Trendspotting: Mobile Door Locks

Mobile door locks have changed hotel security. It’s no longer just the question of whether the lock will hold up if someone throws their weight against a door; many locks now have a software component as well. Lock vendors must ensure that the key provisioning process is protected against hacking and cyber attacks, and app developers have to protect access to mobile keys if someone loses their cell phone. Joey Yanire, assistant vice president of mobile access for lodging systems at dormakaba, says that hoteliers should be very aware of the software that goes into their locking systems. “Hoteliers must adhere to secure design principles when developing their mobile applications. An app that is designed and built with security in mind will be more resilient against attacks. Lock vendors who typically provide the development toolkit and credential delivery platform must also subscribe to secure design principles,” he adds.