Bluetooth Low Energy

Security Overview in dormakaba Safe Locks

Overview

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is often evaluated carefully in regulated industries due to its wireless nature. When implemented with appropriate security controls, BLE meets enterprise and financial sector security expectations. dormakaba BLE enabled safe locks are designed with a security-first architecture that incorporates strong encryption, authentication, and layered defenses aligned with industry best practices.

End-To-End Encryption

All data transmitted between devices is protected using end-to-end encryption.

• Encryption standard: AES-128

• Transport protection: TLS 1.2 / TLS 1.3 or equivalent secure channel

• Keys are securely generated, stored, and managed to prevent unauthorized access

Data is encrypted at the source and only decrypted by the intended recipient, ensuring confidentiality even if wireless traffic is intercepted.

Authentication & Data Integrity Controls

All communications require strong authentication and cryptographic validation:

• Mutual device authentication: Certificate-based / key-based

• Digital signatures: ECDSA

• Replay protection: nonce / session-based protections

These controls ensure only authorized devices can connect, and that all data remains protected from tampering, spoofing, or impersonation.

Secure BLE Implementation

BLE is implemented with enhanced security controls beyond baseline protocol capabilities:

• Secure pairing methods: Elliptic Curve Diffie-Hellman (ECDH)

• Encrypted BLE sessions: AES-CCM

• Device discoverability restricted to authorized workflows

• Protection against eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle (MITM), and replay attacks

Key Management & Device Security

Robust key and device lifecycle management practices are enforced:

• Secure key storage: Encryption keys are securely stored on the lock device in encrypted form. Software-based key storage can also support hardware-backed (secure enclave/TPM) security technologies depending on the deployment environment.

• Device provisioning controls ensure only trusted devices are enrolled.

• Ability to revoke, disable, or re-key compromised devices.

• Firmware and software updates are securely delivered using signed updates and secure boot mechanisms.

Independent Security Validation

The platform has undergone independent third-party security assessment:

• Penetration testing and architecture review

• Validation against recognized industry practices (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001 principles)

• Assessments conducted on a periodic basis.

Defense-in-Depth Architecture

Security is enforced across multiple layers:

• Encrypted data at rest and in transit

• Application-level access controls

• Secure APIs and communication channels

• Continuous monitoring and regular security updates

• Secure development lifecycle practices: Code reviews, vulnerability scanning, etc.

Threat Mitigation

Apexx Strato and CenconX (and future Axessor Apexx) safe locks from dormakaba are designed to mitigate common wireless and application-layer threats, including:

• Eavesdropping on wireless communications

• Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks

• Replay and session hijacking attacks

• Unauthorized device access

Summary

BLE meets the security expectations of banking and regulated environments when implemented with strong controls.

BLE-enabled safe locks from dormakaba combine end-to-end encryption, robust authentication, secure BLE practices, and independently validated security measures to deliver a comprehensive, enterprise-grade security model.