Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of your old house keys and switching to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old-school locks they’re replacing? The quick response is yes. But before adding one to your New York City smart home, there are some things you should know.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your New York City home

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they get into the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The ones that have a backup keyed system usually use a more secure type of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes must be kept secure. It’s also smart to update them often and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody one-time-only access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords frequently. Incorporate two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical issues: A battery failure, WiFi disconnection, or software bug can cause problems. As a general rule, core local features like keypad entry still work even if your WiFi is down, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still work when power is lost as it is powered by batteries, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, based on what your system supports.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work seamlessly with other components in your smart home. You can set a rule to switch the lights on whenever the door is opened, or create a full-fledged scene with several automations. For example, you can lock your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your New York City home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s doable with Vivint. Call (332) 877-9062 to explore our systems and start designing your own New York City smart home.