Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you’re worried about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their classic counterparts? The simple reply is yes. But before installing one with your Huntington smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

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

The main issue with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they get into the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are simpler to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The ones that offer a backup keyed lock usually use a more secure type of cylinder, making them resistant to established break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to update them often and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time-only access, you can set a code and then eliminate it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Offset the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical problems: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can lead to issues. Generally speaking, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you may lose access to the smartphone app. 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 function during an outage as it gets power from batteries, not your home electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other devices within your smart home environment. You can switch the lights on automatically any time the door is opened, or create a complete scene with many automations. For example, you might dim lighting, fasten your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat at the same time when you go to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Huntington smart home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and designing custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components at the same time? It’s doable with Vivint. Call (304) 902-8188 to learn more about our systems and start designing your own Huntington smart home.