internet of Things, smart homes have become increasingly accessible, and many products marketed as "smart" now exist. While some of these products undoubtedly enhance our daily lives, one particular product - the smart lock - stands out as an example of a device that can be made intelligent without requiring remote control.

A smart lock is essentially a traditional mechanical lock with added electronic components, such as fingerprint or password recognition technology, which replace the need for a key. Prior to the Internet of Things, it would simply have been called an electronic lock; however, the term "smart lock" has become popularised due to its incorporation into this technological landscape.

Despite the trend towards remote unlocking functionality, some believe that this feature presents a significant danger. Many smart locks rely on mobile apps to provide remote unlocking capabilities. However, if a child gets hold of a phone with the app installed, they could accidentally or intentionally unlock the door, potentially leading to dangerous situations. Even in secure communities, neighbours may notice a door that unexpectedly opens without anyone entering or exiting.

Moreover, the security risks associated with smart locks connected to the internet cannot be ignored. Although there have yet to be any major incidents involving smart locks, many servers responsible for sending instructions to the locks lack proper security measures, and bugs can occur during upgrades. For example, the well-known smart lock manufacturer Lockstate experienced a server upgrade error that rendered some locks unusable. While the company was able to remedy the issue, such incidents serve as a warning to manufacturers that remote unlocking is not a foolproof solution.

Similar incidents have occurred in China. In 2015, a short-term rental apartment experienced a collective failure of smart locks due to a bug generated during a server upgrade. The upgrade caused the password saved in the indoor gateway to be modified by the server, preventing users from entering with their original password. This tragedy was largely ignored by the media, but it highlights the dangers associated with remote control unlocking.

In conclusion, while remote unlocking may seem like a practical feature, it presents significant security risks. Smart lock manufacturers should seek alternative solutions that prioritise safety and security over convenience.