Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the old-school locks they’re replacing? The quick answer is yes. But before installing one with your Denver smart home, there are several things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your Denver 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 in the wrong hands. In addition, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The models that provide a backup keyed system typically use a different kind of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Although generally safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them regularly and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone one-time access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by frequently updating passwords, apps, and firmware. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can lead to issues. However, core local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you could lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, based on what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically any time the door is unlocked, or create a complete scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can arm your system, turn lights off, secure your door, and even change 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 your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s coming and going as Vivint systems keep track of smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Denver smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and establishing custom actions that operate your smart locks and other equipment all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Place a call to (720) 807-3060 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Denver smart home.