Should You Trust A Smart Lock? What You Need To Know About Smart Lock Safety
Smart locks are a safe option for most households, and features like app-based control and automated routines can make them more secure than traditional locks. There are still security concerns, but they generally have more to do with the way homeowners use smart locks than with the devices themselves.
Dig deeper into smart lock safety and discover why they’re a great fit for your Brownsville home.
What Are The Safety Concerns Of Smart Locks?
There are risks with smart locks, but they largely depend on your personal safety habits. Here are some of the top concerns:
- Predictable codes: Easy-to-guess passcodes are the primary concern when installing smart locks. As you might imagine, setting the code to ‘1234’ is a bad idea. You also want to avoid birthdays and other easy-to-guess numbers.
- Smart home hacking: If hackers break into your wireless network, they may be able to unlock the door. Change your passwords regularly, employ two-factor authentication, and never skip the manufacturer’s software and firmware updates.
- Code smudging: Touching the same buttons again and again can leave marks that hint at your code. Switch up your passcode and clean off the keypad every so often.
Internet outages and power failures may also affect your smart lock. Most will still work at the door as they run on independent battery power, although you will probably lose access from your phone. Many include backup keyed systems, which gives you another way inside.
Pro tip: Smart locks with keyed backup locks are usually designed to resist bumping, a common break-in method used on conventional locks.
Why Smart Locks Are Better For Your Brownsville Home Than Traditional Keyed Locks
It’s not difficult to understand the problem of leaving a house key beneath your welcome mat, in your mailbox, or within a fake rock. Anybody who stumbles upon it will have immediate access to your home and your possessions inside. Even when you give a key to friends and family you trust, it can end up with the wrong person and easily be copied at the nearest hardware store.
Thankfully, the days of relying on house keys are past us. Smart door locks allow you to go keyless and offer a variety of advanced features to strengthen your security.
What Makes Smart Locks Safer Than Standard Locks?
Smart locks are an essential part of modern security systems. There are features available that make them a stronger choice than regular locks. Here are a few:
- Automated locking: You can create a rule for your door to lock automatically after a specified amount of time. You never have to worry about forgetting to lock up.
- Scheduling: You can schedule smart locks to lock at whatever time you want and include them in automated routines. For example, you can have your system arm, lights dim, and door lock at the same time when you head to bed
- Remote access: You can always see your smart lock's status by accessing your home security app. It’s also possible to unlock or lock your door from a distance.
- Notifications: You’ll be notified through your smartphone app any time a person uses the lock, keeping you informed of who’s entering and exiting.
In addition, anyone who needs access to your home can be assigned their own personal code, so you’re not using the same one. You can also grant and revoke access at any time.
Open The Door To Smarter Home Security With Secure24 Alarm Systems
Smart locks are a great addition to your new security system in Brownsville. Contact the ADT-authorized dealers at Secure24 Alarm Systems to design your home’s defense package today. Place a call to (956) 291-4473 today and enjoy same-day and next-day service in most locations.