Smart Home Security Versus… Spare Keys

How many spare front door keys do you own right now? One? Two, if you count the rusty one under the pot plant? No idea, because your kids keep losing them?

Spare keys aren't just irritating to keep track of, though. They're a security risk. Every key you give out decreases your control over who enters your home. With unlawful entry now accounting for one third of all burglaries, you should consider a smarter alternative.

What causes the problem?

Once a spare key is out of your hands, you can't stop it getting into the wrong hands. Even a trustworthy key holder, like your teen, can lose it. A dishonest key holder, meanwhile, could make a copy, return the original, and leave you none the wiser. And that ‘emergency' key you cleverly hid by the front door? It's easier to find than you think.

It's no wonder that smart homeowners are eliminating this weak link in their home's security for good.

How does smart home security safeguard you?

Our smart home security technology can replace your keys with advanced hardware and proactive cloud technology. With a smart lock integrated into your smart security system, you'll enjoy better access control without sacrificing any convenience.

Safeguard 1: No more keys!

A Control4 powered smart lock gives you many ways to unlock your door, none requiring a key. You can open the lock with your smartphone app, or as part of an automated Scene, activated from your driveway. You can also use the lock's keypad, which requires a four-digit user code.

These codes are easy to create and customise, and you can set up different codes for different people: your spouse; your kids; trusted visitors. Unlike a spare key, you can delete a user code: you can set a code to expire after a given date (useful for contractors) or you can delete it manually anytime.

Safeguard 2: Alerts give you awareness

User codes also help you keep track of who's opening your front door. When someone uses their code, Control4 logs the event and can also generate a real-time alert that appears on your phone.

You can set up an alert for every time the door is unlocked, or for specific users only, avoiding ‘alert overload'. As well as enhancing your security, it's a great way to keep tabs on important things like your kids arriving home safely after school.

Safeguard 3: Front door video verification

If you want to really see who's coming and going, we can install a video doorbell alongside your smart lock. With motion-triggered recording, can generate a video alert when the door is opened, or when a specific user enters their code.

It also has live video and two-way voice chat, letting you see and talk to whoever's at your door. If you prefer not to give a user code to a visitor, you can have them ring the doorbell instead, and let them in using the "unlock" icon on your app's video chat screen.

Want to know more?

With smart home technology, tamper resistant features and proactive safeguards, smart security technology is better than traditional security systems.

Get in touch with use on 0800 021 711 or drop us an email sales@smartinstallations.co.nz