HID Global Shows off NFC Access Control Technology in Action at ISC West

With mobile technology becoming an important trend in the security industry, HID Global showcased its NFC access control technology in action during a lunch Thursday at ISC West.

"The mobile access industry is changing," said HID President and CEO Denis Hébert " There is a change from printers and encoders into virtual products that operate on trusted networks with mobile platforms."

And near field communication technology is helping to drive that change. There will be 30 million NFC-enabled cell phones sold in 2012, and that number will sell to 700 million in 2016.

Thanasis Molokotos, president and CEO of the Americas Division at ASSA ABLOY, said that NFC will help expand access control technology between the gap of an inexpensive mechanical lock and an access control system.

"Paradigm is allowing us to economically control more openings for a facility," Molokotos said. "There is a great expansion opportunity, especially in existing facilities where it is usually cost prohibitive to upgrade interior door security."

While showing off the technology in action, HID provided two real-world examples for NFC access control.

Along with allowing a homeowner to send a key to service personnel to enter without the homeowner being present, NFC can be used in a hotel setting.

"In a hotel, a guest can have key sent to phone and bypass front desk to check in," Hébert said. "That would be a big help especially the next time we all come to Las Vegas."

Hébert also focused on how safe and secure the technology is.

"Encryption is key part of NFC technology," he said. "Since NFC as originally designed for the financial industry, encryption is a key part of it."

About the Author

Brent Dirks is senior editor for Security Today and Campus Security Today magazines.

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