Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their classic counterparts? The quick reply is yes. But before adding one to your Madison smart home, there are several things you should know.

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

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key altogether. The ones that have a backup keyed system usually use a more secure style of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes have to be kept confidential. It’s also smart to change them often and avoid predictable codes like “1234.” If you have to give someone single-time access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords often. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: Issues can come up due to a WiFi disconnection. As a general rule, vital local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you may lose app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate during an outage as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to turn the lights on any time the door is opened, or establish a complete scene with several automations. For example, you can dim lights, fasten your door, arm your system, and even adjust your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. The best part is that 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 track smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Madison smart home

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and designing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment at the same time? It’s doable with Vivint. Place a call to (608) 470-6808 to learn more about our systems and let us help you design your own Madison smart home.