Mastering Security: How Digital Locks Technology Work

With the rise of smart technologies, our keys are becoming obsolete. Digital locks offer a more secure and convenient alternative, allowing access through PIN codes, fingerprint scans, card keys, and mobile apps. How do these innovative systems work their magic? Let’s take a closer look at the technology behind digital locks and how they stand to change the way we unlock our doors drastically.

How do Digital Locks Work?

So how exactly do digital locks authenticate users and work?

There are a few main ways:

1. Keycards
2. Key fobs
3. Passcode
4. Smartphone apps
5. Biometric scanners

In all cases, there’s a two-part system:

1. The “front end” authentication method – your keycard, fob, phone, or biometrics.
2. The “back end” database stores your digital key information and access permissions.

When you use your keycard at the lock, for example the reader scans the data on the card. It then checks that data against the information stored for your credentials in the central database.

If everything matches – the digital key code and your assigned access permissions – the lock unlocks for you.

Otherwise, access is denied. And because it’s all electronic, your digital key information in the database can be changed instantly. Lost keycards can simply be deactivated without rekeying the entire door system.

So, in short, instead of matching physical keys, digital locks match digital codes and data – whether stored on keycards, transmitted by smartphone apps, or captured as biometrics – against the electronic records in their database.

Okay, Lets now see how Digital Lock Technology works:

Here are the Top Technology and Authentications Digital Locks Use

Keycard Locks

A keycard consists of a card reader and an electronic locking mechanism connected to a database. When you insert or swipe your keycard, the reader scans the data stored on the card’s magnetic strip or RFID chip.

How they work:

1. You insert or swipe your keycard near the card reader.
2. The reader scans the data stored on the magnetic strip or RFID chip of the keycard.
3. The reader sends this data via wires to the electronic lock.
4. The lock compares the data to the credentials stored for you in the central database.
5. If the data matches your credentials in the database, the lock unlocks and opens the door.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth technology in the lock has a receiver constantly listening for the unique code transmitted by authorized Bluetooth key fobs when pressed or comes within range. Almost 90% of digital locks have Bluetooth and wifi authentications.

When an authorized fob transmits its code, the Bluetooth receiver in the lock verifies it against the approved code database.

How they work:

1. You press the button on your Bluetooth key fob.
2. The fob transmits a unique code wirelessly.
3. The Bluetooth receiver in the lock receives this transmitted code.
4. The lock compares the code to the list of approved codes in its database.
5. If the code matches an approved code assigned to you, the lock unlocks.

Smartphone App

These locks have a Bluetooth receiver and/or NFC reader. When you hold your smartphone up to the NFC reader or trigger the Bluetooth signal from the lock’s app, the lock receives the app’s unique code wirelessly.

The lock then verifies this code against the list of approved codes in its database.

How they work:

1. You hold your smartphone up to the NFC reader or trigger the Bluetooth signal from the app.
2. The lock receives the app’s unique code wirelessly via Bluetooth or NFC.
3. The lock compares the code to the list of approved codes in its database.
4. If the code matches your credentials in the database, the lock unlocks. Otherwise, access still needs to be granted.

Biometric

Biometric locks are the most advanced type of digital lock. They use biometric authentication like fingerprint, face, and voice recognition instead of keycards or codes.

How they work:

1. You present your fingerprint or face to the biometric sensor.
2. The sensor captures your biometric data – fingerprint pattern, facial features, or iris pattern.
3. The sensor passes this data to the electronic lock.
4. The lock compares your captured biometric data to what’s stored for you in the database.
5. If the biometric data match closely enough, the lock unlocks.

Advantages of Digital Lock Technology:

The technology used in digital locks has some major advantages over traditional keys

Here are the top benefits:

• Intruder-proof
• Instant access control
• Easy audit trails
• Temporary codes
• Time restrictions
• Alarms and MORE

Final Words:

The bottom line is digital locks are taking over. They keep getting smarter with new conveniences and security features. It’s only a matter of time before they replace old-fashioned keys completely.

In short, Physical keys are fading fast as digital technology wins out.

So, there’s no beating the convenience and security of digital locks. They’re revolutionizing how we lock our homes and cars. Soon, clunky metal keys will become a thing of the past when automated systems take over for good.