Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their old-school counterparts? The simple response is yes. But before adding one to your Jackson smart home, there are some things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right option for your Jackson home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which can be a real problem if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks remove the need for a key entirely. The models that offer a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any concerns with keypad door locks?

Even though they’re generally safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code usage: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them regularly and steer clear of predictable codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time-only access, you can set a code and then delete it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by regularly updating apps, firmware, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever you can.
  
  
• Technical problems: A WiFi disconnection, software bug, or battery failure can create issues. However, essential local features like a PIN code still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you could lose access to the smartphone app. Smart options with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work when power is lost as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system offers.

Why Vivint smart locks are an excellent choice for your home

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other devices within your smart home ecosystem. You can switch the lights on automatically when the door is unlocked, or establish a complete scene with many automations. To illustrate, you can lock your door, arm your system, turn lights off, and even lower your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home devices are fully accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s exiting and entering 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 Jackson home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that activate your smart locks and other devices at the same time? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (601) 607-9990 to explore our systems and let us help you design your own Jackson smart home.