The advantages of keypad locks
Keypad locks combine heightened security and smooth functionality. Because there are no physical keys, home and business owners no longer have to worry about their keys being stolen or misplaced.
Are keypad locks safe? Yes, keypad locks are safe. They are more secure than traditional locks because it is much harder for someone to guess your code than it is for them to pick a traditional lock.
Keyless entry door locks offer enhanced home security with advanced features such as individual access tracking, remote operation, and unique access codes. With keyless door locks, you can avoid the risk of duplicated traditional keys and easily revoke access codes as needed.
Keypad entry locks can be a great tool for families with young kids. Whether you don't want your child to have to carry around a key, or they've just lost a few already, getting rid of keys altogether works around both concerns.
Cost can be prohibitive. Keyless systems can be expensive to install – some buildings have installed them in stages: common doors have keyless entry, but individual, private doors retain traditional locks. A power failure can cause some issues with keyless systems.
Some disadvantages to smart locks include:
It might be frustrating for some workers to have an additional task added to their day. Your smartphone might run out of battery, break, or become damaged. If this happens, you will need to contact a smart lock company for a replacement smartphone and a new smart lock code.
Deadbolt door locks are the most secure type of key lock and are commonly used on exterior house doors. Single and double cylinder locks are classified by strength from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Grade 1 is the highest and provides the best security.
Quality smart locks come with the same safety features as traditional locks, only with the added protection of: Required logins. You must have an account and password to access your smart lock's features. Encryption.
Because they are electronic and often connected to a home network, they are open to hacking or infiltration. As your codes fly through the air, skilled hackers can pick up the code from a fob, or break into your Wi-Fi and access the keypad codes and gain access to your home.
As long as children know that they are never to give out the access code, this method is a lot more secure than a standard lock and key where you have to replace the lock when keys go missing. Many keypad entry locks have personalized and simple access codes that even your kids can remember.
In fact, most keyless locks can operate anywhere between 3-5 years off the original batteries. Most electronic keyless locks also come equipped with a low battery indicator, which will alert you well in advance when the battery is getting low.
A digital keypad door lock is a type of lock that functions digitally and includes a keypad where users can enter a code to unlock the door. As a result, digital keypad locks provide a form of keyless entry because they don't require users to have a physical metal key or a fob to gain access.
Deadbolt lock
“Deadbolts or deadlocks on front doors are certainly a great first line of defence from intruders,” McBride says. These are strong, heavy-duty locks commonly used on exterior doors for security against breaking-and-entering.
Most Schlage products receive a AAA, which means they have received the best possible grades in Security, Durability and Finish. In addition to these high industry standards, we test our products even more rigorously in our own labs.
You might be wondering whether smart locks that connect to the internet are susceptible to hacking. The answer is yes. Anything that connects to the internet can be hacked. But before you panic, rest assured that it will take concerted effort for someone to gain entry without having the code.
The good news is that experienced burglars hate smart security and smart locks. As a result, they would much rather target the 75% of homeowners who have no home security system whatsoever.
Like any other wireless technology, smart locks are at risk of being hacked. Thieves use different hacking devices depending on the type of connection – Bluetooth, WI-Fi, or Z-wave. A lot of information on how to hack smart locks can be found on the internet these days. However, it's not as simple as it appears.
Keyless theft (otherwise known as relay theft) is relatively simple; all it requires is two small boxes of electronics, which thieves can use to open your car in as little as 60 seconds. Crooks will typically work in pairs to commit relay theft, with one holding a relay amplifier, and the other a relay transmitter.
The Bottom Line
With both upsides and downsides to it, keyless entry as a convenience feature is worthy enough if it happens to be a feature that is onboard the vehicle you are eyeing. If you're planning to pay extra just to get the feature, then it is something that can surely be avoided.
“A key fob will constantly try to communicate with the car. And that does cause a slight drain on the battery, but generally that won't completely drain a healthy car battery,” says Mike Monticello, Consumer Reports' road test manager.