Is August Smart Lock Safe for Your Home?
August, now owned by Assa Abloy (one of the world largest lock manufacturers), offers smart locks that provide keyless entry, remote access, and detailed access logging. The locks use Bluetooth and WiFi with encrypted communications. The primary considerations are the digital access log that records every entry and exit, cloud dependency for remote features, and the general question of whether digitizing your front door lock adds more convenience than risk. August is mostly safe for smart lock users who understand the trade-offs.
What August Smart Lock Collects
- Complete access log showing who entered and exited and when
- Guest access records and virtual key usage
- Auto-lock and auto-unlock location-based triggers
- Battery status and lock health data
- WiFi network and Bluetooth connectivity information
Who Sees Your Data
- Assa Abloy and August subsidiaries for service operations
- Cloud servers for remote access and access logs
- Smart home platforms connected to the lock
- Guest users see their own access permissions
Digital Access Logging
August locks create a detailed log of every lock and unlock event, including the method used, the person responsible, and the timestamp. While this is useful for security monitoring, it also creates a permanent record of everyone entering and leaving your home and when. This data is stored in the cloud for remote access. The access log reveals daily routines, visitor patterns, and when you are away from home. Consider who has access to this log data and whether the monitoring benefits outweigh the surveillance of household members and visitors.
Encryption and Physical Security
August locks use AES-128 and TLS encryption for Bluetooth and WiFi communications. The lock mechanism itself is manufactured by Assa Abloy, one of the world premier lock companies, providing confidence in the physical security. August Connect WiFi bridge enables remote access but adds a network-connected component to your door security. The combination of professional lock manufacturing with modern encryption provides a solid security foundation for the physical access point.
Cloud Dependency and Failure Modes
Remote access, access logs, and guest key management require cloud connectivity through August servers. During internet outages, Bluetooth local control still works from your phone when nearby, and the physical key backup provides access regardless of connectivity. However, remote features, monitoring, and guest access management are unavailable without internet. Consider that a cloud service outage or company closure could affect remote features, making the physical key backup essential rather than optional.
Recommended Privacy Settings
| Setting | Where | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Access Log Retention | August App > Settings > Privacy | Periodically review and understand who can view the access log of your home entry and exits |
| Auto-Unlock Location Tracking | August App > Lock > Auto-Unlock | Consider whether auto-unlock convenience is worth the continuous phone location tracking it requires |
| Guest Access | August App > Lock > Guest Access | Review and revoke guest access for people who no longer need entry |
Safer Alternatives
Local processing through HomeKit keeps access data within your home network rather than cloud servers
No digital footprint, no cloud dependency, no access logging, and proven physical security
Our Verdict
August smart locks are mostly safe, combining Assa Abloy professional lock manufacturing with encrypted digital access. The access logging and cloud features provide convenience and security monitoring but also create a detailed record of household entry and exit patterns. Always maintain a physical key backup, use strong account security, and consider whether the digital convenience justifies the access logging for your household privacy preferences.
Related Safety Checks
Frequently Asked Questions
Can August locks be hacked?
August locks use AES-128 encryption for communications, making direct hacking difficult for typical attackers. The more realistic risk is account compromise through phishing or credential theft, which would grant access to your lock. Use a strong unique password and enable two-factor authentication on your August account. Physical attacks on the lock mechanism are possible but no more likely than with traditional locks. The digital attack surface is an addition to, not a replacement for, the physical security considerations.
What happens if August goes out of business?
August is owned by Assa Abloy, a major global lock manufacturer, providing financial stability. If cloud services were discontinued, Bluetooth local control and physical key backup would continue working, but remote access and guest management would be lost. Smart lock buyers should always maintain a physical key backup and not depend entirely on digital access. The Assa Abloy ownership reduces but does not eliminate the long-term service continuity concern.
Does August track when I come and go?
Yes. August locks log every lock and unlock event with timestamps and the identity of who initiated it. The auto-unlock feature also tracks your phone location to detect when you are approaching home. This creates a detailed record of your movements in and out of your home. The access log is useful for security monitoring but also represents a surveillance record of household member activities. Review who has access to view this log and consider the privacy implications for all household members.