Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than their classic counterparts? The easy reply is yes. But before adding one to your Evansville smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why upgrading to a smart lock makes sense for your Evansville home

The main issue with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they get into the wrong hands. On top of that, older locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key entirely. The ones that offer a backup keyed lock typically use a different kind of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

Even though they’re typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them often and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords frequently. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can cause problems. Generally speaking, vital local features like a PIN code still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other devices within your smart home environment. You can make a rule to switch the lights on any time the door is opened, or establish a complete scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you might lock your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home components are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Evansville home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that activate your smart locks and other equipment at the same time? You can do it with Vivint. Call (812) 310-5880 to find out more about our systems and start designing your own Evansville smart home.