Are Smart Locks Really Leading Us into a Keyless Future?

Are Smart Locks Really Leading Us into a Keyless Future?

Mobile access to homes and offices is not a new concept, but in 2018, why do we still have to carry around bulky keys when we have our phone with us?

  • By Eric Trabold
  • Oct 11, 2018

Mobile access to homes and offices is not a new concept, but in 2018, why do we still have to carry around bulky keys when we have our phone with us? Traditional keys are an outdated technology dated over a hundred years ago and not much has changed. Not only are keys hard to manage but they present real security concerns.  Are current smart locks the answer to this problem?

We know mobile is the future. We hit a big milestone - 5.1 billion people around the world have a mobile device; 57 percent have a smartphone. 3.3 billion users browse the internet on their phones and by 2025, 45 percent of internet users will be mobile only. (GSMA Intelligence 2018) Mobile technology is clearly changing the way we live and work. You can turn your living room into a zombie apocalypse or shop anywhere in the world with your phone. Yet, we still use a small metal mechanism to open pins in a lock.

Each key is made for one lock which worked perfectly fine a hundred years ago when we only had one door. Today is different. We often carry 4 to 6-plus keys on us at a time and even keep keys when we forgot what they open. Not only are keys not convenient, but security is a huge issue. There is no way of knowing for certain that an unauthorized person gained access. Keys lack authentication and are easily copied, misplaced or stolen. You can’t stop access when lost or stolen, so you replace the locks.

The biggest vulnerabilities and frustrations of keys affect office spaces specifically in shared workspaces and small to medium sized businesses with high turnover or contractors, partners, or interns frequently visiting.  Access can change on a daily or even hourly basis, so time and money is wasted on rekeying and handing out (or taking back) keys. What’s worse is these businesses leave themselves incredibly vulnerable to burglaries or internal theft.

Nexkey, an innovator in smart access control, surveyed 1,000 people who work in an office or coworking space to expose how vulnerable they leave themselves by not making the switch from keys to smart access. 54 percent of employees and 44 percent of coworking members still use traditional keys to access their workspaces. Not surprising, 72 percent responded that they have lost or misplaced their keys.  What is surprising is that 35 percent in the past year said they had to change their locks because a coworker lost or didn’t return their key, and 32 percent of coworking members experience theft from an ex-employee who still had a key or keycard (four times more times than office workers). (Nexkey 2018)

Business owners become extremely vulnerable when they don’t update their security systems.  Chances are after an employee leaves, the business will not change the locks. Every day the locks aren’t changed, you further risk an unauthorized person taking advantage.

Keys are not secure and unnecessary when we carry our phones with us every day.

Mobile access technology is here, and people are excited. According to Nexkey’s survey, 58 percent of office workers would prefer to access their workspace with their smartphone instead of keys or keycards.  It seems office managers are also tired of handing out keys and keycards because 63% are interested in managing access on their smartphone. (Nexkey 2018) So just buy a smart lock and problem solved, right?

There are many smart locks on the market (August, Kwikset, Lockitron, etc.) but they keep a keyless future far from an actual reality. Switching from a key and lock to a smart lock is a smart security decision, until the culprit enters the garage or sliding glass door in the back.

Current smart locks are a step in the right direction but are nowhere near the destination. A keyless future requires technology to not just focus on the front door but secure all locks we interact with on a daily basis.

Why do we carry a keycard for the office, house key, garage door opener, and key for a locker?

A Smarter access platform like Nexkey, a cloud-based modern access control system, can transform any lock into a smart lock. In order to avoid security vulnerabilities and benefit from the convenience of a keyless world, every key needs to be replaced with one holistic solution. One app, one platform, to unlock everything important to you and keep them safe. The keyless future in workspaces and homes requires smart locks to not be stuck at the front door.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.