Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating your old house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you’re worried about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than the keyed locks they replace? The simple response is yes. But before adding one to your Johnson City smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your Johnson City home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up in the wrong hands. In addition, older locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The models that have a backup keyed lock usually use a more secure type of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them periodically and avoid obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give somebody one-time access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords often. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can come up due to a battery failure, software bug, or WiFi disconnection. Generally speaking, vital local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is offline, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when your power goes out as it gets power from batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, according to what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can switch the lights on any time the door is unlocked, or create a complete scene with multiple automations. For instance, you can arm your system, dim lighting, secure your door, and even lower your thermostat simultaneously when you call it a day. 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 track smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Johnson City smart home

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and establish custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Place a call to (423) 537-4338 to explore our systems and let us help you design your own Johnson City smart home.