Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating your old house keys and switching to a modern smart locking system, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old locks they replace? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Tuscaloosa smart home, there are a few things you should know.

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

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks do away with keys altogether. The models that offer a backup keyed lock usually use a more secure type of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

While they’re typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to change them often and never use obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give a person one-time-only access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware frequently. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. Generally speaking, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is not available, but you might lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when your power goes out as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, based on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can turn the lights on automatically whenever the door is opened, or establish a complete scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you can arm your system, dim lights, fasten your door, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home devices are totally accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also create as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Tuscaloosa smart home

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (205) 964-9849 to learn more about our systems and start designing your own Tuscaloosa smart home.