Lewis CaliburnProtection against electromagnetic interference, cyber-attacks and data hacking are just some of the stringent tests passed by Ultion Nuki smart locks to achieve the British Standards Institution (BSI) Kitemark for the Internet of Things.
While BSI testing procedures are a closely guarded secret, Ultion has revealed some of the hurdles it had to overcome to achieve the respected accreditation, which even included production line inspections to ensure the manufacturing process is secure.
Ultion Nuki locks sailed past testing for electromagnetic interference ensuring they remain secure and not hackable even if bombarded with radio waves and/or electromagnetic shocks.
Cyber security trials proved the locks protected against attacks and that any data intercepted to or from the devices were encrypted and couldn’t be deciphered. This included confirmation USB flash drives can’t be plugged in to access data or corrupt firmware.
Additionally, the BSI checked the software update process was watertight and even tried to load hacked firmware to confirm it would be rejected. Other tests included running batteries until flat to make sure the locks remain secure when reliant on mechanical operation only.
Aside from the locks themselves, the BSI was also required to attempt several attack methods on the Nuki app to confirm it would fend off hacking techniques, couldn’t be exploited, and its coding couldn’t be breached.
Among the mechanical resistance testing undertaken, Ultion Nuki locks were required to operate for 100,000 cycles as a mark of rock-solid build quality – the equivalent of being used seven times a day for 39 years.
The locks were challenged to operate at extreme temperatures ranging between -20°C and +60°C and at 95% relative humidity to confirm dramatic climatic changes would have no impact.
Physical attack resistance was also required to combat drilling, picking, bumping and snapping attacks. Snapping remains the most common way to breach a Euro Cylinder lock, with some standard locks able to be breached in just nine seconds.
Ultion is so sure its locks cannot be breached by snapping that it offers a £5,000 security guarantee should someone break in by doing so – a promise it has never had to pay out on.
Ultion Nuki smart locks – a result of a successful partnership between British security leader, Ultion, and Austrian tech brand, Nuki – were already among the world’s most secure smart home devices.
This is down to a combination of using durable materials 25% denser than iron, proprietary technologies such as Lockdown Mode triggering an extra layer of security when forced entry is detected, and the highest levels of AES encryption backed up by banking standard cryptography.
Nick Dutton, CEO of Ultion, says: “The BSI Kitemark for the Internet of Things was a considerable but ultimately important investment to give peace of mind to our customers knowing their home, belongings, and loved ones are protected.
“It means Ultion Nuki locks meet the highest security for both digital and physical security and quality standards online and offline. It also means the product will be continually tested to meet industry standards, and we’re proud that we have passed with flying colours.”
Ultion Nuki and Ultion Nuki Plus are available from Ultion.co.uk priced at £199 and £379 respectively with a range of accessories including a Wireless Fingerprint Keypad for even greater entry and locking options to make life that little bit easier.