Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of ditching house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their classic counterparts? The simple answer is yes. But before integrating one into your Little Rock smart home, there are a few things you should think about.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Little Rock home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often misplaced and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they get into the wrong hands. On top of that, older locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys altogether. The ones that have a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them often and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you have to give somebody one-time-only access, you can create a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware frequently. Incorporate two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can create issues. As a general rule, 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 systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during an outage as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, according to what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home environment. You can set a rule to turn the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or configure a full-fledged scene with many automations. For example, you might lock your door, arm your system, turn 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 components are 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 assign as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Little Rock home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and designing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Place a call to (501) 510-8749 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Little Rock smart home.