Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of ditching house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than the old locks they replace? The simple response is yes. But before integrating one into your Long Island smart home, there are several things you should think about.

Why smart locks are the best choice for your Long Island home

The main issue with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they get into the wrong hands. On top of that, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The options that provide a backup keyed system usually use a different style of cylinder, making them resistant to traditional break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re generally safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also smart to change them often and never use obvious codes like “1234.” If you want to give somebody single-time access, you can configure a code and then eliminate it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can arise due to a software bug, or battery failure. Generally speaking, essential local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is down, but you may lose access to the smartphone app. 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 operate when you lose power as it runs on battery power, not your home’s electricity. You may still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are a great fit for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work smoothly with other equipment within your smart home environment. You can switch the lights on any time the door is opened, or establish a whole-home scene with several automations. For instance, you might arm your system, turn lights off, lock your door, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you call it a day. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Long Island home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and designing custom actions that engage your smart locks and other equipment all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Call (631) 502-4004 to explore our systems and get help designing your own Long Island smart home.