Is Z-Wave Encrypted?: A Quick Tech Guide

Smart home-enabled security systems communicate with devices that make your home more secure and comfortable. One of the ways this is possible is thanks in part to Z-Wave technology, that is a highly secure RF-based communication designed to control smart home devices through the Internet of Things (IoT). This allows homeowners to adjust lights, door locks, and numerous other smart devices in new and beneficial ways. Using a home security system that integrates with modern Z-Wave technology, such as those from Brinks Home™, helps establish a complete solution to home security and automation, which can give homeowners serious peace of mind.

Since Z-Wave is a highly effective protocol that has the capability of passing through walls and solid objects, this might result in temptation for bad actors to intercept and take advantage of those signals, even outside the home. For this reason, it is important to make sure your system is as secure as you expect it to be.

Current generation smart home devices use a Z-Wave security encryption called S2 which has an advanced encryption standard (rated at least AES-128 encoding), which is a highly secure algorithm employed to protect a wide variety of applications. While newer devices are encrypted by default, and therefore safe, older devices and security panels may not support these same encryption methods. Due to advancements in technology, newer devices are far more secure, and these older devices are recommended for replacement.

A lot of homeowners don’t know how to check if their system is encrypted—and many who do wouldn’t even think or realize that it would be necessary. Only when encryption is enabled is it completely secure. Otherwise, the Z-Wave can be vulnerable to hacking. A home security system with automation is supposed to protect a homeowner, and encrypting the security system adds an extra layer of security.

What Does Z-Wave Offer?

For most people, Z-Wave offers a good way to ensure that they’re getting a system they can rely on. Its’ technology helps protect themselves and their homes, and it also provides comfort and convenience through home automation. Many smart home devices can be controlled with a smartphone using such apps as the Brinks Home™ Mobile App. Some of the following devices can be paired with a home security system, which is a convenient way to control your home from a singular app:

• Smart Lights: These use highly efficient LED lights estimated to need at least 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs and lasting up to 25 times longer. These can be automated to run on a schedule, allowing you to illuminate your property whenever you want. One security benefit to doing this is to appear as though the property is occupied, which may discourage burglars looking for a vacant target.

• Door Locks: Spare keys are rarely as well hidden as a homeowner might think, but with keyless entry, you can monitor and control the flow of traffic into and out of your home. Provide personalized codes to everyone you wish to have access to the home. Create temporary codes for house sitters, dog walkers, or air bed and breakfast guests. Check the status of your front door when you are away from home to ensure it is properly secured.

• Smart Thermostat: Have complete control over your home’s heating and cooling systems. Help maintain a safe and comfortable environment for pets. Activate temperature regulation before you drive home from work, allowing you to control energy costs while ensuring your home is comfortable upon arrival.

• Garage Door Controller: Protect some of your most expensive assets, such as vehicles, tools, and more. Remotely control your garage door using your smartphone, or set up a GPS based trigger, such as geo-fencing, so that your garage door opens automatically as you near your house for ultimate convenience.

Because you would not want these devices to be controlled by an outside source, it is important that all devices using Z-Wave be confirmed to use encryption. Thankfully, this is a quick and easy thing to verify over the phone if you use a professional monitoring security company.

Why Does Encryption Matter?

With all components integrated into your security system, encryption is an important tool for keeping your home and your equipment secure. If a system isn’t encrypted, it’s vulnerable to outside influences. That’s why encryption matters. Hopefully, now that you have a better understanding of encryption, you’ll be better equipped to ensure the security of your devices with the goal of making sure that someone can’t get into the system and make changes.

S2 encryption was introduced with the 500-Series of Z-Wave devices, and implemented on all the 700 series or later. Supported panels include the IQ Hub, IQ4, IQ4 Hub, 2GIG Edge, IQ panel 2 with version 2.5.3 or later, and the IQ NS (No Screen). To help confirm your devices, it is recommended that you consult your professional security monitoring company.

Again, encryption is just one more layer of security. In addition to ensuring you are using encrypted devices, be diligent to update any certified firmware changes that are recommended and be sure to use a strong password that somebody would not likely be able to guess.

Maintaining your home’s safety is our top priority. Contact us at Brinks Home today to speak with a Security Consultant and learn how we can customize a home security system, backed by a 5-Diamond certified Alarm Response Center, specifically for your home.