Access Control

The Changing Face of Access Control

Robust security systems include maintenance and monitoring

A small high-tech company wants stronger and more robust access control system to help protect trade secrets, but they don't want the responsibility of installing, monitoring and maintaining a system.

Another growing transportation company doesn't want to own or maintain the access servers but still wants to be able to control data entry, such as updating, adding and deleting employee information and ID badges.

Meanwhile, a financial services firm with a strong IT department and a wireless network wants to control all aspects of its access system.

These are examples of the three types of access control systems available to end users—managed services, hosted and traditional. Each has a place that is determined by the end user's specific needs and capabilities.

Here's a look at the advantages of each type of system.

Managed Access Control

This option makes sense for any size organization that needs access control—from a single-door to an enterprise system. The end user benefits from a system that requires no time commitment from its employees. A vendor provides the installation of all card readers, control panels and system servers, which reside offsite at the vendor's location. All data entry, such as the addition and deletion of employee identification badges, is managed by the vendor.

Vendors also provide monitoring and maintenance of the system and customized reports on a daily, weekly or monthly basis.

At a time when many organizations are choosing to outsource legal, payroll and other professional services, the outsourcing of access control makes sense. It lets an end user's organization focus on what it does best. Providers of managed services can generally supply an end user with a more robust access control system—most often at a lower cost.

Hosted Access Control

Much like the managed option, hosted access control involves a vendor providing an offsite server, along with the installation and maintenance of the control panel and card readers. But with hosted access co ntrol, the end user is responsible for data entry and access control application monitoring.

This access control option appeals to end users who don't want the responsibilities that come with system ownership but have the staff available for maintaining databases and monitoring the system for access control events and alarms.

Traditional Access Control

With a traditional access control system, end users purchase the control panel, readers, servers and software to operate and monitor the system and maintain the database. They may choose to service the system on their own or, more likely, sign a maintenance agreement with a system integrator.

None of these types of systems is the right choice in every situation. There are other factors that come into play—for example, the organization's IT department. The IT folks often carry significant weight with C-level executives and are known to be fiercely protective of their networks. Another major consideration is an organization's current, or legacy, system. A company may have already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on access control equipment and would not want to scrap it all for a new system.

New Additions to the Arsenal

Over the past few years, an organization's IT department has become increasingly involved in decisions regarding physical security. The main reason for this shift is most security functions now require a computer network to transmit data, either from a video surveillance or access control system. Video consumes a lot of network bandwidth, while the network space required to transmit data from an access system is relatively minor.

Still, the IT staff will want to know what is being sent across its network and be assured that it is safe from outside hackers. This is where the convergence of logical and physical security comes into play. Often, IT requires multiple authentications before gaining access to an office or the network. Previously, a username and password were acceptable. Now, IT may require another security layer, such as biometrics.

Fingerprint scanners are the most frequently used biometric devices. Although they have been around for years, recent improvements in the reliability of biometric devices, combined with lower costs, have driven heightened interest in, and increased spending on, biometric technologies.

Edge readers are devices that sit on the network at the location of an entry. These are not only readers but also controllers, which are great for use at smaller or remote locations. Faster computer processors and less expensive memory chips are the driving forces behind these devices.

Wireless readers are becoming very popular as they are perfect for use at remote sites or where cabling or drilling is difficult or impossible, such as in historic buildings.

Wireless, card-reading locksets allow for the installation of cylinder locks into file cabinets and desk drawers that may contain sensitive documents. The locksets are accessed by smart cards that can restrict who may open the drawers and when.

As for making the switch from legacy systems, access control equipment manufacturers are making transition readers that can read multiple card technologies.

These readers allow organizations to integrate new, modern equipment without having to completely replace an existing access system. The way we provide access control is changing rapidly. That change will only accelerate as technology evolves and the need for access control grows.

Featured

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

  • New Report Reveals Top Trends Transforming Access Controller Technology

    Mercury Security, a provider in access control hardware and open platform solutions, has published its Trends in Access Controllers Report, based on a survey of over 450 security professionals across North America and Europe. The findings highlight the controller’s vital role in a physical access control system (PACS), where the device not only enforces access policies but also connects with readers to verify user credentials—ranging from ID badges to biometrics and mobile identities. With 72% of respondents identifying the controller as a critical or important factor in PACS design, the report underscores how the choice of controller platform has become a strategic decision for today’s security leaders. Read Now

  • Overwhelming Majority of CISOs Anticipate Surge in Cyber Attacks Over the Next Three Years

    An overwhelming 98% of chief information security officers (CISOs) expect a surge in cyber attacks over the next three years as organizations face an increasingly complex and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven digital threat landscape. This is according to new research conducted among 300 CISOs, chief information officers (CIOs), and senior IT professionals by CSC1, the leading provider of enterprise-class domain and domain name system (DNS) security. Read Now

New Products

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.