On March 4, 2026, Australia’s Cyber Security (Smart Device Security Standards) Rules 2025—formulated under the Cyber Security Act 2024—will be officially enforced. This new regulation clearly defines security standards, responsible entities, and penalty mechanisms for all connected smart devices, becoming a core threshold for enterprises entering the Australian market. As a home smart device balancing convenience and security, smart locks are directly linked to users’ personal and property safety. Due to their high-frequency connectivity, they have been designated as a key regulated category under the new rules. This guide details the core compliance points, regulatory requirements, and testing directions for smart locks to meet Australia’s cybersecurity regulations, helping manufacturers align with the rules accurately, pass compliance testing smoothly, and seize market opportunities in Australia.

I. Smart Locks Classified as a Key Regulated Category Under Australia’s New Cybersecurity Rules

As a home smart device that balances convenience and security, smart locks enable core functions such as remote unlocking, temporary password authorization, and unlock record inquiry via network connectivity. Directly tied to users’ personal and property safety, they are widely used security devices in Australian homes and commercial settings. However, their connected nature also exposes them to security risks like unauthorized intrusion and data leakage, making them one of the key regulated categories under Australia’s new cybersecurity rules. For smart lock manufacturers planning to enter the Australian market, accurate alignment with regulatory requirements and completion of compliance testing are the prerequisite for successful product market entry.

II. Core Compliance Requirements for Smart Locks to Meet Australia’s 2026 Cybersecurity Rules

In line with Australia’s 2026 cybersecurity regulations, the core compliance requirements for smart locks focus on four key areas, each with clear legal basis, as detailed below:

(1) Password Security Compliance: Strictly Prohibit Pre-Set Universal Default Passwords

Consistent with all regulated smart devices, smart locks are banned from using universal default passwords—a core measure to prevent unauthorized device cracking. The new regulation mandates that smart locks must meet one of the two following conditions at the factory:

• Generate a unique and unpredictable initial password for each device;
• Force users to set a custom high-strength password on first boot.

In line with international standards and implicit regulatory requirements:

• Custom passwords must be at least 10 characters long, containing uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special symbols;
• Devices must have a built-in password strength detection function to automatically reject weak passwords such as pure numbers or consecutive characters.

For the temporary password function specifically:

• A clear validity period must be set, with the password expiring automatically after expiration;
• Temporary passwords must be randomly generated and unpredictable.

(2) Identity Authentication Compliance: Mandatory Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

For smart devices with remote control functions, the new regulation explicitly requires the activation of multi-factor authentication to reduce risks caused by password leakage—a requirement that is particularly stringent for smart locks. According to the rules:

• Remote unlocking operations (e.g., unlocking via mobile APP) must use dual verification, with optional combinations including:
  1. Password + verification code
  2. Password + biometric identification (fingerprint, facial recognition)
• Remote unlocking via a single password is strictly prohibited. This safeguards users’ personal and property safety by preventing unauthorized unlocking after hackers crack a single password, from the source.

(3) Encrypted Storage and Transmission of Sensitive Data: Prevent Data Leakage

Smart locks collect and store a large volume of sensitive data, including user unlock records, biometric data (fingerprint, facial recognition information), and temporary password details. The new regulation requires:

• Such sensitive data must be stored using the AES-256 encryption algorithm, ensuring the data cannot be decrypted even if stolen;
• Data transmission between the device, mobile APP, and cloud platform must be conducted via encrypted transmission channels—plaintext transmission is forbidden. This avoids data being intercepted or tampered with during transmission, preventing data leakage from the source.

(4) Clear and Compliant Security Update Support Cycle: Timely Vulnerability Patching

Combined with the service life of smart locks and industry practices, the new regulation requires manufacturers to commit to a security update support cycle of at least 3 years, calculated from the date of factory shipment. During this period, manufacturers must continuously provide firmware security patches for the device, focusing on fixing vulnerabilities in Bluetooth and WiFi communication protocols—smart locks mainly rely on Bluetooth and WiFi for network connectivity, and such protocol vulnerabilities are easily exploited by hackers to gain unauthorized control of the device.

Additional requirement:

• Manufacturers must prominently disclose the security update support cycle in product manuals and on official websites, and are prohibited from shortening the cycle without authorization.

III. Guangdong Energy Storage Testing: End-to-End Compliance Testing Services for Smart Locks in Australia

Guangdong Energy Storage Testing Technology Co., Ltd. offers targeted compliance testing services for smart locks in Australia, focusing on the four core requirements above. Our services include:

• Password security strength testing
• Multi-factor authentication mechanism validity testing
• AES-256 encryption compliance testing
• Communication protocol vulnerability scanning
• Security update cycle verification

We precisely align with the new regulatory requirements, helping enterprises quickly identify non-compliance issues and implement rectifications. We also assist in compiling product compliance declarations, ensuring products pass regulatory inspections smoothly and enabling efficient entry into the Australian market. Our services help enterprises break through trade barriers and enhance core product competitiveness.