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Smart locks are a safe pick for most homes, and features like automated schedules and remote locking can make them safer than conventional locks. There are still concerns about safety, but they usually have more to do with how homeowners manage smart locks than with the actual devices. 

Dig deeper into smart lock safety and discover why these tools are the better option for your Charleston home.

What Are The Safety Concerns Of Smart Locks?

There are risks with smart locks, but they mostly boil down to your family’s own safety habits. Here are a few of the main concerns:

• Insecure codes: Too obvious passcodes are the chief security risk when installing smart locks. Needless to say, a code of ‘1234’ isn’t secure. It’s also wise to skip birthdays and other easy-to-guess combinations. 
  
  
• Cyberattacks: If someone hacks into your wireless security system, they can proceed to unlock your door. Update your passcodes, turn on two-factor authentication, and be sure to install manufacturer-issued software and firmware updates. 
  
  
• Code smudging: Entering the same numbers again and again can leave smears that point to your code. Change your passcode and clean off the keypad every so often.  

Internet and power outages may also affect your smart lock. Most will keep working at the door as they run on independent battery power, although you will likely lose smartphone access. Many are equipped with backup keyed locks, which gives you another way to get it in. 

Pro tip: Smart locks with backup keyed locks are usually built to resist bumping, a tried-and-true break-in method used on standard locks.

Why Smart Locks Are Safer For Your Charleston Home Than Standard Keyed Locks

It’s not difficult to understand the risk of keeping a house key in your mailbox, within a rock stone, or beneath your door mat. Whoever finds it will have instant 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 be easily copied at the local hardware store. 

Fortunately, the days of relying on house keys are over. Smart door locks remove the need for keys and provide a variety of advanced features to strengthen your security. 

What Gives Smart Locks The Edge Over Conventional Locks?

Smart locks are an integral part of today’s security systems. There are features available that make them a stronger choice than standard locks. Here are a few:

• Automatic locking: You can set your door to lock automatically after a certain time period. No more worrying about forgetting to lock up.
• Scheduling: You can set smart locks to close at whatever time you want and incorporate them into automated routines. For instance, you could have your system arm, door lock, and lights dim all together when going to bed
• App-based control: You can always check your smart lock's status in the home security app. You can even unlock or lock your door remotely.
• Activity updates: You’ll get alerts to your smartphone app any time somebody engages the lock, keeping you informed of who’s coming and going.
  

In addition, anybody who needs access to your home can be assigned their own code, so the same one isn't used repeatedly. You may also give or revoke access whenever you like. 

Open The Door To Advanced Home Security With Secure24 Alarm Systems

Smart locks are a great addition to your new security system in Charleston. Contact the ADT-authorized dealers at Secure24 Alarm Systems to build your full-featured protection today. Dial (304) 220-0469 today and get same-day and next-day installations in most locations.