Is your access control system leaving the door open for cyber attacks?

 

Older access control systems may work well enough to allow employees to badge in and out, but they can be vulnerable to cyber threats.

These criminals search for weaknesses in the system to gain access to facilities, surveillance systems, and sensitive data, which they can sell or use to exploit organisations. Upgrading to new and more secure access control solutions is crucial. These advanced systems feature encryption, strong authentication, and other features that protect against cyber attacks and malware.

By adopting a modern and unified approach to access control, your organisation becomes more resilient to cyber threats while also gaining additional benefits beyond simply securing doors.

Access control isn’t just for securing doors anymore
Organisations today are finding creative ways to use IP access control technology beyond traditional applications.

Here are a few examples:

1. Adding readers to restricted cabinets.
2. Monitoring heavily trafficked areas to enhance flow throughout a building.
3. Tracking cardholder activity to complement time and attendance reporting.

These clever access control applications come with big payoffs. Not only are organisations able to streamline operations, but they’re also getting more value from their existing investments.

Operations become simple when you can centrally manage all your cardholders and credentials, even between multiple independent systems. Unifying access control with video surveillance, intercom, and intrusion systems takes this one step further. This deep level of connectivity streamlines workflows compared to standalone systems.

Cybersecurity best practices for access control systems
Access control technology has undergone a huge transformation in recent years. This traditionally proprietary market has now shifted to a more open one. Customers are not always locked in with one provider, so companies are developing more innovative products and services. These new, more cyber-secure solutions feature end-to-end encryption and advanced authentication, and other features to defend against cyberattacks and malware.

To enhance the cybersecurity of your network, consider the following steps:

• Upgrade your system to address modern threats.
• Use secure and smart credentials and the latest communication protocols to protect data sent over the internet.
• Provide cybersecurity training to employees and prompt them to update their passwords regularly.
• Utilise an identity management system to ensure users only access relevant areas and data based on their role and current employment status.
• Create separate local networks for devices storing or sharing highly sensitive information, isolating them from the regular network.
• Select a security provider that demonstrates compliance with established security control frameworks.
• Ensure your access control system employs proven data encryption methods and multi-step authentication.
• Collaborate with a partner with a dedicated team monitoring cyber threats and regularly updating and patting software.

A unified approach to access control
A modern unified access control system that adheres to the latest cybersecurity standards will secure your communications, servers, and data. For instance, the Synergis access control system uses an open architecture that allows organisations to upgrade to the latest supported technology at their own pace and within their budget. Genetec Security Center is another example of an open-architecture platform that unifies various security components. It combines IP-based video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition, communications, and analytics. Genetec also offers cloud-based solutions and services to enhance security and operational intelligence for governments, enterprises, transportation, and communities.

For more information on the benefits of flexible IP-based systems, improved multi-site management, enhanced cybersecurity, and a higher return on investment, you can download the whitepaper.