On November 18th, the smart lock "Qrio" announced a new product. The "Qrio Pad" attached to the outside of the door supports unlocking with a new password or card, making it more convenient. On the other hand, is security okay?
Qrio's smart lock product "Qrio Lock" so far is a mechanism that is attached to the inside of the entrance door and unlocks by turning the key knob (thumb turn) by sending instructions from a smartphone or the like.
On the other hand, the new product "Qrio Pad" is a product that works with Qrio Lock on the inside by pasting it on the outside of the entrance door with double-sided tape. release becomes possible.
Since the special card "Qrio Card" can be additionally purchased, it is assumed that families who do not usually carry smartphones will have it. Also, even if you forget to take out your smartphone or card, you will not be locked out as long as you remember your PIN.
Similar to Qrio Lock, Qrio Pad also has a mechanism that allows you to install a spare battery to prevent running out of charge. Considering the unlikely event, although it can not be said that carrying a physical key is unnecessary, it seems that opening and closing the door on a daily basis will be easier.
Is security okay if there are more ways to unlock?
I understand that introducing such a smart lock product will increase convenience, but the increase in unlocking methods raises concerns about security.
First of all, the PIN is a 4 to 8 digit number, and if you enter it incorrectly 10 times in a row, it will be disabled for 5 minutes. There is also a feature that prompts for random input to prevent guessing from fingerprints or smudges on the pad. It is said that consideration was given to make it difficult to see from the side when inputting.
Regarding the dedicated card, although the Qrio Pad has the mark used for FeliCa and NFC, it is explained that it is not possible to use a general IC card etc. as a key due to security concerns.
What is interesting is the "auto lock" function. Qrio Lock has a function to automatically lock the door when it detects the opening and closing of the door, but users have said that it is difficult to activate the auto-lock function for fear of being locked out. Mr. Ryo Takahashi).
However, if you can unlock it with a PIN by attaching a Qrio Pad, you will not be afraid of being locked out. If it becomes easier to activate the auto-lock function, it can be said that security will rather increase. This point should also be taken into consideration when implementing the system.