As a new or prospective Kevo Bluetooth deadbolt owner, you may have questions about the functionality and overall security of this convenient and versatile home innovation. Our security experts at Kwikset have worked together to provide what you need to know about the Kevo door lock.
Kwikset’s® Kevo™ smart lock is the only product that gives homeowners the ability to:
- Unlock their door with a simple touch
- Send electronic keys (eKeys) to family, friends and service people
- Receive notifications whenever a user enters or exits their door
How does a Kevo lock work?
The one-of-a-kind Bluetooth®-enabled deadbolt allows for an entirely new interface that doesn’t require a traditional key to open your door. Instead, the Kevo mobile app allows the deadbolt to open to the touch of a finger, all while communicating seamlessly with the Kevo app in the background of the smartphone.
What are the primary security features?
Kevo combines UniKey Technologies™, Inc.’s (UniKey) secure touch-to-open home automation keyless technology and Kwikset’s 67 years of experience engineering and manufacturing some of the most secure residential door locks on the market. This combination of expertise translates to unmatched convenience and home security features that include:
Inside-outside technology – Kevo offers patent-pending intelligent positioning technology that detects whether an authorized user is inside or outside of the home before granting access, to help prevent unauthorized entry.
Touch-to-open convenience – Users can keep their phones in their pocket or purse. No more fumbling for keys, simply touch the lock to open for the ultimate in convenience.
Kevo fob – No smartphone? No problem. Users can enjoy the same touch to open convenience with the fob. A single fob can be authorized to work with up to 25 Kevo locks, which is a convenient option for property managers of multi-family dwellings.
Multiple levels of encryption – Kevo uses multiple levels of encryption to increase digital security and is continually reviewed by industry leading independent security experts.
SmartKey® technology – Kwikset’s patented SmartKey re-key technology provides superior security and re-key convenience unlike any other smart lock on the market.
What are the advantages of an eKey? Why does Kwikset charge for eKeys?
Through patent-pending touch-to-open home automation keyless technology developed by UniKey Technologies, Inc., your smartphone acts as an electronic key (eKey) that can lock or unlock the door when you touch the smart lock. Kevo locks or unlocks only if the user is authorized and has an authorized mobile device within range.
The advantages of eKeys are numerous because they make controlling access to your home more convenient than ever and eliminate the need to fumble for keys in your pocket or bag.
Additionally eKeys can be sent to family, friends and guests with Kevo-compatible phones, eliminating time consuming trips to the hardware store to make keys. There are several levels of permissions that can be assigned to eKeys within the Kevo mobile app, including the ability to disable an eKey after a guest no longer needs access.
Each eKey is assigned via Kwikset’s secure system, and the individual eKey user accounts are managed based on each owner’s individual needs and requests. Kwikset charges $1.99 per eKey, which costs less than having a regular door lock key made at a local hardware store and includes the convenience of round-the-clock activation, maintenance and cancellation.
What happens if I lose my phone?
If you lose your phone, simply log in to the Kevo mobile app on another smartphone or the Kevo web portal and disable or delete the link to your phone. You will need to use your Kevo fob or a standard key to unlock the door until you retrieve or replace your phone.
How is the security tested?
We did extensive qualification testing to evaluate the product in the following areas:
- American National Standards Institute (ASNI) Grade 2 Strength and endurance testing
- Electronics security evaluation testing by Information Security Evaluation (ISE)
- Field evaluations and testing
- Mechanical bypass testing
Can Kevo be picked or bumped?
Kevo includes an additional layer of security with SmartKey® re-key technology that prevents lock bumping and picking. The BumpGuard™ component of SmartKey® incorporates a patented side locking bar which replaces the traditional pin and tumbler design, to prevent lock-bumping.
In addition to the BumpGuard component, another innovative feature of SmartKey® is that it gives you the ability to re-key your lock in seconds while still providing superior security.
What is lock bumping?
Lock bumping is an attack technique that can defeat a pin tumbler lock using a specially crafted bump key. A bump key must correspond with the target lock in order to function correctly.
At Kwikset, we understand that safety and home security are top priorities. For more information about the Kevo lock and its features, click here.
