Bold already gives you a strong foundation for digital security, but there’s more you can do to protect your home or business. A few simple habits on your phone and in the Bold app can make your security setup even stronger.

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How to: Improve the cybersecurity of your home or business with Bold

October 17, 2025

Strong cybersecurity starts with the right technology. A secure system forms the foundation that keeps your data, devices, and access protected, whether at home or across a business. Choosing solutions built with security in mind makes all the difference, from how they handle connections to how they manage permissions.

But technology alone isn’t enough. You can raise the bar even higher with simple smart digital habits, like keeping your phone locked, staying alert to software updates, and managing who has access to your devices. These simple routines make your digital world more resilient and help you stay in control of what matters most.

Together with Bold and its strong cybersecurity design, you can take that protection even further. Built to keep access local via Bluetooth and manage permissions securely in the cloud, Bold combines convenience with peace of mind. Add a Bold Connect for remote insights when you need them, or keep everything local if you prefer fewer connections. In this article, you’ll discover practical steps and simple habits to strengthen that foundation even further.

Secure your phone, your key to everything

Your smartphone is the key to your Bold Smart Lock, so it deserves the same level of protection as your front door. A few simple steps make a huge difference.

Start with a strong passcode or enable biometric unlocking, and set your screen to auto-lock after thirty to sixty seconds. This short delay closes the window for shoulder surfing or casual misuse. Make sure your phone’s operating system and apps are up to date, every update patches known vulnerabilities and keeps your digital keys safe.

Stick to official app stores to reduce the risk of malware, and switch on your device’s Find My Phone or equivalent feature. That way, if your phone is ever lost, you can locate it or remotely wipe the data before anyone else can use it.
When travelling, keep Bluetooth on only when necessary, avoid public charging stations, and back up your phone regularly (either through the cloud or an encrypted local backup).

If your phone does go missing, stay calm. Use the device-find function, change your Bold account password from a trusted device from a friend or neighbour, revoke active sessions, and rotate your Backup PIN. You’ll be back in control within minutes.

Checklist: Phone security basics
 ☑ Strong passcode or biometrics
 ☑ Auto-lock after 30–60 seconds
 ☑ System and app updates installed
 ☑ Device-find and remote wipe enabled
 ☑ Only use official app stores
 ☑ Backup your data regularly

 

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Manage access and security inside the Bold app

Once your phone is secure, the next step is managing access through the Bold app. This is where your routines make the most difference.

Open the app and review who currently has access. Remove anyone who no longer needs it, and rename unclear entries with proper names and a short note, for example: “Painter (week 42)” to keep your list organised.

Use time-boxed invites for guests, cleaners, or contractors. Set exact days and times when access should be active, and revoke it as soon as the work is done. This approach follows the principle of least privilege, giving people only the access they genuinely need.

For extra security, make use of your Backup PIN or Bold Clicker as controlled fallbacks. Don't write your PIN down somewhere, but memorise it in your head. Also make sure to rotate it every few months.

Keep an eye on notifications for activity and battery alerts. These reminders help you act early, whether that’s replacing a battery before it dies or responding quickly to Tamper Alerts if your lock senses unusual force or interference, allowing you to take action before it becomes a problem.

Checklist: Bold app routines
 ☑ Review and tidy your access list
 ☑ Use time-boxed invites for guests or contractors
 ☑ Revoke access when plans change
 ☑ Rotate your Backup PIN regularly
 ☑ Keep notifications enabled

Stay proactive with maintenance and updates

Cybersecurity also depends on reliability. Regular maintenance ensures your system performs as designed.

Install firmware updates as soon as they’re available. They not only bring new features but also strengthen protection against emerging threats. Act on battery notifications early, replacing them before they’re fully drained avoids being locked out or needing risky workarounds.

Check that your doors and hardware are in good condition. If your Bold Smart Lock is exposed to extreme heat or cold, monitor the battery more frequently.

When you need remote visibility and control, add a Bold Connect. This small but powerful device links your Bold Smart Lock securely to the internet, allowing you to manage your doors from anywhere without compromising safety. It keeps all communication encrypted and enables real-time updates on lock status, battery levels, and activity history. You can also receive instant alerts, such as Tamper or Leave Alerts, the moment something happens. With the Bold Connect, you stay fully informed and in control of your security, even when you’re miles away.

Checklist: Maintenance and reliability
 ☑ Install firmware updates promptly
 ☑ Replace batteries when notified
 ☑ Keep doors and hardware in good condition
 ☑ Use a Bold Connect for remote visibility

 

Teams, property managers, and business use

For larger organisations or multi-site management, consistency is key. The Bold Web Portal simplifies this by allowing you to assign user roles, create schedules, and manage multiple locks centrally.

Run a monthly review to remove old users and tighten time windows. Document a lost-phone procedure and make sure all team members know the steps to take. If you manage many doors and users, consider the Bold Business Account, which includes the Web Portal and other tools that make coordination easier.

Checklist: For business users
 ☑ Manage locks and users via the Web Portal
 ☑ Schedule regular access reviews
 ☑ Standardise lost-phone procedures

 

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Keep it up, small routines, big security

Security isn’t a one-time project, it’s a partnership between strong technology and everyday behaviour. Bold minimises exposure to online threats by keeping the critical moment of unlocking local, right at your door, not on the network. Your role is to build on that secure foundation with simple, consistent habits: protect the phone that acts as your key, keep your access lists tidy, and respond quickly to low-battery alerts or unusual activity.

Whether you live in a small flat or manage multiple entrances across a business, these same routines make a measurable difference. With Bold, strong technology and smart habits work hand in hand, helping you stay in control, reduce risk, and keep life running smoothly. Start small, keep it consistent, and let security become part of your everyday rhythm.

 

Bold Elite

The game changer

Bold Elite

€289
4.6 (20 reviews)

Upgrade your access with new features and real-time monitoring.

  • Fits every door
  • Dutch design and incredibly strong
  • Installed in 3 minutes

How do I measure my door?

 

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Frequently asked questions

Bold’s Cloud Platform is hosted on Amazon Web Services (AWS) in Ireland (EU) and complies with ISO 27001 standards. All data transfers between the lock, app, and platform are encrypted using TLS and AES-CCM protocols to prevent interception or tampering.