Older Legacy Access Control Systems Leave Door Open to Cyberattacks

  • Jun 22, 2021

“Legacy access control systems use outdated technology that leaves them vulnerable to cyber threats, and can cause damage beyond the door,” cautions Thibault Louvet, director - Access Control Product Group at Genetec Inc.

With the average cost of a data breach being $3.9* million in damages, it’s never been more important for organizations to be educated on the risks associated with legacy systems and the advantages that a new cyber-secure access solution can offer.

Access Control Systems (ACS) are a powerful infrastructure tool that tend to be overlooked as a potential vector for cyber-attacks. In the past, they existed primarily to open and close doors but are increasingly used by businesses and government organizations to implement access rules, analyze building usage, and monitor for aberrant behavior and access requests within their facilities. As access control systems tend to be connected to an organization’s network, if a cybercriminal breaches a legacy ACS, not only can they open and close doors without permission, but they can also gain control over any other system that is connected to the network.

Once a network has been breached, all data becomes vulnerable, including sensitive information stored internally. Threat actors often look to move around a breached network to search for information that will generate the most financial gain. This usually leads them to valuable data like personal information about employees or customers, or an organization’s private financial data.

“Many organizations are holding on to access control systems that date back to more than 15 years,” says Louvet. “Although they are aware of the drawbacks of such a system, the thought of change is a daunting one for fear of costs, disruption of business, and the inability to take on more work. This results in them pouring more money and time into an old system that simply can’t keep up.”

Thankfully, the access control market is undergoing a huge transformation. Traditionally a proprietary market, it has now shifted to a more open one, providing customers with choices that better meet their unique needs. New, more cyber-secure solutions featuring end-to-end encryption and advanced authentication are now available, allowing end-users to do more with their system while protecting them from cyberattacks and malware.

A unified access control system that uses the latest cybersecurity standards to secure communication, servers, and data such as Genetec Security Center Synergis™ can not only better protect an organization’s assets and people but help them improve their business operations and decision making that go beyond locking and unlocking doors. By choosing an open architecture IP-based access control system, organizations have the power to upgrade to the latest supported technology at any time, move at their own pace, and work within their available budget.

*Source: Report from IBM and the Ponemon Institute.

Featured

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.