NIS 2 AND SMART LOCKS: What the New Law Means for Households and Businesses
Security is Evolving and So Are Our Doors
Security today is no longer just about who holds the key in their pocket. In an age of smart devices and connected systems, we protect not only doors and gates but also data, networks, and invisible access points. And now, a new European directive is changing the rules significantly: NIS 2. Many people have never even heard of these regulations. Yet for several years, the earlier version — NIS 1 (Network and Information Security Directive) — has been in place, focusing on the protection of critical infrastructure such as energy, healthcare, and transportation sectors. NIS 2 takes it much further. It expands obligations to smaller businesses, technology providers, and even covers consumer devices like smart locks.
What does this mean for us? And why should we start paying closer attention to how we secure even our own front doors?
What is NIS 2?
NIS 2 is the second generation of the European directive on cybersecurity. It was created as a response to the rising number of cyberattacks, data breaches, and our society’s growing dependence on connected systems. While NIS 1 focused mainly on large entities — power plants, hospitals, transportation hubs — NIS 2 extends these obligations to include smaller businesses, service providers, technology suppliers, and even manufacturers of connected devices. For the first time in history, everyday technology — such as smart locks — falls under the spotlight. NIS 2 introduces stricter security requirements, mandatory incident reporting, regular security audits, and greater management accountability for cybersecurity. While the primary goal is to protect critical infrastructure, the practical impact will also be felt by everyday users.
Smart Locks as a New Weakness
Smart locks have become increasingly popular in modern households and businesses. The ability to control doors via smartphones, grant remote access, or monitor entry history sounds convenient. But every smart lock is also a potential access point that can be exploited.
Many smart locks connect via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless technologies. Without strong security measures, they can be vulnerable to:
- remote hacking attempts,
- software vulnerabilities,
- stolen login credentials,
- unauthorized remote unlocking.
NIS 2 takes these risks seriously. It demands that devices like smart locks feature:
- regular security updates,
- encrypted communication,
- controlled access management,
- auditable security protocols.
Manufacturers will be required to guarantee higher security standards. However, end users will also bear some responsibility for properly setting up and maintaining their devices.
What NIS 2 Means for Households
If you use a smart lock at home, NIS 2 does not directly impose penalties on you. However, it brings a new reality: smart device security will now be under greater scrutiny.
In practice, this means:
- Choosing devices — opt for manufacturers who provide certifications and commit to ongoing security updates.
- Updates — regularly update your smart lock firmware and apps.
- Access rights — set strong passwords and use two-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Safe networks — connect your smart locks to protected Wi-Fi networks, not public hotspots.
NIS 2 emphasizes awareness — every user should understand that a smart device can quickly become a security risk if neglected.
What NIS 2 Means for Businesses
For businesses, the consequences of NIS 2 are much stricter. Smart locks installed in offices, warehouses, server rooms, and other areas now form part of the company’s overall security strategy.
Companies will be required to:
- conduct regular physical and digital access security audits,
- maintain records of access rights and changes,
- report security incidents promptly (within hours or days),
- implement security standards for devices like locks, cameras, and sensors.
NIS 2 highlights that physical security is inseparably linked to cybersecurity. If an attacker bypasses a lock and accesses network infrastructure, a cyberattack can easily begin with a physical breach.
The Future of Security is Smart – and Responsible
Smart locks promise convenience, speed, and a modern way to manage access. But they also bring new challenges that many still underestimate. The NIS 2 directive is not just a restriction. It is an invitation to think about security more broadly — not just what we lock, but how we lock it. Because in a connected world, we are no longer only locking doors. We are locking access points, data, and identities. And every smart lock is a gateway that must be protected with the same care as the valuables behind it.