Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of getting rid of house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Lancaster smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

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

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall to the wrong person. Besides, older locks are easier to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The ones 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?

Even though they’re generally safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept secure. It’s also wise to change them often and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone single-time access, you can set a code and then eliminate it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by regularly updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can create issues. Generally speaking, essential local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is down, but you might lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other components in your smart home. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or establish a whole-home scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you can arm your system, turn lights off, fasten your door, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

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

Vivint is the key to your Lancaster home security

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (717) 922-5237 to explore our systems and start designing your own Lancaster smart home.