Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of ditching house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a worry. Are keypad door locks really safer than the old-school locks they replace? The easy response is yes. But before integrating one into your Cedar Rapids smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why smart locks are the right option for your Cedar Rapids home

The inherent problem with traditional locks is the need for a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and easy to copy, which leads to disaster if they fall to the wrong person. Besides, older locks are simpler to force, pick, and bump. Modern smart locks do away with keys altogether. The ones that have a backup keyed system frequently 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 older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code entry: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to update them regularly and never use predictable codes like “1234.” If you need to give a person single-time access, you can set a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a concern for electronic devices linked to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords often. Integrate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical issues: Issues can arise due to a software bug, or battery failure. Generally speaking, vital local features like the keypad still work even if your WiFi is down, but you could lose smartphone app functionality. Smart options with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still work when you lose power as it gets power from batteries, 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 select Vivint smart locks for your Cedar Rapids home?

Vivint’s smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to switch the lights on when the door is opened, or create a complete scene with multiple automations. To illustrate, you can secure your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even change your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. And you know the best part? Your locks and all your smart home components are completely accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Cedar Rapids smart home

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and designing custom actions that activate your smart locks and other components all at once? You can do it with Vivint. Contact (319) 419-4827 to learn more about our systems and get help designing your own Cedar Rapids smart home.