Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of ditching traditional house keys and switching to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their old-school counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before adding one to your Scranton smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why smart locks are the right option for your Scranton home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up with the wrong person. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key altogether. The models that have a backup keyed lock typically use a different type of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Even though they’re typically safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do have some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to update them regularly and never use predictable codes like “1234.” If you need to give somebody single-time access, you can configure a code and then eliminate it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a concern for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Reduce the risk by frequently updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: A software bug, battery failure, or WiFi disconnection can create issues. Generally speaking, core local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is down, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed locks can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still work during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your home’s electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or biometric scanner, depending on what your system supports.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Scranton home?

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can make a rule to switch the lights on when the door is opened, or establish a full-fledged scene with many automations. To illustrate, you can turn lights off, secure your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home components are totally accessible from the convenience of 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 as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Scranton home security

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and establish custom actions that engage your smart locks and other components all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Contact (570) 775-5689 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Scranton smart home.