Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of eliminating house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the old-school locks they replace? The quick reply is yes. But before adding one to your Houston smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why upgrading to a smart lock makes sense for your Houston home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they end up in the wrong hands. Besides, older locks are easier to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks eliminate the need for a key completely. The ones that have a backup keyed system frequently use a more secure kind of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them often and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give a person one-time access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Offset the risk by frequently updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Integrate two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can arise due to a WiFi disconnection. However, core local features like a PIN code still work if your WiFi is offline, but you may lose smartphone app functionality. Models with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still operate when you lose power as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, according to what your system uses.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other devices within your smart home ecosystem. You can switch the lights on automatically whenever the door is opened, or establish a complete scene with several automations. For instance, you can turn lights off, lock your door, arm your system, and even change your thermostat all at once when you call it a day. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are totally accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s coming and going as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Houston home security

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other equipment at the same time? You can do it with Vivint. Place a call to (713) 597-3506 to learn more about our systems and let us help you design your own Houston smart home.