Access control is one of the most important parts that needs to be considered in implementing a good security system.
Simply put, access control is a selective restriction of access (and in some cases, exits) into a space that could be both physical (such as a room in a building) or virtual (such as a folder in a computer).
The main objective of implementing access control is to increase security by ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to those spaces. In this context, permission to access such spaces is called “authorization”.
Though it might sound a little complicated, simple examples of access control implementations are found everywhere in our daily life. Things that’s very likely you have done, or at the very least, seen.
For example, locking the door to your house means that you have restricted access to your house for anyone other than yourself or anyone that doesn’t have your authorization (though in this case, anyone that has the key to your house is practically “authorized” to enter. A limitation of only using keys and locks in implementing access control that will be discussed further in this article).
Another example is using a password for your phone, that limits access to anything inside your phone for anyone without the password.
But those two examples are simple examples of access control implementation in a more private space. How about the implementation of access control in a more public space. Where there are lots of people with different kinds of authorization(s) to different kinds of places within the space.
This article will specifically discuss the implementation of access control in the physical space.
Physical Access Control
In the field of physical security, the objective of access control implementation is to restrict access to a physical space (such as office building, train station, etc.) only to people that have the authority.
Furthermore, these authorized people could only access these spaces through an established entry point. These entry points could be in the form of doors, turnstiles, or other things that are encircled by a wall or fence to avoid circumventing.
So, how does physical access control work?
How Physical Access Control Work
As previously mentioned, the simplest way of implementing access control is the use of keys and locks. The use of keys and locks ensure the authorization of entry to a particular space through the established access point is only given to the person with the keys.
But this is where the problem starts. By using only keys and locks practically means anyone with the keys is “authorized” to access anything it opens.
Keys can’t “tell” who’s holding it or trying to open its lock. For example, people who’s not actually authorized to open a door to your office room can still access it if they have the key. On the contrary, you, the one that have the actual authorization to access your office room, can’t access it if you don’t have the key.
Keys are easily lost, broken, and even duplicated. Using only keys and locks needs a further key management that’s time consuming to ensure the correct implementation of access control. Hance, creating additional burden in securing your facilities.
This is where technology comes in. The advancement of technology in security devices answers the limitations of using keys and locks to implement access control by using electronic devices. Hence, this method is better known as electronic access control.
Electronic Access Control
Unlike keys and locks, electronic access control needs to identify the person who’s trying to access a particular access point.
Instead of a key, every person that’s authorized to access the access point holds their own key. Commonly in the form of an access card. This access card stored their personal information that needed to be given for them to be granted access.
This information is given through a reader that was placed near the access point. In turn, this reader then forwards the information to a controller that checks it within a created database.
If the information in the key card matches the information in the database, then access is granted, and the person can enter through the access point. But if it doesn’t match, then obviously the person will not be granted access.
Whatever the results are, any attempt to access an access point using electronic devices will then be noted in the form of log.
But doesn’t that mean electronic access control is just a “fancier” version of keys and locks.
The answer is yes and no.
While it is true that anyone who has the key card could access that access point, using electronic access control enables you to have additional security measures. A process known as two-factor authentication.
A two-factor authentication needs additional information of the key card holders for them to be granted access. Information that only the key card holder should know or have, such as:
Without having this additional information, the key card holder won’t be granted access to that access point.
If that’s not enough reason for you to consider using electronic access control. Here are some other reasons that might change your mind
Advantages of Using Electronic Access Control
Using electronic access control enables you to easily set up pre-determined parameters of every individual in an access control system. This will give you a lot more control on:
That you could change or update whenever you think is required.
Furthermore, by being noted in the form of log makes it easier for you to monitor any attempt of access. So, if any security incidents happened, you will easily determine whoever is involved in that incident.
Using electronic access control is by far the more effective and efficient way in implementing access control. Increasing the security of your facility.
Increasing Your Company’s Security and Efficiency with Nawakara
In Nawakara, we believe that everyone needs to feel safe. Having that peace of mind in doing their everyday activities. Access control is one of the elements in crime prevention through environmental design to increase your facility safety.
Crime prevention through environmental design itself is a part of our Integrated Security Solutions.
As a company that can offer you an integrated security solution, we will ensure that your access control system will work together with other security elements that are tailored to your security needs.
With the newest electronic security devices, we will also ensure that your access control system will work effectively.
Overall, increasing your company’s security and efficiency.
For further information, feel free to contact us through this link.
