Digital Lock: how to safeguard against pseudo-security

Smart locks, once perceived as a huge highlight in home improvements, has recently fell under intense scrutiny for its security concerns and after-sales concerns. In one report, consumers of these locks were locked out by their manufacturer, due to disputes between the manufacturer and the local agent.

In response, some consumers have even reverted back to manual locks. Despite the qualms of reported cases, we cannot fully discount the convenience offered by digital locks. With cyber monday and a series of shopping discounts coming your way, this article examines key considerations for prospective buyers before investing in a smart lock.

Authentication type

The main modes of authentication now include: pin unlock, keycard, app unlock, fingerprint, facial recognition and even voice recognition. According to user preference and suitability, these locks provide a series of convenient options for home users.

However, depending on the manufacturer of these levels, the level of security might vary. Taking fingerprint unlock for example, the sensor type varies from optical sensor (for entry-level models) to capacitive sensors (for mid-high end models). The former simply involves capturing a 2D image of fingerprint using light, while the latter uses electrical currents to map fingerprint ridges and valleys.

Premium consumer-grade models use ultrasonic sensors which emit sound waves to create a 3D map of the fingerprint. The closest use case scenario could be found in the Samsung Galaxy s25 series smartphones.

The main question lies in the ease of spoof for these methods. Reports show that entry-level optical sensors can be spoofed using high-quality images, raising concerns about their reliability. While many manufacturers have moved away from standalone optical sensors, consumers should remain cautious when purchasing from lesser-known brands.

Another factor to consider would be moisture – wet hands can prevent proper fingerprint authentication. In such cases, consumers would have to consider locks which feature better authentication methods, such as other biometric authentication, or fingerprint authentication which is resistant to moisture.

One-time access functionality

As courier services become more widespread across the country, the methods for facilitating one-time access now include: temporary pin, remote access, and digital key sharing. Seemingly comprehensive, each method possesses its own limitations and security concerns.

Starting with model limitations – these temporary access features are only available on supported models, which might exclude base models which can be easily found online. Moving on to specific methods, temporary unlock codes poses a risk of interception – when the code is sent to the delivery crew through text.

The concern regarding remote access lies along connection stability of the home Wi-Fi – an interrupted connection would render this function unusable. For digital key sharing, most lock manufacturers would use a proprietary app to send an encrypted code – potentially leading to reluctance from one-time visitors or a demographic with limited tech literacy.

Reliance on internet connection

Internet-enabled locks bring convenience but also risks, which was displayed in a recent incident. In August 2025, a dispute between a Singapore smart lock distributor and a Chinese manufacturer led to over 50 homeowners locked out after app access was halted.

As the dispute was unable to be resolved, many consumers resulted in dismantling and replacing their existing locks. While generally reliable, cases like this beg the question: could sole dependence of AIoT solutions like these deprive us of the basics, and what are the failsafe measures.

Consumers have to remain informed of the manufacturer’s reliability and reputation, alongside the support that is offered in cases like the abovementioned.

Source of power supply

Amongst the common causes for smart lock malfunction, the most common reason would be power drainage for these locks. Depending on the lock model, the power supply usually involves AA batteries, proprietary batteries or integrated batteries (charged using portable chargers).

Depending on the power supply, a practical tip from experienced users is to keep a backup power supply – in the shoe cabinet or somewhere accessible. This would save a trip from a locksmith, especially if no family members are nearby.

Integrated doorbell and surveillance

Through integrated features like doorbells and surveillance, home owners can minimise the renovations required. That said, home owners have to remain mindful of its limitation – technological and legal.

From the surveillance standpoint, door locks might offer limited visibility – likely due to angle and low-light conditions. At time of purchase, it is crucial for consumers to look out for features that could overcome these issues.

From a legal standpoint, digital cameras cannot face your neighbour’s door or windows, as this violates privacy laws (as per HDB guidelines). Depending on the building layout, the safest bet would be to consult your managing Town Council for advice.

Warranty coverage

Even with the same number of years across different products from varying brands, the extent of warranty coverage could differ (over the years). For example, a “1+2 years” warranty often means full coverage in the first year, followed by reduced coverage (parts only or limited on-site service).

Even with such warranty policies, the warranty can still be labelled as a 3-Year Warranty. Hence, it is crucial to clarify with your sales representative for such details, which could be easily overlooked.

Given that the smart locks are mounted into doors, a non-functioning product usually requires extensive teardown, making carry-in warranties greatly inconvenient for the average consumer.

The final decision lies in you needs

Ultimately, the choice of a digital lock lies in your requirements. The bottom line would be to avoid suspicious sellers and products with weak warranty coverage

With cyber monday around the corner, consumers could anticipate attractive deals from various platforms, notably Shopee, Amazon, Gain City, etc. Amongst the deals, we encourage consumers to choose based on their specific needs. Apart from the product features, consumers can consider a holistic approach.

The level of security required is also heavily reliant on the surrounding environment. For instance, some consumers might find it unnecessary if they reside in an estate with tight security.

Meanwhile, consumers with specific lifestyle habits or medical conditions would have to choose products which work in their favour. Households with young children and elderly might favour facial recognition unlock due to the ease of use.