Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of eliminating your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but you’re concerned about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than the old-school locks they replace? The easy reply is yes. But before installing one with your Virginia Beach smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why upgrading to a smart lock makes sense for your Virginia Beach home

The inherent problem with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently lost and easy to copy, which spells trouble if they fall into the wrong hands. In addition, older door locks are more vulnerable to bumping, picking, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The ones that have a backup keyed system frequently use a more secure type of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

Although generally safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them often and avoid obvious codes like “1234.” If you want to give someone one-time-only access, you can configure a code and then eliminate it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: System breaches are always a hazard for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Reduce the risk by updating apps, firmware, and passwords frequently. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can pop up due to a WiFi disconnection. Generally speaking, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is down, but you could lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed systems can provide you with 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 electricity. You can still use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system uses.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Virginia Beach home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to switch the lights on automatically any time the door is opened, or configure a whole-home scene with many automations. For example, you might lock your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know what else? Your locks and all your smart home equipment is fully accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s entering and exiting as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also create up to 50 distinct access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Virginia Beach home security

Would you enjoy locking or unlocking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components all at once? It’s doable with Vivint. Contact (757) 294-8561 to find out more about our systems and let us help you design your own Virginia Beach smart home.