Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks truly safer than the keyed locks they’re replacing? The simple reply is yes. But before installing one with your Jacksonville smart home, there are several things you should know.

Why smart locks are the best option for your Jacksonville home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they fall to the wrong person. In addition, older locks are more vulnerable to bumping, forcing, and picking. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The ones that offer a backup keyed lock usually use a different style of cylinder, making them resistant to established break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Although typically safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do have some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also a good idea to change them periodically and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you want to give a person one-time-only access, you can create a code and then delete it once it’s served its purpose.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords regularly. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. However, vital local features like keypad entry still work even when your WiFi is not available, but you may lose access to the smartphone app. Smart options with backup keyed systems can give you another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during a blackout as it runs on battery power, not your home’s electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, based on what your system supports.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Jacksonville home?

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other equipment within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to switch the lights on any time the door is opened, or establish a full-fledged scene with many automations. For instance, you can lock your door, arm your system, switch lights off, and even lower your thermostat simultaneously when you head to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from the convenience of 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 Jacksonville home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that engage your smart locks and other components simultaneously? It’s doable with Vivint. Place a call to (904) 977-6139 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Jacksonville smart home.