Smart Lock Security in 2025: What You Should Know

 

In 2025, smart home technology is reaching new heights: over 35 million smart door locks are in use globally—but accompanying that rise, smart lock security vulnerabilities have surged, with exploit‑related break‑ins jumping by nearly 23% in just the past year. At Uk.euro‑art.co.uk, we emphasize the importance of understanding risks and adopting the most secure door lock solutions available. This article explores emerging threats, encryption standards, industry shifts (like UWB and Aliro), and practical guidance for homeowners, renters, property managers—and anyone who relies on smart lock technology for secure access.

You’ll learn:

• Which wireless protocols and hardware flaws are being exploited.
• How upcoming standards like Aliro and Ultra‑Wideband (UWB) promise better security and seamless access.
• Real‑world preparation strategies, from firmware hygiene to multi-factor authentication.
• Answers to common myths and FAQs to empower confident decision‑making.

Market Landscape & Security Drivers

The Smart Lock Boom

The smart door lock industry continues expansive growth. From residential to hospitality and commercial deployments, smart lock installations are surging, driven by convenience and emerging IoT ecosystems.

Security as a Selling Point

In response to rising vulnerabilities, leading brands are now prioritizing security-first designs, while cybersecurity firms like HCL’s Aleph Research expose hidden flaws in popular models. Users increasingly demand bank‑grade encryption, regular firmware support, and biometric safety.

Interoperability & Standards

The Connectivity Standards Alliance is launching Aliro—a cross-platform standard built atop Matter and UWB—designed to simplify integration and ensure consistent security certifications across smart door  lock brands, smartphones, and wearables. Leading chipmakers and lock manufacturers, including NXP, STMicro, Assa Abloy, and IKEA, are already on board.

Shifting Consumer Preferences

Consumers show rising interest in biometric authentication, voice control, touchless entry, and eco‑friendly hardware—trends now transforming product design and unlocking strategies across the industry.

Core Threats & Vulnerabilities

Despite alluring convenience, smart locks can introduce new attack vectors if not designed or configured correctly.

Wireless Protocol Flaws

• Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and NFC often rely on signal strength (RSSI) for proximity, an approach vulnerable to replay, spoofing, and relay attacks.
• Z‑Wave S2 encryption is more robust—but many devices still use outdated versions, creating risks for eavesdropping and replay.

Firmware Vulnerabilities & Backdoors

Security audit firms have uncovered firmware design flaws—like unpatched Sceiner firmware—that let attackers remotely unlock smart door locks via mobile or keypad intrusion. Weak update mechanisms and improper validation exacerbate these risks.

Droplock Attacks & Biometric Harvesting

The droplock exploit, described in detail by Steve Kerrison, demonstrates how smart padlocks can harvest users’ fingerprints wirelessly—transforming a voting lock into a biometric data gathering tool. Without secure design, even physical contact with your lock could expose sensitive biometric credentials.

Hardware Tampering & Info Extraction

In shared access systems (like gyms or offices), attackers have extracted management PINs and other credentials via direct hardware attacks, such as memory inspection of lock firmware. Similarly, some digital keycard systems (e.g. hotel RFID locks) remain flawed, allowing rapid brute‑force or card rewriting attacks.

Cloud Dependency & Privacy Risks

Some smart door locks rely heavily on cloud infrastructure for authentication and telemetry—creating single points of failure. Service downtime can lock users out entirely, while excessive data collection raises concerns about continuous monitoring and privacy.

Best Practices for Smart Lock Security in 2025

Here's a detailed playbook to secure your smart door lock deployments—whether personal or professional.

Firmware & Software Hygiene

• Update firmware monthly, and verify manufacturers provide signed patches and rollback protection.
• Prefer locks with secure boot and firmware integrity checks, such as those featuring Arm TrustZone or tamper detectors.

Prioritize Secure Protocols

• Choose UWB-enabled or Aliro-compliant devices for hands-free access that resists relay attacks.
• Avoid devices using BLE or Z‑Wave S0/S1 without S2, or Wi‑Fi-only locks without adequate encryption.

Enable Strong Authentication & Multi-Factor Access

• Use rotating or one-time PINs, strong biometric verification, and app-based authentication.
• Where possible, combine a biometric + keypad + backup mechanical key configuration.
• Revoke credentials for inactive users or expired sharing sessions.

Network & Physical Segmentation

• Place smart door locks on isolated sub‑networks or VLANs separate from general Wi-Fi devices to minimize exposure.
• Disable or restrict remote unlocking capabilities unless truly needed.

Physical Backup & Regular Audits

• Maintain a mechanical backup key or PIN fallback, secured separately.
• Audit access logs monthly to detect unusual entries or repeated failed unlock attempts.
• Be cautious with shared systems (e.g. property management portals) that may expose master credentials.

Disable Unnecessary Features

• Deactivate features like guest codes, auto-unlock, or cloud-dependent alerts if unused.
• Limit integrations to only those smart-home ecosystems you actively use.

 

Case Study: Sceiner Firmware Exploit (Commercial Office)

A mid‑sized UK office used smart door locks sourced from a brand using Sceiner firmware. Due to insecure AES keys and weak communication protocol versions, researchers from Aleph Research easily bypassed keypad and mobile unlocking—allowing remote door open via crafted messages. The company only realized when unauthorized logs appeared in the access audit.

Lesson Learned: Avoid locks with unvalidated or black‑box firmware; never assume built-in encryption is secure without testing or certification.

Case Study: Preparing for Power Outage & Internet downtime

A homeowner had a smart door lock integrated with Alexa and remote Wi-Fi functions. During a scheduled router outage, they discovered they couldn’t unlock—even though battery was full—because the lock fell back to Wi-Fi cloud unlock only. After replacing it with a Matter/UWB-capable lock, local Bluetooth functionality restored offline access.

Lesson Learned: Require offline unlocking fallback modes as part of purchase criteria.

Tips for Securing Your Smart Lock

Regular Firmware Maintenance & Pen-Testing Prep

• Schedule routine firmware audits: Set a recurring reminder to check for updates every 1–2 months. Confirm patches are signed and avoid devices publisher‑abandoned.
• Conduct DIY penetration testing: Use Bluetooth sniffers (e.g. nRF Sniffer), replay tools, or NFC intercepts to simulate attacker scenarios. Even basic pentest techniques—scans for open ports, app reverse‑engineering—help assess config weaknesses (e.g. default AES keys).
• Use only secure hubs: Verify that associated mobile apps are updated via official stores, and avoid sideloaded or unofficial APKs—some apps leak credentials or allow replay attacks in firmware‑device exchanges.

Avoiding Common Setup Mistakes

• Don’t reuse default PINs or credentials: Many devices ship with predictable codes; attackers frequently try “0000” or “123456”. Always set unique, long codes.
• Avoid over-sharing access: Guest codes or shared credentials should expire or be revoked promptly. Some systems keep guest PINs active indefinitely unless manually disabled—even after user leaves premises.
• Be cautious during installation: Physical installation mistakes—like unaligned mounting of sensor modules—can interfere with tamper detection. Misconfigured modules may bypass physical safeguards like tamper switches.

Secure Network Best Practices

• Create an isolated VLAN or guest SSID exclusively for smart door lock devices to limit lateral attacks from other IoT devices (e.g. appliances, cameras). Disable UPnP and remote port forwarding for extra safety.
• Avoid cloud-only dependency: configure locks to support offline access (e.g. local Bluetooth or UWB), while reserving cloud-based remote unlock as secondary—minimizing exposure during service disruptions.

Backup Mechanisms & Redundancy Planning

• Maintain a mechanical backup key or keypad unlock method in case electronic systems fail.
• Keep a secure record of backup codes and reset instructions—separate from the main device.
• Perform periodic access log reviews: look for failed login attempts, codes used at odd hours, or redundant credentials—especially if multiple users are provisioned.

Training Household or Staff

• Educate users about safe practices: don’t leave phones unlocked with active digital keys, avoid texting shared credentials, and prompt removal of temporary access once it's no longer needed.
• Run mock drills simulating lost device or revoke processes—ensure all team members know how to revoke access via app or admin panel quickly.

FAQ

Here are some common misconceptions—and the truth:

Myth 1: “Digital locks are always safer than traditional locks.”

Reality: Only when well‑designed and maintained. Poor encryption, outdated firmware, or flawed authentication can make a smart door lock more vulnerable than a physical deadbolt. Even bump‑key techniques can succeed when firmware is weak.

Myth 2: “I don’t need updates—my lock hasn’t been hacked.”

Reality: Most attacks exploit known, patched vulnerabilities. If your lock hasn’t been updated in months, it’s at risk—even if you see no signs on the front end.

Myth 3: “Only experts can hack smart locks.”

Reality: Accessible tools and tutorials, such as for droplock or signal relay hacks, make it easy for low-skill actors to compromise vulnerable locks.

Myth 4: How do I revoke access after a staff member or guest leaves?

Reality: Use rotating or time-bound access credentials configured via your lock’s admin panel or app, then delete or expire them. Avoid static guest codes that remain indefinitely.

What to Expect from Late 2025 into 2026

Wider Rollout of UWB & Aliro Devices

By late 2025 and into 2026, Aliro-certified smart locks will become more mainstream. Brands like Schlage, Ultraloq, Lockly, Kwikset, Eufy, and Aqara plan to launch models with Matter/NFC tap‑to‑unlock and UWB optional support.

Insurance & Regulatory Incentives

Property insurers and regulatory bodies may begin offering discounts or certifications for smart locks that meet Aliro/Matter security standards, encouraging adoption of interoperable, well‑secured lock systems.

Biometric & AI‑Enabled Access Control

Expect mainstream deployment of facial recognition, palm scan, and behavioral context authentication (activity pattern detection), along with AI‑powered scheduling or threat‑prediction logic built into access control systems.

Expansion into Hospitality & Multi‑Family Markets

Hotels, apartment complexes, and co‑living spaces will increasingly adopt smart door lock systems with remote provisioning, audit logging, and automated credential management—driving demand for secure, scalable access solutions.

Conclusion

Smart lock technology offers compelling convenience—but only when security is prioritized. At Uk.euro‑art.co.uk, we recommend safeguarding your door lock systems by choosing certified, well‑supported devices, keeping firmware updated, using strong authentication, and minimizing unnecessary exposure.