Are keypad door locks safe?

You like the idea of ditching your old house keys and upgrading to a modern smart locking system, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks actually safer than the old locks they’re replacing? The quick response is yes. But before integrating one into your Missoula smart home, there are several things you should think about.

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

The inherent problem with traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are often misplaced and simple to copy, which leads to disaster 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 entirely. The options that have a backup keyed lock usually use a more secure type of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re typically safer than standard locking systems, keypad door locks do have some risks, including the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept confidential. It’s also wise to change them often and never use obvious codes like “1234.” If you have to give somebody single-time access, you can configure a code and then delete it once it’s no longer needed.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices linked to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by frequently updating firmware, apps, and passwords. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can pop up due to a software bug, WiFi drop, or battery failure. As a general rule, vital local features like keypad entry still work if your WiFi is not available, but you could lose access to the smartphone app. Smart locks with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still function during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still work during an outage as it runs on battery power, not your wired electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, Bluetooth, or fingerprint scanner, depending on what your system offers.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Missoula home?

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other components in your smart home. You can set a rule to switch the lights on when the door is unlocked, or establish a full-fledged scene with several automations. To illustrate, you might arm your system, dim lights, secure your door, and even change your thermostat at the same time when you call it a day. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible from your phone in the Vivint app.

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

Vivint is the key to your Missoula smart home

Would you like to lock and unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that activate your smart locks and other devices all at once? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (406) 926-0627 to learn more about our systems and let us help you design your own Missoula smart home.