Can Digital Locks Be Hacked? What Homeowners Need To Know

Your front door might be smarter than ever, but is it actually safer?

Digital locks have become a go-to upgrade for modern homeowners. No more hiding spare keys under doormats. No more lockouts. Just a PIN, an app, or a fingerprint, and you’re in.

But with that convenience comes a question worth asking: can these locks be hacked?

Yes, under the right conditions, digital locks can be compromised. But that doesn’t mean you should rip yours off the door. It means you need to understand exactly where the risks lie, what makes a lock truly secure, and how to make sure yours isn’t an easy target.

Every day at Gorilla Security, we work with digital locks and other security systems, implementing secure systems and correcting holes in existing ones. In this guide, we break down the real threats, the myths, and the practical steps every homeowner should take to stay protected.

What Is a Digital Lock and How Does It Work?

A digital lock replaces the traditional key-and-cylinder mechanism with an electronic entry system. Depending on the model, you can unlock your door using a PIN code, a smartphone app, a fingerprint scan, a key fob, or even your voice.

Most digital locks connect to your home network via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or Z-Wave, at a low-frequency wireless protocol designed specifically for smart home devices. Some models work completely offline and only require a PIN or biometric input.

The technology itself is impressive. But like any device that connects to a network or stores data, it comes with a security surface and that surface can be targeted.

The Real Question: Are Digital Locks Vulnerable to Hacking?

Yes, but not all locks are equally vulnerable, and not all attacks are equally easy to pull off. Here’s a breakdown of the most common methods used to compromise digital locks.

Remote Hacking via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth

Locks that connect to your home Wi-Fi or use Bluetooth to communicate with your phone are the most exposed to remote attacks. If the lock’s firmware is outdated, the app is poorly designed, or your home network has weak security, your lock becomes a soft target. An attacker within range, or sometimes from anywhere online, may be able to intercept signals or exploit software flaws.

In 2016, security researchers demonstrated that several popular smart locks could be unlocked remotely due to unencrypted Bluetooth communication. Since then, several of those flaws have been fixed, but only for those who updated their firmware.

Brute Force PIN Attacks

A brute force attack means systematically trying every possible PIN combination until the right one is found. On locks without lockout protection, this is a real risk. There are only 10,000 possible choices for a 4-digit PIN, so a determined attacker with the appropriate equipment can swiftly cycle through them.

Better locks enforce automatic lockouts after a set number of failed attempts, making brute force attacks far less practical.

Relay and Signal Amplification Attacks

This is a more sophisticated attack, often used against car key fobs, but it applies to some smart locks too. The attacker uses a device to amplify the signal from your phone or key fob, tricking the lock into thinking an authorised device is nearby.

This type of attack typically requires proximity and specialised equipment. Although it’s uncommon in residential break-ins, it’s important to be aware of its existence.

Physical Tampering and Bypass Methods

Not every attack on a digital lock is digital. Some locks have exposed wiring on the exterior that can be manipulated. Others have poorly reinforced housings that can be physically forced or drilled. A lock might have military-grade encryption but fail because of a weak mounting plate.

This is why the physical build quality of a digital lock matters just as much as its software security.

Are Digital Locks Safer Than Traditional Locks?

It depends on the lock and how you use it.

Traditional pin-tumbler locks can be picked, bumped, or shimmed by someone with basic tools and knowledge. Digital locks eliminate those specific vulnerabilities. But they introduce new ones: software exploits, network attacks, and battery failure.

In general, a well-selected, well installed digital lock from a reliable company is just as secure as a typical deadbolt, if not more so. The problem arises when homeowners choose cheap, poorly engineered models or neglect to update firmware and change default PINs.

For homeowners in Melbourne investing in digital locks, pairing them with a broader home security system gives you layered protection that neither a lock nor a camera can provide alone.

Warning Signs Your Smart Lock May Be at Risk

Watch out for these red flags:

• You’ve never updated the firmware – outdated software is one of the most common entry points for attackers
• You’re still using the default PIN – factory-set codes are publicly documented and the first thing an attacker will try
• The lock uses an unencrypted connection – check the manufacturer’s specs; AES-128 or AES-256 encryption is the standard to look for
• The companion app has poor reviews or hasn’t been updated in years – this often signals an abandoned product with unpatched vulnerabilities
• The lock has no lockout feature – without it, brute force PIN attacks become viable
• Your lock was installed without professional assessment – incorrect installation can expose wiring or create physical weak points

How to Secure Your Digital Lock – 7 Practical Steps

You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to significantly reduce your risk. These steps cover the essentials:

1. Update firmware regularly – check the manufacturer’s app or website for updates and apply them promptly
2. Change your PIN every few months – and never use obvious combinations like 1234 or your birth year
3. Use a strong, unique password for the lock’s app – and enable two-factor authentication if it’s available
4. Secure your home Wi-Fi – use WPA3 encryption, a strong password, and keep your router firmware updated
5. Check for lockout protection – make sure your lock disables entry attempts after repeated failures
6. Consider a lock with local operation – models that work offline (no cloud dependency) reduce your remote attack surface
7. Get a professional security assessment – especially if your lock is part of a broader alarm system, integration points can introduce vulnerabilities if not properly configured

What to Look for When Choosing a Secure Digital Lock

If you’re shopping for a new lock, these are the features that separate a genuinely secure product from a cheap imitation:

Avoid locks from brands with no track record, no warranty, and no visible update history. A lock that costs half the price of a reputable model often costs far more in risk.

Conclusion

Digital locks are a wise addition to your house, but intelligence does not always equate to security. The vulnerabilities are real. Remote exploits, PIN attacks, signal relay methods, and physical tampering are all legitimate threats that homeowners should understand.

The good news? Most of these risks are entirely manageable with the right lock, the right setup, and the right habits.

At Gorilla Security, we specialise in exactly this. We exclusively provide and install thoroughly examined digital locks around Melbourne; we are confident in these devices because we have tested them against actual threats. If you already have a smart lock that’s giving you doubts, our team also diagnoses and fixes vulnerabilities in existing systems, so you don’t have to start from scratch.

Gorilla Security creates solutions that are truly secure, not merely practical, whether you’re wanting to improve your entry points, integrate your lock into a whole home security system in Melbourne, or connect everything into a monitored alarm system.