Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of ditching traditional house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks really safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy response is yes. But before installing one with your Lubbock smart home, there are several things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right option for your Lubbock home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall into the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are simpler to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key entirely. The options that provide a backup keyed system typically use a more secure type of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

While they’re generally safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also wise to change them regularly and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person single-time access, you can configure a code and then remove 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 apps, firmware, and passwords. Integrate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can cause issues. As a general rule, essential local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during an outage as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to turn the lights on whenever the door is unlocked, or configure a full-fledged scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can arm your system, dim lights, fasten your door, and even lower 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 completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

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

Vivint is the key to your Lubbock home security

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Call (806) 615-4325 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Lubbock smart home.