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    How secure are electronic deadbolts and smart locks?

    June 18, 2019 by emily.bailey

    Tuesday, June 18, 2019

    How secure are electronic deadbolts and smart locks?

    Take a look at the security behind Schlage electronic and smart locks.

     

    READ MORE

    For those of us in the door hardware industry, smart locks are a no-brainer. Theyโ€™ve quickly become indispensable in offices, hospitals, hotels, and many other professional locations, but many consumers are still learning about the possibilities that smart locks can offer at home. โ€œAre they really secure?โ€ is a question we hear frequently. Letโ€™s take a look at the security behind Schlage smart locks.
    Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt on front door.

    Residential security grading

    The first thing you should know is that a group of industry experts called the Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association (BHMA) set national standards regarding the security level, durability and finish quality of door hardware products. This helps locksmiths, building managers and other professionals ensure that they are using the right hardware in the right places, especially when they have to adhere to local building code requirements.

     

    To help homeowners make the same decisions about which hardware is best for their home, the BHMA created a set of standards specific to residential door hardware. This includes three categories - Security, Durability and Finish โ€“ with rigid criteria for testing hardware to ensure it meets either a C (good), B (better) or A (best) grade in each category. Most Schlage products receive a AAA, which means they have received the best possible grades in Security, Durability and Finish.

    Smart lock security - Residential Door Hardware Grades - Schlage

    So what does all that really mean? It means that all of our products, whether mechanical or electronic, run through all kinds of heavy-duty, intense testing procedures โ€“ including hitting it with a sledgehammer really hard. So regardless of what kind of lock you buy, you know youโ€™ll be getting a product that has been tested against the rigorous demands of daily usage. Our Schlage Encode Smart WiFi Deadbolt, Schlage Senseโ„ข Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Connectโ„ข Smart Deadbolt with Alarm, and Schlage Touchโ„ข Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Lever have all received a grade A in security, the best possible grade to keep your home, and everything inside it, safe.

    What about hackers?

    Weโ€™ve all heard about the neighborโ€™s garage door code getting hacked. The good news is that these days that story is a bit of an urban legend. Some garage door codes were compromised back when the technology was new, but major strides have been made in electronic security since then, making these types of hacks much more difficult to pull off. Basically, if youโ€™re comfortable ordering items from Amazon, you can trust that the connection between your Schlage smart lock and your smartphone is just as secure.

     

    Besides, blunt-force attacks at your homeโ€™s entry points are much more effective than sophisticated electronic methods. The rising popularity of home security systems is putting a dent in traditional break-ins as well, however, making smart locks that integrate with home security systems an increasingly effective solution. Together, they add a layer of electronic security to your home, that allows you to keep better track of whoโ€™s coming and going, and when.

     

    Locks that add extra security without requiring a smart home or security system are also on the rise. The Schlage Encode and Schlage Sense locks are great examples. With multiple options to connect your lock to the cloud, you can receive real-time notifications and view a history of who used the lock and when. Thereโ€™s also a built-in alarm that sounds when a disturbance is detected at the door or if the wrong code is entered repeatedly.

    Spare keys are a safety faux pas

    Thereโ€™s an added security element to simply doing away with spare keys and using access codes instead. Codes are easier to control. If a code becomes compromised, simply delete it. Thereโ€™s no need to rekey or buy new locks because a key has been lost. A lock without a cylinder, like the completely keyless Schlage Touch lock, also eliminates the possibility of picking or bumping because thereโ€™s no keyhole for intruders to manipulate.

     

    As you can see, electronic locks are a smart choice for any home. They can save time, add convenience, and make it safer and easier to share access by eliminating spare keys. Paired with the easy installation and exceptional customer service that Schlage is known for, adding one of our electronic deadbolts or smart locks to your home is an easy step toward a safer, simpler home.

     

    If youโ€™re not sure which Schlage smart lock is right for you, try our interactive Get Help Deciding Tool.

     

    How Schlage smart locks stand up to Mother Nature.

    November 26, 2018 by emily.bailey

    Monday, November 26, 2018

    Smart locks - Weatherproof - Schlage

    Are smart locks waterproof? What happens when the power goes out? Hereโ€™s what you need to know.

     

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    Smart locks - Weatherproof - Schlage

    Some of us love winter weather, and others are already counting down the days until spring. When the temperatures drop, and the snow and ice hit your door, you want your lock to be ready, even if you arenโ€™t.

     

    When it comes to holding up to the weather, Schlage Connectโ„ข Smart Deadbolt and Schlage Senseโ„ข Smart Deadbolt, as well as Schlage Touchโ„ข Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Schlage Keypad Deadbolt, are designed to exceed, and have been validated to function, beyond industry certification requirements.

     

    We do not recommend our smart locks be used on outdoor gates or on doors in which the lockโ€™s interior housing is completely exposed to the elements. However, we consistently work to bring you quality products so that you know youโ€™re getting the convenient features and peace of mind, no matter what elements your house faces.

    Tried and tested

    Your electronic lockโ€™s exterior components, which are often exposed to the harshest elements, are tested against:

     

    • Extreme temperatures, including icing or freezing conditions (as low as approximately -22 degrees Fahrenheit depending on the lock) and high heat (up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit)
    • High humidity and condensing humidity
    • Rain
    • Coastal environment conditions

    Peace of mind

    Additional features provide an extra layer of confidence for when the worst weather strikes.

     

    • Battery operated: All of Schlageโ€™s keyless locks run on battery power, so if the power goes out, youโ€™re still protected. You wonโ€™t be locked out and those who shouldnโ€™t have access to your home wonโ€™t gain it just because ice pulled down a power line.
    • Back-lit numbers: Whether the power goes down or the sun has just set early, youโ€™ll never be left fumbling in the dark to unlock your door.
    • Glove-friendly: No need to remove your mittens. Touchscreens and keypads work even if theyโ€™re wet from rain and when youโ€™re wearing gloves.

    Protection beyond the weather

    Of course, not all elements are a result of Mother Nature. We know security depends on your lock working in all kinds of conditions. Thatโ€™s why we also test our smart locks in construction-based environments, such as pressure washing, fluid spills and dust.

     

    Schlage smart locks are backed by a three-year electronics warranty and a limited lifetime mechanical and finish warranty. With our successful testing, you can be as confident as we are in your security and style year-round, rain or shine, snow or heat.

    To find out if a Schlage smart lock will work well for your home and climate, reach out to us on Facebook or contact our customer support team for help.
     

    How secure are electronic deadbolts and smart locks?

    November 22, 2017 by emily.bailey

    Wednesday, November 22, 2017

    How secure are electronic deadbolts and smart locks?

    Take a look at the security behind Schlage electronic locks.

     

    READ MORE

    For those of us in the door hardware industry, electronic locks are a no-brainer. Theyโ€™ve quickly become indispensable in offices, hospitals, hotels, and many other professional locations, but many consumers are still learning about the possibilities that electronic deadbolts and smart locks can offer at home. โ€œAre they really secure?โ€ is a question we hear consumers ask frequently. So letโ€™s take a look at the security behind Schlage electronic locks.
    Electronic deadbolt - Smart lock - Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt - Security

    Residential security grading

    The first thing you should know is that a group of industry experts called the Builders Hardware Manufacturing Association (or BHMA for short) set national standards regarding the security level, durability and finish quality of door hardware products. This helps professional locksmiths, building managers and other professionals to ensure that they are using the right hardware in the right places, especially when they have to adhere to local building code requirements.

     

    In order to help homeowners make the same decisions about which hardware is best for their home, BHMA created a set of standards specific to residential door hardware. They created three categories - Security, Durability, and Finish โ€“ with rigid criteria for testing the hardware to ensure it meets either a C (good), B (better) or A (best) grade in each category. Most Schlage products receive a AAA, which means they have received the best possible grades in Security, Durability and Finish.

    Smart lock security - Residential Door Hardware Grades - Schlage

    So what does all that really mean? It means that all of our products, whether mechanical or electronic, run through all kinds of heavy-duty, intense testing procedures โ€“ including, yes, hitting it with a sledgehammer really hard. So regardless of what kind of lock you buy, you know youโ€™ll be getting a product that has been tested against the rigorous demands of daily usage. Our Schlage Senseโ„ข Smart Deadbolt, Schlage Connectโ„ข Touchscreen Deadbolt, and Schlage Touchโ„ข Keyless Touchscreen Deadbolt and Lever have all received a grade A in security, the best possible grade to keep your home, and everything inside it, safe.

    What about hackers?

    Weโ€™ve all heard about the neighborโ€™s garage door code getting hacked. The good news is that these days that story is a bit of an urban legend โ€“ there were some instances of compromised garage door codes back when the technology was new, but major strides have been made in electronic security since then, making these types of hacks much more difficult to pull off. Basically, if youโ€™re comfortable ordering items from Amazon, you can trust that the connection between your Schlage smart lock and your smartphone is just as secure.

     

    Besides, when it comes to entry points to the home, blunt-force attacks are much more effective than sophisticated electronic methods, though the rising popularity of home security systems is putting a dent in traditional break-ins as well. Electronic locks that integrate with home security systems, like the Schlage Connect lock, actually add a layer of electronic security to your home, allowing you to keep better track of whoโ€™s coming and going, and when.

     

    Locks that add extra security without requiring a smart home or security system are also on the rise. The Schlage Sense Smart Deadbolt is a great example - with multiple options to connect your lock to the cloud, you can receive real-time notifications and view a history of who used the lock and when. Thereโ€™s also a built-in alarm on the Schlage Sense and Connect locks that sounds when the lock or door is forced, or the wrong code entered repeatedly. 

    Spare keys are a safety faux pas

    Thereโ€™s an added security element to simply doing away with spare keys and using access codes instead. Codes are easier to control โ€“ if a code becomes compromised, simply delete it. No need to rekey or buy new locks because a key has been lost and anyone in town could have it. A lock without a cylinder, like the completely keyless Schlage Touch lock, also eliminates the possibility of picking or bumping because thereโ€™s no keyhole for intruders to manipulate.

     

    As you can see, electronic locks are a smart choice for any home. They can save time, add convenience, and make it safer and easier to share access by eliminating spare keys. Paired with the easy installation and exceptional customer service that Schlage is known for, adding one of our electronic deadbolts or smart locks to your home is an easy step toward a safer, simpler day.

    Smart lock pre-installation checklist

    September 25, 2017 by emily.bailey

    Monday, September 25, 2017

    5 things you must consider before installing a smart lock

    Make sure your smart lock installation goes as smoothly as possible by following these 5 steps first.

     

    READ MORE

    Smart locks are the perfect way to add a little more convenience and security to your home. With a smart lock from Schlage, you can choose to enter your home with a custom code you define, a mechanical key or your phone (depending on the lock you choose).

     

    Installing a new smart lock is a project that any skill-level can take on with just a screwdriver and a few minutes out of your day. Before you get started, it's important to note these five things to ensure the installation goes as smoothly as possible.

    Smart locks - Installation - Schlage

    Download the app

    If you are installing the Schlage SenseTM Smart Deadbolt, be sure to download the free, Schlage SenseTM app before you begin installing your lock. The app has great step-by-step instructions so you can quickly install the lock and pair your smartphone seamlessly. You can also access other valuable information and helpful resources that allow you to take advantage of all the lock's capabilities and future updates.

     

    Before you download, make sure your smartphone is up-to-date with the latest software version. You can check this by accessing your phone's settings and looking under "General" or "About".

    Make sure your door is properly aligned

    Because the bolt on your smart lock is extended automatically, it's important that the door and jamb are properly aligned. You can check this by testing your current lock. You'll want to answer yes to each of these questions:

    Can you lock your door without pushing, pulling or lifting the door?

    Does your door alignment stay the same no matter how hot or cold the weather may get?

    When the door is closed, is there space for the deadbolt to extend 1" into the frame when locked?

    Check your door measurements

    All of Schlage's smart locks are designed to fit any standard, pre-drilled door. To double-check that your door will be compatible, you can find a quick look at standard door dimensions for deadbolt installation here. If your door is thicker than the standard 1-3/4", you may need to purchase a thick door kit which will extend the lock's capabilities to 2-1/4". You can contact our customer support team at 888.805.9837 for assistance.

    Wait to install the batteries

    To make sure your lock is properly paired to any smart hubs or phones, it's best to wait to install the batteries when instructed to do so. This ensures that nothing interferes with the auto-handing process of the lock and properly initiates the setup sequence that is needed after the lock is installed. If you do make a mistake or miss a step, you can simply perform a factory reset to start over.

    Choose a coordinating handleset

    Don't forget to complete the look by pairing a coordinating handleset, knob or lever. You'll need to consider which function will work best with your lifestyle. Do you want to make sure you can easily come and go without a mechanical key? Choose a Hall & Closet (Passage) function so you're never accidentally locked out. Keep in mind that if you keep a keyed knob or lever, you'll still have to manage mutliple mechanical keys for household members and guests. For handlesets, we offer a lower half, front entry handle that easily suites with the style of your smart lock.

    You can find complete video tutorials for installing each of our smart locks by visiting our How-to-Center.

    12 times a keyless electronic deadbolt looked fantastic on a front door

    August 04, 2017 by emily.bailey

    Friday, August 4, 2017

    12 times a keyless electronic deadbolt looked fantastic on a front door

    Let these beautiful front doors inspire you to add a little more tech to your home.

     

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    When choosing and installing keyless locks, ditching the key doesn't mean ditching style, too. Our customers have some of the most beautiful homes so we gathered up real world photos on Instagram to help inspire your next makeover and give you the courage to add a little tech to your front door! Tell us: Which look is your favorite? Be sure to follow us on Instagram for plenty of inspiration!
     

    6 things you must know before purchasing a smart lock

    August 03, 2017 by emily.bailey

    Thursday, August 3, 2017

    6 things you must know before purchasing a smart lock

    It's never been easier or more affordable to build your own smart home but the wealth of options can also be a little overwhelming. Consider these 6 qualities before investing in a smart lock.

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    With recent advancements in smart home technology and many brands entering the industry, it's never been easier or more affordable to outfit your home with smart technology. By focusing on a few aspects of your home that could benefit from a little more convenience and security, you'll be living like the Jetsons in no time. But with so many available options, the features can become a little overwhelming. Here are six things you need to know about smart locks before you decide to make the investment.
    Smart lock - Schlage Sense - Schlage Connect

    Ease of installation

    Will you need to hire a locksmith to install your new lock or is it a quick and easy DIY project? Be sure to consider available installation manuals and videos before you choose a lock.

     

    With the Schlage SenseTM Smart Deadbolt, installation is easy. Just follow along through the Schlage Sense app for step-by-step instructions. A screwdriver is the only tool you'll need to complete the installation in just a few minutes.

    Ease of use

    A smart lock that becomes confusing to use is going to add more frustration than convenience to your day-to-day. Make sure you understand all modes of access a smart lock allows and how to share access with a family member or service personnel. It may be too confusing for a friend to download an app to take advantage of keyless entry so you'll want a lock that gives you options.

     

    Both the Schlage Sense lock and Schlage ConnectTM Touchscreen Deadbolt allow multiple modes of entry whether it's through an app on your phone, a 4-8 digit PIN or a manual key. Simply create a custom PIN for any guests that need access to your home. No confusing app instructions necessary!

    Proven track record for strength and security

    At the end of the day, it's important that your smart lock stand the test of time when it comes to keeping your home safe and secure. While there are many smart locks on the market that have plenty of cool features to keep you connected, they fall short when it comes to strength and durability. Choosing a smart lock from a company that has a long history of producing quality deadbolts and locks will give you the peace of mind knowing that even if the wi-fi is out or your batteries fail, you'll still have a durable lock built to protect your home.

     

    If you're unsure whether or not a lock passes the strength and durability test, look for locks that are backed by the BHMA certified secure home residential door hardware grade. At Schlage, we put our locks against rigorous testing, such as sledgehammer attacks, attempts to manually pull the lock from the door, and measures of durability that ensure smooth functionality after a lifetime of use. Both the Schlage Sense lock and Schlage Connect lock with built-in alarm received a grade of AAA from the BHMA - the highest rating you can receive in the categories of strength, durability and finish.

    Available features

    Take the time to learn all the available features for your smart lock. A great lock can do more than lock and unlock! With a Schlage smart lock, you can take advantage of extra features like built-in alarm technology that senses the slightest vibrations against the door and responds with an audible alarm and optional auto-lock technology that automatically locks the deadbolt behind you so you never have to worry about someone forgetting to lock the door again.

    Battery life

    Make sure you understand the type of batteries used to power your lock and the expected battery life. You don't want to end up with a lock that uses an obscure battery or needs to be changed every month. Schlage smart locks are powered by 4 double A batteries that only need to be changed once a year.

    Smart device compatibility

    Do you already have other smart devices installed in your home? You'll want to be sure you choose a smart lock that is compatible. Do you have a smart home hub powered by z-wave technology? Then you'll want to choose a z-wave lock, like the Schlage Connect lock. Are you interested in building a smart home within the Apple HomeKit Ecosystem? Then Schlage Sense is right for you.

     

    Have specific questions about your smart lock's features or capabilities? Reach out to us on Twitter or Facebook for help!