Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than their classic counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Allentown smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Allentown home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older door locks are easier to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The models that offer a backup keyed system usually use a different type of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

Even though they’re typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do have some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them regularly and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give somebody single-time access, you can create a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords often. Integrate two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can create problems. Generally speaking, vital local features like keypad entry still work even when your WiFi is offline, but you could lose app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You can still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, according to what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other devices in your smart home. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically when the door is opened, or establish a whole-home scene with many automations. For instance, you might fasten your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even change your thermostat at the same time when you head to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

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

Vivint is the key to your Allentown home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that activate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Contact (601) 514-6514 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Allentown smart home.