Are keypad door locks safe?

You are drawn to the idea of getting rid of your old house keys and switching to a modern smart locking system, but you have concerns about safety. Are keypad door locks truly safer than their time-honored counterparts? The easy answer is yes. But before installing one with your Ocala smart home, there are a few things you should know.

Why switching to a smart lock makes sense for your Ocala home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is having to rely on a key. Keys are frequently misplaced and simple to copy, which spells trouble if they end up in the wrong hands. In addition, older door locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys completely. The ones that have a backup keyed lock typically use a more secure kind of cylinder, making them resistant to common break-in methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

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

• Unauthorized code use: Codes have to be kept secure. It’s also wise to change them periodically and steer clear of obvious codes like “1234.” If you need to give a person one-time access, you can configure a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Cyber intrusions are always a risk to electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating passwords, apps, and firmware regularly. Incorporate two-factor identification if possible.
  
  
• Technical problems: Issues can arise due to a software bug, WiFi drop, or battery failure. Generally speaking, vital local features like keypad entry still work even when your WiFi is offline, but you may lose app functionality. Models with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still operate during power failures?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when your power goes out as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You can still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, based on what your system uses.

Why pick Vivint smart locks for your Ocala home?

Vivint’s smart locks work seamlessly with other components within your smart home ecosystem. You can make a rule to switch the lights on whenever the door is opened, or configure a whole-home scene with many automations. To illustrate, you might fasten your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you head to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home equipment is totally accessible from the convenience of the Vivint app.

You’ll always get insights into 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 Ocala smart home

Would you like to lock or unlock your door remotely and establish custom actions that operate your smart locks and other devices at the same time? It’s possible with Vivint. Contact (352) 922-3678 to learn more about our systems and start designing your own Ocala smart home.