There are many reasons to improve an organisation’s access control infrastructure, writes John Fenske, pictured, of access control product company HID Global.
Reasons include adopting new technology, combating security threats, and enhancing value and convenience by combining multiple applications on smart cards or smart phones. To achieve these goals, organisations need a platform that can meet security requirements and enable them to preserve investments in the current infrastructure when it’s time to migrate to future capabilities. The migration process is less disruptive when executed with multi-technology smart cards and readers that use an extensible and adaptable platform. While organisations that are still using Weigand or another magnetic stripe access control technology may be tempted to upgrade to a low frequency system to improve security, this still leaves them vulnerable without delivering significant cost savings or an easy migration path. Instead, they should move to contactless high frequency smart cards that offer the highest level of security, convenience, and interoperability, with the adaptability to meet future requirements.
The latest smart cards use mutual authentication and cryptographic protection mechanisms with secret keys, and a secure messaging protocol delivered on a trust-based communication platform within a secure ecosystem of interoperable products. It also enables smart cards to be portable to smart phones so that organisations have the option to use smart cards, mobile devices, or both within their physical access control system (PACS). With this technology, organisations can achieve the highest possible security now, with the flexibility to adapt to requirements. There are many reasons why organisations need this:
1) To combine multiple applications onto a single solution. This includes the option to leverage the existing credential investment to seamlessly add secure network log-on capabilities for a multi-layered security solution across company networks, systems and facilities.
2) To add new applications.
3) To deploy new technology after a merger or acquisition, or the move to a new location.
4) To improve risk management because of insurance requirements or to decrease costs by reducing liabilities.
5) To meet new legislative or regulatory requirements.
6) To migrate cardholders to digital credentials carried in smartphones for a more hassle-free security experience.
In addition to achieving future-proofed cards and readers, organisations need to meet secure issuance requirements with an eye to tomorrow. Printers, card materials and software incorporate critical visual and logical technologies for multi-layered validation. Hardware choices include monochrome direct-to-card (DTC) solutions that combine quality, reliability and ease of use, as well as high definition printing (HDP) retransfer technology for contactless or contact smart cards. There are also high-throughput solutions that optimise performance and productivity. Making the right technology decisions will help organisations adapt to new requirements with the confidence that they will be able to preserve investments in their infrastructure.
About the writer
John Fenske is Vice President of Product Marketing, Identity and Access Management with HID Global. Visit http://www.hidglobal.com
