The convenience of having a garage door opener can't be overstated. The time and aggravation saved by not having to get out of your car and manually open the door every time you arrive or leave is substantial. However, there are some garage door openers that can actually be dangerous. Garage door openers (and security gates) can be hacked, regardless of how hard you try. As if this isn't strange enough, hackers don't just target computers and smartphones. A hacker can get into someone's computer, so why not their garage door opener? Is it possible that your garage door is more complicated than a computer? Surely not.
How can a garage door be hacked?
A kid's toy can be used to hack a garage door opener that uses a fixed code. You need to know how your garage door opener works to understand how this is possible. Basically, the motor of the garage door opener responds to the signals transmitted by your remote transmitter. If you have a remote that sends a fixed code to the garage door when you press a button, you can easily figure it out using an old texting-type toy.
What security precautions should you take in order to avoid having your garage door hacked?
A rolling code rather than a fixed code is what you need to ensure that your garage door opener is safe. For the sake of security, rolling codes employ an algorithm that alters the code with each execution. Find out what kind of system your garage door opener uses by checking the instructions that came with it. With a rolling code or one that is labeled as "security 2.0," you'll be safe from most threats. Garage door opener upgrades are necessary if you don't already have one. Check if your remote has a DIP switch by unscrewing the casing. If the manual doesn't say so or you no longer have the manual, do so.
Measures to enhance security
As an additional safety measure, make sure that your garage door opener uses rolling codes instead of fixed codes. Your garage door's manual lock isn't convenient every day, but when you're away for a long period of time, it's essential. Because even if hackers break your code, they will still have to break through your physical lock to get into your computer. If your garage is poorly lit, most burglars won't bother trying to get in through it at night because they know they'll be caught. To make matters worse, a motion-activated light can be a very effective deterrent.
Thieves with hacking skills can easily open your garage door if your electric garage door opener uses a fixed code. Don't assume that your electric opener will keep your garage door from being stolen. As a result, check to see if you have a fixed code system and, if so, switch to a rolling one.