How to Prevent Keyless Entry Break-ins in Your Home - Home Security 101Home Security 101

As technology continues to evolve, so do the ways criminals exploit vulnerabilities in modern systems. One of the growing concerns among homeowners today is the security of keyless entry systems. While these systems offer convenience, they also pose certain risks if not properly secured. A keyless entry break-in is a scenario where burglars exploit weaknesses in your home’s electronic entry systems to gain access. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore how keyless entry systems work, the risks they pose, and the steps you can take to prevent keyless entry break-ins in your home.

Understanding Keyless Entry Systems

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Keyless entry systems, also known as smart locks, are devices that allow you to unlock your door without using a traditional physical key. Instead, these systems typically rely on alternative methods such as:

Keypads: Where you enter a code to unlock the door.
Biometrics: Using fingerprint recognition or retina scanning for access.
Smartphones: Unlocking your door using Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication), or a Wi-Fi connection.
Proximity sensors: These unlock the door when you approach with a paired device, such as your smartphone.

While they offer unparalleled convenience, many keyless entry systems have weaknesses that make them vulnerable to criminal activity, especially when improperly secured or out-of-date. Understanding the vulnerabilities inherent in these systems is the first step in preventing break-ins.

The Risks of Keyless Entry Break-ins

Weak Encryption or Default Settings: Many keyless entry systems are equipped with encryption to protect communication between the lock and the paired device, but not all locks use strong encryption methods. Hackers can exploit weak or outdated encryption to intercept and decode the signals used to unlock your door. Moreover, many systems come with default passcodes or PINs that homeowners neglect to change, offering easy access for burglars who know how to exploit this oversight.
Relay Attacks (or Signal Jamming): One of the most common techniques used in keyless entry break-ins is a relay attack. Criminals use devices that amplify the signal of your keyless entry system to unlock the door. For example, they could intercept the signal from your car’s key fob or your smartphone, relay it to the lock, and gain access without ever physically coming near your home. This form of attack exploits the wireless communication between your device and the lock.
Battery Drain: Some burglars can target homes with keyless entry systems by waiting for the batteries in the lock to die or exploiting a low battery alert. A dead or low battery could prevent the lock from functioning correctly, making it easier for criminals to tamper with or break the lock.
Smartphone Exploits: If your keyless entry system relies on your smartphone for unlocking, hackers may exploit vulnerabilities in your phone or the app used to control the lock. Malware, spyware, or unsecured Wi-Fi networks can allow hackers to gain unauthorized access to your home.
Weak Device Authentication: Many smart locks rely on Bluetooth or Wi-Fi for communication. If these devices are not secured with strong passwords or multi-factor authentication, hackers can easily gain access to your smart lock remotely. The absence of an extra layer of security such as two-factor authentication makes it easier for thieves to break into your home.

Steps to Prevent Keyless Entry Break-ins

1. Use Strong and Unique Codes

One of the simplest ways to secure your keyless entry system is to use a strong, unique passcode that cannot be easily guessed. Many keyless entry systems allow you to set a PIN or code for access. Follow these best practices to enhance security:

Avoid Common Codes: Never use simple, common codes such as “1234” or “0000.” Avoid easily guessable sequences like “1111” or the year of your birth.
Use Long Passcodes: A longer passcode is much harder for hackers or criminals to guess or crack.
Change Your Passcode Regularly: Just as you would change your online passwords periodically, change your keyless entry passcode every few months to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Disable Codes When Not in Use: Some smart locks allow you to temporarily disable codes or delete them when they are no longer needed. For example, if you use a code for a service technician, remove the code once they are finished.

2. Use High-Quality, Encrypted Systems

Choose a keyless entry system that uses high levels of encryption to protect data and communication between your devices. Look for systems that implement AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) or similar encryption protocols to ensure that your lock’s signals cannot be intercepted or decoded by hackers.

Research the Brand: Stick with reputable brands known for their focus on security. Popular smart lock brands, such as August, Schlage, and Yale, offer encrypted locks that have been tested for security.
Automatic Security Updates: Ensure that your lock’s firmware and software are up-to-date. Manufacturers often release updates to patch security vulnerabilities, so enable automatic updates if possible.

3. Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If your keyless entry system is controlled by an app or smartphone, use two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible. 2FA adds an additional layer of security by requiring a second piece of information beyond just your password or PIN, such as:

A one-time code sent via SMS or email.
Biometric authentication, like facial recognition or fingerprints.
A hardware token that generates a unique code.

By requiring two methods of verification, you greatly reduce the chances that a hacker will be able to gain unauthorized access, even if they manage to compromise your smartphone or password.

4. Secure Your Smartphone and Smart Devices

Since many keyless entry systems rely on smartphones to unlock doors, it’s essential to protect your devices from hacking or malware:

Install Anti-Malware Software: Ensure that your smartphone has a reputable anti-malware app installed to prevent malicious attacks from exploiting weaknesses in your phone’s software.
Enable Screen Lock: Always enable a screen lock or password on your smartphone. Without this basic security measure, anyone who gets hold of your phone can potentially unlock your smart home devices.
Disable Bluetooth When Not in Use: Some smart locks rely on Bluetooth technology to communicate with your phone. Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it to prevent hackers from exploiting the signal to unlock your door.
Update Your Smartphone Regularly: Just as with your smart lock, your phone’s operating system and apps should be regularly updated to ensure that they are protected from the latest security threats.

5. Install a Physical Backup Lock

While keyless entry systems provide convenience, it’s always wise to have a backup physical lock in place. Having a traditional deadbolt lock, especially one with a high-security design, provides an additional layer of defense against break-ins.

Choose High-Security Deadbolts: Opt for high-security deadbolt locks that are resistant to picking, bumping, and forceful entry. Look for locks that have hardened steel inserts and reinforced strike plates.
Consider a Smart Lock with a Keyhole: Some smart locks come with the option to use a traditional key as a backup if the electronic components fail or are compromised. This is an excellent fail-safe option in case of a malfunction or battery drain.

6. Monitor and Alert Systems

Many smart locks come with the ability to integrate with home security systems. Pair your keyless entry system with motion sensors, security cameras, and alarms to monitor for any suspicious activity.

Smart Cameras: Install smart cameras that provide live video feeds of the areas around your front door. Look for cameras that offer high-definition video, night vision, and motion detection.
Motion Detectors: Combine your keyless entry system with motion detectors that alert you when there is movement near your door. Some systems allow you to receive notifications on your smartphone or through your home security app.
Remote Locking and Unlocking: Many smart locks allow you to remotely lock or unlock doors. This feature can be helpful if you need to lock the door when you’re away or grant access to a trusted visitor.

7. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network

Your keyless entry system may rely on your Wi-Fi network to communicate with your smartphone or other devices. If your Wi-Fi is insecure, criminals may be able to hack into your home system and bypass security measures. Here’s how to secure your home Wi-Fi network:

Change the Default Router Password: Many routers come with default passwords that are easy for hackers to guess. Always change these passwords when setting up your router.
Enable WPA3 Encryption: If your router supports WPA3 encryption, enable it. WPA3 is the latest and most secure encryption standard, offering enhanced protection against brute-force and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Create a Guest Network: Set up a separate guest network for visitors to use when they need access to your Wi-Fi. This ensures that your primary network, which controls your smart home devices, is isolated from potential security threats.

8. Be Aware of Relay Attacks

Relay attacks, in which thieves intercept signals from your keyless entry system to unlock your door, are a growing concern. To protect against relay attacks:

Store Keyless Entry Devices in Faraday Bags: A Faraday bag blocks wireless signals, preventing criminals from using devices that amplify or intercept your keyless entry signals. Store your key fobs, smartphones, and other devices that communicate with your lock in a Faraday bag when not in use.
Use a Keyless Entry System with Signal Jamming Protection: Some smart locks have features designed to prevent relay attacks by detecting and blocking unauthorized signal relay attempts.

9. Educate Everyone in Your Household

Make sure that everyone in your household is educated on the importance of securing your keyless entry system. Encourage your family members to:

Change PIN codes regularly.
Set up strong passwords for smart lock apps.
Lock doors when not in use, even if the lock is keyless.

Home security is a team effort, and ensuring that everyone is informed and vigilant can help to prevent keyless entry break-ins.

Conclusion

Keyless entry systems are a convenient and modern way to secure your home, but they come with unique risks that must be addressed to keep your home safe. By following the steps outlined in this guide — such as using strong and unique codes, choosing high-quality encrypted systems, securing your devices, and monitoring for suspicious activity — you can greatly reduce the risk of a keyless entry break-in. By being proactive and adopting best practices for digital security, you can continue to enjoy the convenience of keyless entry systems while keeping your home secure.