Just a decade ago, the web was in the midst of transforming consumer behavior through e-commerce, online banking and information discovery. Now the internet is shifting users’ psyches again — this time through the Internet of Things (IoT). Starting with home automation and wearable technology (Google Glass, Nest, Apple HomeKit), IoT is on the cusp of pervading other facets of consumer life and industries.

Even if IoT is the next big thing, various hurdles must be overcome before society can coexist with massively ubiquitous, intelligently connected devices. Important questions revolving around security and safety need to be addressed before widespread adoption can take place; even with current home IoT products, such as smart thermostats and lighting, privacy and security issues abound.

Smart locks — smartphone and/or app-controlled door locks — are a particularly interesting example. Though various smart lock products have been on the market for some time now, consumers…