Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of ditching traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their old-school counterparts? The easy reply is yes. But before integrating one into your South Bend smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your South Bend home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older locks are simpler to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The options that offer a backup keyed lock usually use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Although typically safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them regularly and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you need to give a person one-time-only access, you can configure a code and then eliminate it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by regularly updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can arise due to a software bug, WiFi drop, or battery failure. As a general rule, essential local features like a PIN code still work if your WiFi is not available, but you might lose app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your home’s electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, according to what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment in your smart home. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or configure a whole-home scene with several automations. For example, you might turn lights off, fasten your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home equipment is completely accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your South Bend smart home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and designing custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s doable with Vivint. Call (574) 601-4641 to find out more about our systems and start designing your own South Bend smart home.