If you’re the average person, chances are you have at least one digital lock in your life. Whether it’s the lock on your front door or the password to your email, digital locks are becoming more and more commonplace. And as we rely more and more on technology, it’s important to understand the different authentication modes for digital locks.
Exploring Authentication Methods for Digital Locks
Here’s a quick run-down of the most common digital lock authentication types:
The 3 parts of Digital lock authentication
There are different modes of authentication for digital locks: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
The Best: fingerprint scanners and facial recognition. These are all highly secure methods of authentication that are very difficult to spoof.
The Good: keypad codes, magnetic stripe cards, and RFID tags. These authentication methods are a little bit secure, but they can all be spoofed by knowledgeable trespassers (this happens on rare occasions). They are generally safe in Singapore because spoofing and theft rarely occur in a secure environment like HDB or condo flats.
The bad: Mechanical keys. In most digital locks, they’ll add mechanical keys as add-ons. These are the least secure authentication methods and can be easily picked or copied by anyone.
We’ll discuss one in the next paragraph and exclude the ugly ones because they are very rarely used!
Different types of authentications
Keypad:
The most popular type of digital lock authentication is the keypad lock. Keypad locks require you to enter a code to unlock the door.
A keypad lock is a digital lock that uses a keypad to enter a code to unlock the door. Keypad locks are easy as they do not require a key to be carried around. They are also easy to use and can be programmed to allow multiple codes for different people.
Keypad locks are available in different designs and colors. Some keypad locks also have an LED display that shows the current status of the lock (locked or unlocked). Keypad locks are affordable and convenient for those looking for a digital lock.
Fingerprint:
Fingerprint authentication is one of the most popular methods for securing digital locks. This biometric method uses the unique pattern of ridges and valleys on a person’s fingertips to verify their identity. While fingerprints are hard to fake, they can be stolen, which is why many digital locks now use multiple forms of authentication, such as a PIN or password, along with a fingerprint.
Card (RFID/NFC) :
Card-based authentication is one of the most popular methods for unlocking digital locks. This method uses an RFID or NFC card to communicate with the lock and can be used to unlock a door, gate, or another type of locked enclosure. Card-based authentication is a convenient and secure way to control access to your property.
Passwords:
As we continue to digitalize the devices in our lives, it’s important that we also consider the security of those devices. Authentication is an area of security that is often overlooked – or, more specifically, the passwords we use to access our devices.
Passwords are the most common form of authentication, yet they are not as great as advanced authentication systems. A few digital locks allow fake pins and authorization to ensure security. A strong password should be extended, contain a mix of characters (upper and lower case, numbers, symbols), and should not be easily guessed by someone who knows you. However, even with these guidelines, passwords can still be weak if they are reused across multiple accounts or if they are not changed regularly.
You can use other forms of authentication in conjunction with or instead of passwords.
Face recognition:
As the world progresses, so does technology. Newer and more efficient ways of doing things are constantly being developed to make life easier. One such development is the face recognition feature on digital locks.
Face recognition is a type of biometric authentication that uses face-based features to verify an individual’s identity. This method is becoming increasingly popular as it is seen as more secure than other methods, such as fingerprinting or iris scanning.
There are two main types of face recognition: 2D and 3D. 2D recognition uses a photo or video of someone’s face to identify them, while 3D recognition uses depth information to create a three-dimensional model of the person’s face. 3D recognition is seen as more accurate and secure than 2D, as it is less susceptible to spoofing attacks. More than securing people’s focus on comfort, this face recognition is the most comfortable way to do so!
Remote access:
Remote access locks allow users to unlock their doors using a mobile app or web portal. This type of lock is convenient for users who want to open their doors without carrying around a key. Additionally, remote access locks offer an extra layer of security since they cannot be picked like traditional locks.
Bluetooth/WIFI:
While many locks now come with digital keypads that can be programmed with a unique code, some models also offer the option of using a Bluetooth connection or even WiFi.
Here we’ll explore the different modes of authentication for digital locks to help you decide which is suitable for your needs:
- Bluetooth is a popular choice for digital locks as it offers a wireless connection that doesn’t require a physical key. This means you can open your lock without worrying about losing your keys. Bluetooth allows you to easily share access to your lock with others, making it ideal for families or businesses.
- WiFi offers another wireless option for digital locks, but it does require a physical key in addition to the WiFi connection. If you lose your WiFi password, you’ll still need your physical key to access your lock, or you can use other authentication methods!
Wrapping up:
In conclusion, there are many different modes of authentication for digital locks. Ultimately, it is up to the user to decide which authentication mode is best for their needs, as most digital locks come with 3-6 authentication features, so no worries, you can choose the best one you’re comfortable with.
However, one thing is for sure: using a digital lock is much more secure than using a traditional key and lock.