When it comes to securing your organization’s physical assets, access control systems are highly efficient. But, when was the last time you updated them? Here are six reasons why you should update your access control security, plus and a few tips on how to get started.
1. Employee Turnover – Access Control
If you have already established an off-boarding protocol for departing staff, then you are far ahead of many small to mid-size businesses. It’s estimated that as many as 90-percent of former employees left businesses with a working login and password. Since many employees have committed logins and passwords to memory, it is up to the employer to establish policies such as password resets and account access limitations.
In the case of access control systems, lack of off-boarding security protocols may mean employees exit the company with door access control codes written on old post-its or committed to memory. If your organization does not have an off-boarding security policy for network control access, door access control or role based access control, then it is wise to establish one.
The best access systems require strategic security protocols that include timelines regarding when access should terminate. In addition, a specific department should be tasked with ensuring that passcodes are reset, card access control systems are tracked and network access control log-ins are deactivated.
2. Business Expansion – Access Control
Most small and mid-size businesses have plans to expand. Whether that means moving into new cyber territory or leasing the building next door, a shift in both physical and virtual borders requires a thorough security review. Additional access control security may be needed for doorways, suites or inventory storage areas. This could include the need for multiple card access control systems.
While door access control is typically found on outer doors, as small businesses expand it is necessary to incorporate internal door access control for storage areas, conference rooms, and IT suites.
A video intercom system may need to cover additional zones, or a supplemental video intercom system may need to be implemented to serve areas beyond those covered in pre-established locations. While there are many video intercom systems available for self-installation, working with a professional security company ensures that defacto passwords are switched from factory settings and video storage mechanisms, such as back-up servers are password protected, or even kept off-site on a separate network.
For businesses expanding beyond their state borders, the best access control systems are managed by security provider with locations in all areas of your business’ operations. This ensures continuity of service while still providing locally based expertise. For instance, a video intercom system in California has to withstand shakes and quakes, while one in Southern Texas must be able to tolerate humidity and heat.
3. Technological Advancements – Access Control
IoT, or the internet of things, has opened a whole host of security concerns. Introducing third-party devices into an unprotected network can cause anything from a data breach to a network slow-down. The best access systems include network access control features that shut down access to unrecognized third-party devices. The best access systems also include logs that track which devices log into specific network areas. This type of network access control helps supervisors and managers track when specific programs are accessed, identify the employee that accessed it and even monitor the location from which the employee accessed the program.
Logistics and shipping organizations will find network access control useful, as will any organization that relies on secure communication with field agents.
4. Security Improvements – Access Control
SMBs often struggle to keep up with new tech’s security demands. They may have card access control systems, but require controllers with software enabled features. Without an IT department, they rely on service providers. But those providers may not be able to respond promptly in an emergent situation, such as a malware attack or phishing scheme. Instead, viruses and other malware can linger in servers and work their way into a network where the damage might take months to notice.
Role based access control is essential to protect companies from slow-moving threats. If an unknown actor has gained access to essential programs or even hardware, improved tech security will notice, flag and report the breach.
5. Communication and Integration
Access control security depends on maglocks and levers, but those locks and levers are integrated with a soWhen a non-authorized party enters an access controlled site, be it virtual or physical, flags are raised. These flags trigger a response that can include remote access control security measures. Controllers with software integrate with an organization’s off-site servers. Integration kits are used to communicate between software and established access points. Security professionals can adjust to real-time situations by remotely disabling door access controls to facilitate evacuations. These same controls can also lock down areas as needed.
It’s not surprising that malicious actors have caught up with advancements in access control technology. A thorough audit of your organization’s current access control system settings, to include video intercom systems, role based access control settings, as well as network and door access is essential.
