Unauthorized / False Entry on Yale-Nest System Using Personal Code

[JVMBoise]

Hi All -

We have had the Yale YRD540 lock installed with Google Home in our home for 4 years now, and use the system on other properties as well.  Last Thursday, we had something very unusual and concerning happen that we have never experienced (or anything like it) in several years of using these products/services.

We (uncharacteristically) left the door unlocked when we left home at ~2pm.

Of note, we do not have the “Lock Door Automatically” option activated.

At 4.35pm, we got the following series of notices via the Nest App:

1. ”Back Door Locked”

2. “Back Door Unlocked - (using our private personal passcode)”

3. “Back Door Locked”

The “Human-in-the-Loop” explanation for this would be that someone (who had our code) was trying to unlock the door but since it was already unlocked, they actually locked it when hitting the “Yale” button to activate.  They then used the code to open the door and finally locked the door again (either on purpose or by hitting the Yale symbol again as they must have been confused at this point).  

This is a very basic set of steps that could be taken by a person if they had the code and unfortunately, there are a couple people who do have that code but who have indicated they did not access the lock.

The question is if this could have somehow been triggered by an app glitch of some sort? This would help us start to imagine a hypothesis where it was not a person trying to break into our home.  

Any similar experiences, technical explanations or people to talk to would be highly appreciated.

Thank you!

JVM

[chaconmorales]

Hi JVMBoise,

Thanks for reaching out to the Community. I'm sorry to hear about the Nest x Yale Lock not working as expected. I understand that it is an unusual behavior for lock. But no need to worry, help's here!

Basic checks:

1. Change Personal Code Immediately:
   • This is the most crucial step to prevent further unauthorized access. Change your personal code to a strong, unique combination.
2. Review Guest Codes:
   • If you've shared guest codes, revoke them or change them to prevent unauthorized use.
   • Consider using temporary guest codes for one-time access.
3. Check Lock Health:
   • Ensure the lock's battery is fully charged and functioning correctly.
   • Look for any visible damage or signs of tampering.
4. Review Nest App Activity:
   • Check the Nest app for any unusual activity logs, such as unexpected lock unlocks or code attempts.

Additional Security Measures:

1. Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your Google Nest account for added security.
2. Regularly Change Codes: Periodically change your personal code and guest codes to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Monitor Activity: Keep an eye on your Nest app for any unusual activity related to your lock.

In case it helps, please check the guide to know How to set or change passcodes for Nest × Yale Lock and to Learn about the Nest × Yale Lock’s security features. In addition, please review the following article to know How to use Privacy Mode on the Nest × Yale Lock.

Let me know if you need further assistance.

Best regards, 

Mario