Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their classic counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Joplin smart home, there are some things you should know.

Why smart locks are the best choice for your Joplin home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often misplaced and easy to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall into the wrong hands. Besides, older locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The options that provide a backup keyed system usually use a different style of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to update them periodically and never use obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give someone one-time-only access, you can configure a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a risk to electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by frequently updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Integrate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. However, essential local features like keypad entry still work even if your WiFi is down, but you might lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during an outage as it is powered by batteries, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are a smart choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically any time the door is opened, or create a complete scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you can dim lights, secure your door, arm your system, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home equipment is totally accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also create up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Joplin smart home security

Would you like to unlock or lock your door remotely and incorporate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other equipment simultaneously? You can do it with Vivint. Contact (417) 557-3490 to explore our systems and let us help you design your own Joplin smart home.