Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of ditching your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Ann Arbor smart home, there are a few things you should think about.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Ann Arbor home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently lost and simple to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up with the wrong person. In addition, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The options that have a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure type 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 carry some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also wise to change them periodically and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you have to give someone one-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Reduce the risk by regularly updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Use two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can cause problems. As a general rule, core local features like the keypad still work if your WiFi is down, but you could lose app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

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 offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other devices in your smart home. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or configure a whole-home scene with several automations. For instance, you can arm your system, turn lights off, secure your door, and even change your thermostat at the same time when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Ann Arbor smart home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Call (734) 206-7166 to learn more about our systems and start designing your own Ann Arbor smart home.