Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating your old house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks really safer than the keyed locks they’re replacing? The easy answer is yes. But before integrating one into your Springfield smart home, there are several things you should think about.

Why smart locks are a better option for your Springfield home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they get into the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The models that provide a backup keyed system typically use a more secure type of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also smart to update them periodically and never use obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone single-time access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by frequently updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can cause issues. Generally speaking, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is offline, but you may lose app functionality. Smart locks 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 is powered by batteries, not your home’s electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, based on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can make a rule to switch the lights on when the door is opened, or configure a complete scene with multiple automations. For example, you can secure your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home components are fully accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Springfield home security

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (413) 277-7517 to learn more about our systems and start designing your own Springfield smart home.