Recently, Amazon has announced that it will be offering a new service where Prime members can receive in-home delivery of packages. This can be done with the help of high-tech smart locks that allow Amazon drivers to open their front doors. The point of this service is to give customers peace knowing their orders have arrived safely to their homes.
In order for customers to receive this service, they are required to order the Amazon Key in-home kit, which included the Amazon Cloud Cam and one of the several compatible smart locked that are offered by Kwickset or Yale.
The way it works: when a driver requests access to a customer’s house, the cloud cam confirms the driver is at the correct address through an encrypted authentication process. Once authenticated, the cam starts recording the deliver and the door is unlocked. Customers have the ability to track the delivery by using the Amazon Key app where they can watch the delivery live or view a recording at a later time. The program will eventually provide features where customers can grant keyless access for family or friends and be able set the frequency and length of time for the access.
I have mixed feelings about this new service. I understand the benefits, but I easily see risks. I would like to know more about the cyber security piece to this because I can easily picture this backfiring and hacking incidents happening.
https://www.technewsworld.com/story/84911.html
Elizabeth,
Great find! Here is a quick story…
I used to own a corner property between the local middle school and elementary school. It wouldn’t be uncommon to see groups of kids walking across my property before and after school. On a few occasions, I would have packages missing from my door. I remember a cell phone and cable box being the most frustrating, but also had a text book that went missing. This all happened within a short period of time, which forced me to notify the post office, ups, and fedex to hold the package at the local branch. I have moved since then and have never had an issue with my new house.
I see my situation isn’t uncommon based on the story your provided. This is why I think Amazon is offering this type of service with such high risk and liabilities. They must be seeing an increase in packages being lost / stolen during transit.
I can see how you have mixed feelings about this. I have the same uncertainty as you. I also think you are taking a big chance with letting a “stranger” in your house. Imagine:
1. If the delivery person was having a bad day and decided to do something “stupid”. Yeah, they may reimburse you for the “stupidity” if possible but what if it is something very serious? Example. Assault, robbery / burglary, or creepy things like, going through your personal things.
2. If someone followed the delivery person to your house, waited until the delivery person opened the door, sneaked in and hid somewhere while the delivery person was walking back and forth to unload the boxes, and waited until the delivery person left or better yet, said they were the owners relative / friend and stopping by to feed the dog, take out the trash, or what ever.
Yikes!
Hi Elizabeth,
Now that’s an interesting innovation from Amazon for sure. Amazon has previously innovated many products, but in terms of security of goods and services, this secure lock is definitely worth the money. This will ensure that the goods delivered are safe and are not stolen or opened.
This sounds great and if implemented properly by both Amazon and the customer, there are ways to mitigate the risks. Anyone with a security system such as Ring can see when Amazon made the delivery. The cloud cam is a good idea as it can track the delivery driver. I think as time progresses, they can modify it and it may become stronger in terms of deliveries.
You know it is really funny that this is a thing now. When Amazon came out with this I mentioned that this would be a huge vulnerability to a couple friends and lo and behold here we are. I do not understand how people thing that this is a good idea.