Throughout history, the need to control access to buildings has been a fundamental requirement. From ancient fortresses to modern office complexes, the concept of physical access control has remained crucial. In this article, we will dive into the world of physical access control systems (PACS) and explore their components in detail.
By the end, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of PACS and be equipped with the knowledge to select the most suitable system for your properties. So, let’s dive in.
Best Practices for Setting Up and Managing Access Control Systems
Access point
If you’ve got a place, you want to protect it, right? It could be an office, room, hospital, or even super-secret spy headquarters.
But your place needs to have an entrance point where you need to control who gets in. We call that the “access point.” It’s like the gatekeeper of your security, making sure only the right people can enter. Just think of it as the bouncer at the club’s door in town.
So, what are these access points? Well, they come in different shapes and sizes. You’ve got security gate systems, those fancy turnstiles you’ve probably seen at airports or stadiums. They all serve the same purpose: to keep unwanted folks out and let the authorized ones through.
Depending on the size and layout of your secure space, you might have just one access point or a bunch of them with conditional access. These access points are crucial for maintaining security and controlling who goes where. (1)
This is the first step in securing your place and is quite different from attribute-based access.
Personal credentials
Personal credentials are like your digital identity cards. They prove to the system that you can enter or access specific data.
Some physical access control examples of these marvelous credentials are fobs and key card entry systems. You’ve probably seen them in action before—those little cards or key fobs you simply swipe or tap to unlock doors. It’s a simple yet effective way to prove you can enter, like role-based access.
Next on the list, we have encrypted badges. These futuristic privileged access management badges contain embedded chips that store your unique credentials. Also, smartphones have become our trusted companions, and access control systems have caught up with the trend. Mobile credentials allow you to use your smartphone as a virtual key. You can unlock doors and prove your access rights with a simple tap or a digital signature.
Last but not least, there are old-fashioned PIN codes and passwords. They act as a secret code only you know, verifying your identity and granting you access. They are vital in telling the system who you are and whether you’re allowed entry according to the access control policies.
Readers and keypads
Stationed right at the access point, readers act as the gatekeepers, transmitting crucial data from your credentials to a central control panel. It’s like a digital messenger that carries your identity to the core of the security system for role-based access.
The traditional reader is where you simply present your credential, such as a key card or fob, for the reader to read and transmit the data. Keypads, however, require you to enter a unique Personal Identification Number (PIN), like a secret code, to authenticate your identity.
Then there are biometric readers. This controlling access has advanced technology that can recognize your distinct biological traits. Think of facial ID, where a quick scan of your face grants you access. Or consider retina scans, where the unique patterns of your eye open the gates, which is another role-based access control system. And let’s not forget fingerprint door locks, where a simple touch grants you access, provided it has access control lists with users. This leaves no room for doubt or impostors.
Control panels
The control panel is like the master conductor of the access management symphony. It receives the data transmitted from the reader stationed at the access point. It’s like a central hub that processes and verifies the credentials’ authenticity.
When the credential data arrives, it undergoes a rigorous examination. The control panel meticulously checks if the credentials are valid, ensuring they meet the necessary criteria for entry.
If the credential data is approved and passes the stringent tests, it swiftly transmits the authorization data to the access point.
But what happens if the credential data is not approved? Well, in that case, the control panel holds its ground. The user, unfortunately, will not be granted entry. (2)
How Do Rhodes Access Control Systems Help You?
When it comes to safeguarding your home or business, trust is paramount. And regarding trust, Rhodes Security Systems has earned its place as a reliable security partner in the greater Cleveland area. As one of the largest local security companies, we bring expertise and a commitment to excellence in every service we provide.
From installation to service and maintenance, Rhodes Security Systems offers a comprehensive range of top-quality solutions to meet your residential or commercial security needs.
Our dedicated team of experts understands the value of safety and protection.
We go above and beyond to ensure that your residential property, whether a house, apartment building, or gated community, is equipped with the highest access management solution. We offer tailored solutions for commercial and industrial businesses, prioritizing the safety of your assets, employees, and customers.
Contact us now!
People Also Ask
What are the physical entry controls?
Physical entry controls are the measures and mechanisms to regulate and restrict access to physical spaces. These controls include locks and keys, video surveillance, and barriers.
What are access control practices?
Access control practices encompass the strategies, policies, and procedures implemented to regulate and manage user access to systems, networks, and resources. These practices involve various security measures, such as authentication mechanisms, authorization processes, and user provisioning.
What are the three principles of access control?
The three principles of access control are identification, authentication, and authorization. These principles work together to establish secure access to systems and resources:
- Identification: This principle involves uniquely identifying users or entities seeking access. It can be achieved through usernames, employee IDs, or other identifiers that distinguish individuals.
- Authentication: Authentication verifies the identity of the user or entity requesting access. It typically involves providing credentials, such as passwords, biometric data, or security tokens, to validate the claimed identity.
- Authorization: Once the user’s identity is authenticated, authorization determines the permissions and privileges granted to that user. It specifies what resources, data, or functionalities users can access based on their role, responsibilities, or other criteria.
References:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point
- https://www.ibm.com/docs/ssw_ibm_i_71/rzal2/rzatmcpcomparison.htm