Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old locks they replace? The simple answer is yes. But before installing one with your Lawrence smart home, there are several things you should think about.

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

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall into the wrong hands. Besides, older locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The models that offer a backup keyed lock usually use a different style of cylinder, making them resistant to established break-in methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

Although generally safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to update them periodically and avoid predictable codes like “1234.” If you need to give a person one-time-only access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Reduce the risk by frequently updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can lead to issues. Generally speaking, essential local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is down, but you could lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during a blackout as it gets power from batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can turn the lights on automatically whenever the door is unlocked, or configure a full-fledged scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you can arm your system, dim lights, fasten your door, and even change your thermostat all at once when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home equipment is totally accessible from your phone in 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 create as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Lawrence smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that engage your smart locks and other devices all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Contact (785) 829-4689 to find out more about our systems and start designing your own Lawrence smart home.