Smart Locks Lobotomized After Failed Automatic Update
Hundreds of LockSafe customers were left with nonfunctional smart locks after receiving the wrong over-the-air firmware update.
Locksafe's 6000i RemoteLocks were impacted by an incorrect firmware update.
LockState customers were in for a surprise after an automatic update failed and bricked their smart locks last week, rendering them useless.
The company told Threatpost that more than 500 customers using model 6000i RemoteLocks were impacted. The issue stems from an over-the-air firmware update to its 6000i systems meant for its 7000i model locks.
The update caused first-generation models of the 6000i locks to malfunction, rendering them unable to be locked and no longer able to receive over-the-air updates.
“We realize the impact that this issue may have on you and your business and we are deeply sorry. Every employee and resource at LockState is focused on resolving this for you as quickly as possible,” CEO of LockState Nolan Mondrow told customers in an email. “After a software update was sent to your lock, it failed to reconnect to our web service making a remote fix impossible.”
In total, about 11 of the company’s keyless lock systems in use today are affected. The smart lock allows users to manage doors remotely, monitor usage of the door and receive alerts when the assigned codes are used.
This situation is especially detrimental to businesses and rentees. LockState is part of the Airbnb Host Assist Program. This means the company’s locks are recommended solutions for Airbnb hosts.
About 200 Airbnb customers were impacted, according to LockState.
The company has offered customers two options:
Option 1: The back portion of the lock will need to be returned to LockState so that the software on the lock can be updated. Total time to fix and return: 5-7 days
or
Option 2: LockState can ship a replacement interior lock for you to replace. You can then send the faulty lock back to Lockstate. Total lead time: 14 – 18 days
Whether smart locks, voice assistants or network cameras, the threat against IoT devices is real. This just goes to show that it doesn’t take a virus or hacker to dumb down your smart device.
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About the Author
Steve Karantzoulidis, Web/Senior Editor
Steven A. Karantzoulidis is the Web Editor for Security Sales & Integration. He graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Communication and has a background in Film, A/V and Social Media.
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