Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks actually safer than their old-school counterparts? The quick answer is yes. But before integrating one into your Wichita smart home, there are a few things you should consider.

Why smart locks are a better option for your Wichita home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall to the wrong person. Besides, older door locks are simpler to bump, pick, and force. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key altogether. The models that have a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure type of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

Although typically safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also wise to change them often and avoid predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give someone single-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can create issues. However, essential local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is down, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function during a blackout as it is powered by batteries, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system uses.

Why select Vivint smart locks for your Wichita home?

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment in your smart home. You can make a rule to turn the lights on automatically any time the door is unlocked, or create a whole-home scene with several automations. To illustrate, you can lock your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home components are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Wichita smart home security

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and establish custom actions that operate your smart locks and other devices simultaneously? You can do it with Vivint. Call (316) 844-6283 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Wichita smart home.