Are keypad door locks safe?

You love the idea of getting rid of traditional house keys and upgrading to a modern smart lock, but safety is still a concern. Are keypad door locks really safer than the old-school locks they replace? The easy response is yes. But before integrating one into your Columbia smart home, there are several things you should think about.

Why smart locks are the right choice for your Columbia home

The biggest downside of traditional locks is the requirement of a key. Keys are often lost and simple to copy, which leads to disaster if they end up with the wrong person. In addition, older locks are more vulnerable to picking, bumping, and forcing. Modern smart locks do away with keys entirely. The models that provide a backup keyed system usually use a more secure kind of cylinder, so they can’t be bypassed by traditional methods.

What are the risks of keypad door locks?

While they’re generally safer than traditional locking systems, keypad door locks do carry some risks, such as the following:

• Unauthorized code use: Codes need to be kept secure. It’s also a good idea to change them regularly and avoid easy-to-guess codes like “1234.” If you need to give somebody single-time access, you can set a code and then delete it once it’s been used.
  
  
• Hacking: Network breaches are always a risk to electronic devices bridged to your smart home. Mitigate the risk by updating firmware, apps, and passwords regularly. Use two-factor identification whenever possible.
  
  
• Technical glitches: Issues can arise due to a WiFi disconnection. However, core local features like a PIN code still work even if your WiFi is down, but you could lose app functionality. Smart locks with backup keyed systems can offer another way in.

Do smart locks still work during a power outage?

Yes, your smart lock should still function when your power goes out as it gets power from batteries, not your wired electricity. You may still use the keypad, fingerprint scanner, or Bluetooth, according to what your system offers.

Why choose Vivint smart locks for your Columbia home?

Vivint’s Kwikset smart locks work reliably with other devices within your smart home environment. You can make a rule to turn the lights on automatically any time the door is unlocked, or create a whole-home scene with multiple automations. For instance, you can fasten your door, arm your system, turn off lights, and even adjust your thermostat all at once when you go to bed. The best part is that your locks and all your smart home equipment is fully accessible in the palm of your hand with the Vivint app.

You’ll always be aware of who’s exiting and entering as Vivint systems monitor the use of smart lock codes. You can also assign up to 50 unique access codes.

Vivint is the key to your Columbia home security

Would you enjoy unlocking or locking your door remotely and integrating custom actions that operate your smart locks and other components at the same time? It’s possible with Vivint. Place a call to (573) 641-8250 to find out more about our systems and get help designing your own Columbia smart home.