![]() ![]() That becomes even more annoying when the cable required is nonstandard and you can’t just use one you have for another device. Surprisingly (and somewhat frustratingly in our opinion), not all manufacturers supply the relevant cable. Recharging is usually done via USB, though a few use an Android data cable. It’s worth checking the specifics, though, particularly in high-use situations. ![]() Many of these batteries can hold a charge for months or for hundreds of unlock/lock operations. Quite often you only get one tag, but others can be added at a minimal cost.īarcode: There is a fourth option incorporating a barcode reader, which grants access to parcel delivery personnel, but at the time of writing there was only one smart padlock available that uses this system.Īll smart padlocks need a battery, and almost all are lithium. NFC-ready smart padlocks can be activated by smartphone, or a separate NFC tag might be provided. It’s the same kind of technology used by “touchless” credit card readers. NFC: The third option is near-field communication. Each code you generate is unique to a particular user, so you can track who opened the padlock and when. If necessary, perhaps for business monitoring purposes, the app can also enable you to track who accesses the lock. The latter is particularly useful because it means you can grant entry to people who might not have a smart device with them the PIN code is enough. ![]() The codes themselves might be delivered as a Bluetooth key, so proximity is enough to open the padlock, or they can be in the form of a PIN code for those devices with keypads. The codes can be single access (one time only), for timed periods, or ongoing until revoked by the admin user. This gives a number of alternatives for managing access.Īccess codes can be generated for other users, be they friends, colleagues, or employees. The scanner unit can be small or of low resolution, so it might take a few attempts to register or recognize you.Īpp: More advanced smart padlocks might have fingerprint scanners or keypads, but functionality is extended by providing an app that works with a smartphone or smartwatch. Most models offer the option to save more than one person’s prints if required. Usually, the alert is a simple light: green means unopened, red means opened.įingerprint: The most basic smart padlocks are controlled by a fingerprint scanner, which is secure because each person’s fingerprints are entirely unique. Without TSA locks, the only alternative is to cut the lock off, thereby leaving your bags unprotected. These can be accessed by aviation security personnel if they want to examine your bags once you’ve checked in. This is typically a function of TSA-approved padlocks. TSA-approved: Though not strictly speaking a smart padlock, we did look at devices with Search Alert in other words, these indicate that they have been opened when you weren’t present. It’s worth checking online owner feedback to see if structural weakness or failure under brute-force attacks is considered a problem. Many manufacturers claim their products are weatherproof or waterproof, but an independent IP or IPX rating is your only guarantee that the claims have been properly tested. Weather protection also needs to be considered if the smart padlock is to be used outside. Aluminum and zinc alloys are popular because they’re lightweight and usually have a nice finish. Little will stop a professional thief, but these provide a greater deterrent to the opportunist criminal.īody: The body of the padlock is another area to think about. Stainless steel is the preferred material because it’s very hard and highly resistant to rust. Some shackles are quite short, but longer versions are available. Shackle: A solid metal loop is a tougher deterrent if you’re looking for added security, locking up exterior gates, for example. These cables are good enough for general protection if the contents aren’t particularly valuable, such as sports or school bags, lockers, toolboxes, or bicycles, but they may not survive a determined assault with wire cutters. Some cables have a plastic cover to protect the item they’re attached to from abrasion. Steel cable: Cables have a degree of flexibility, which is ideal for looping around or through oddly shaped openings. Before you look at any advanced features, you need to think about what you’re trying to protect and how tough the padlock needs to be to do that. However clever the padlock, it’s of no use if a thief can break into it with minimal physical effort. The lock should display the Travel Sentry logo. The difference is that they can be accessed by aviation security agencies. TSA locks are no more or less secure than any other. ![]()
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