Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of ditching house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than their old-school counterparts? The quick response is yes. But before adding one to your Lynchburg smart home, there are a few things you should know.

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

The inherent problem with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they end up with the wrong person. In addition, older locks are easier to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The ones that provide a backup keyed system frequently use a more secure style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also smart to update them periodically and avoid predictable codes like “1234.” If you have to give a person one-time access, you can set a code and then eliminate it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware frequently. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. As a general rule, core local features like keypad entry still work if your WiFi is offline, but you might lose access to the smartphone app. Smart options with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when your power goes out as it is powered by batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can make a rule to switch the lights on automatically whenever the door is opened, or configure a complete scene with multiple automations. For instance, you might secure your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even change your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

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

Vivint is the key to your Lynchburg home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Contact (434) 300-3689 to explore our systems and let us help you design your own Lynchburg smart home.