Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of your old house keys and moving to a modern smart lock, but you’re worried about safety. Are keypad door locks really safer than the keyed locks they’re replacing? The simple response is yes. But before installing one with your Gaithersburg smart home, there are some things you should think about.

Why smart locks are a better choice for your Gaithersburg home

The main issue with traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are frequently lost and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they end up in the wrong hands. Besides, older door locks are easier to pick, bump, and force. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The options that offer a backup keyed system typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be circumvented by traditional methods.

Are there any risks with keypad door locks?

Even though they’re typically safer than older locking systems, keypad door locks do come with some risks, like the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes must be kept confidential. It’s also smart to update them regularly and steer clear of easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give someone single-time access, you can configure a code and then remove it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a concern for electronic devices connected to your smart home. Offset the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware regularly. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can come up due to a software bug, or battery failure. However, vital local features like the keypad still work even when your WiFi is down, but you might lose access to the smartphone app. Models with backup keyed locks can provide you with another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power outages?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when power is lost as it gets power from batteries, not your home’s electricity. You’ll still be able to use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, depending on what your system offers.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Gaithersburg home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can set a rule to turn the lights on when the door is unlocked, or configure a full-fledged scene with several automations. For instance, you can arm your system, dim lights, lock your door, and even change your thermostat simultaneously when you head to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home devices are completely accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always know who’s coming and going as Vivint systems track smart lock codes. You can also set as many as 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Gaithersburg smart home

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and integrate custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components at the same time? You can do it with Vivint. Call (301) 923-4670 to learn more about our systems and let us help you design your own Gaithersburg smart home.