Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than their time-honored counterparts? The quick answer is yes. But before installing one with your Rochester smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Rochester home

The inherent problem with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they fall to the wrong person. On top of that, older door locks are simpler to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The ones that provide a backup keyed lock frequently use a different style of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional 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, including the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them periodically and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody one-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware frequently. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can lead to issues. As a general rule, essential local features like keypad entry still work even if your WiFi is not available, but you may lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your home’s electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, based on what your system offers.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Rochester home?

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can make a rule to turn the lights on automatically whenever the door is opened, or configure a complete scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you might secure your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even lower your thermostat all at once when you head 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 know who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also assign as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Rochester smart home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components at the same time? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (507) 710-3863 to find out more about our systems and start designing your own Rochester smart home.