Access Control 101- Everything you need to know

Access Control 101 – everything you need to know

What is access control security?

Access control is a method of security that restricts access to a place or resource by only allowing authorised members to access it. Physical access control restricts which personnel can enter a building or room, and computing access control restricts who can log onto a computer network.

Why is access control important?

Access control is important for the safety and security of a building’s staff and possessions. Access control systems prevent unauthorised personnel from entering a building or room, allowing quick and easy access to authorised personnel holding the correct ID or biometric input data.

What is the best access control system?

Cost-effective access control brands: Paxton. Pac ACT, to name but a few.

What is the meaning of access control?

Access control is a security system which restricts access to a place or resource to those with permission. Physical access control systems limit access to a building or room to authorised personnel only. Logical access control limits access to computer networks, files and data.

Why do we need access control?

Access control is needed to protect the overall safety of a building by preventing unauthorised entry, or to protect sensitive information by restricting access to a network resource. Access control security systems, both physical and logical, enhance security.

What is biometric access control?

Biometric access control is a security method by which a person is identified by their physical attributes, the most popular being fingerprints and iris. This allows ease of access without the need to carry an access control pass and prevents entry into a building by stolen passes.

What is door access control?

Door access control is an access control system which only allows entry to a restricted list of users with permission to enter a building via its doors. This secures a premise by preventing unauthorised entry, and protecting valuables and personnel in the property.

How do access cards work?

An access card works by sending an ID number via its internal chip to the antenna coil of the receiver. When held next to the electronic reader required for giving access, the encoded number is transmitted to the reader by radio frequency waves.

What is the main purpose of access control?

The main purpose of access control is to prevent unauthorised access to both physical and logical systems by only permitting selective access to authorised users. Physical access control protects the safety of personnel and possessions. Logical access control protects private and confidential information.

What is a door access system?

A door access system is an access control system which controls who can enter through a building door. Those who have permission to do so are given a key fob or access card, or have their biometric data authorised, which, when presented, unlocks the door.

How do access control systems work?

An access control system is an electronic system which works in a network. This network consists of readers which connect to a central point. Together, these controls determine who can enter a building, only allowing those with the authorised ID code to enter.

How does a key card work?

A key card works by storing data on itself, which is transmitted to the reader. If the card has an authorised ID number, the access control system will allow the user to enter the building by unlocking the door of the building.

Why do we need access control?

Physical access control is needed to prevent unauthorised entry into a premise, which protects the personnel and possessions of a building. Logical access control protects confidential information, which is only accessible by those with the correct login credentials.

What is vehicle access control?

Vehicle access control enables the efficient passage of authorised vehicles. A tag is installed into the vehicle, which is detected by the barrier, which subsequently allows the passage of the car by opening an access gate.

What is proximity access control?

Proximity access control is a method of security which involves the use of a reader and access card/fob. When held near the reader, a radio wave with an ID number is emitted. If the code is correct, the electronic door unlocks temporarily to allow access.

What is an automated access control system?

An automated Access control system will automatically restrict access to areas dependent on the credentials supplied by the user.

How to work a door access control system:

The door access control system works by having a card or biometric reader installed next to a door. The reader processes the data on the credentials. If this matches the data on the ACL, a request is sent to the server to unlock the door.

Why choose a door access control system?

A door access control system secures a premise from unwanted entry, keeping personnel and inventory safe, and reducing the risk of theft. The owner of the building or employer can also track the activity of those entering and leaving the premises.

What are access control devices?

Access control devices work as part of an access control system to secure a building by only admitting authorised personnel to enter. Examples of access control devices include: security barriers, entry phone systems, key fobs, card access, and biometric access readers.

What are access control technologies?

Access control is a method of security which limits access to a space by only allowing those with permission to enter. Examples of physical access control technologies include:

• • Entry phone,
  • Card access,
  • Key fobs
  • Barriers,
  • Bollards

What is an ANPR camera?

An Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera uses optical character recognition technology to read vehicle registration plates, allowing systems to monitor the movement and location of vehicles. These are commonly used in car parks to issue parking tickets, and on motorways for the issuing of speeding tickets.

What is ANPR technology?

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology is used to read vehicle plate numbers, from an ANPR camera installation. It can be used for many purposes, such as granting parking tickets in a car park or preventing crime by tracking vehicles.

What is ANPR parking?

Automatic Number Plate Recognition ANPR technology can be used by car park companies to issue car park tickets. The ANPR camera identifies the number plate of the car entering the car park. When the vehicle leaves, a ticket can be issued to charge according to the duration the vehicle has been parked for.

What is biometric authentication?

Biometric authentication is a method of security used in access control and identification. Biometrics are the measurements of human characteristics such as facial recognition, voice patterns, and iris recognition. If the individual’s biometric data matches that in the database, they will be granted entry into a building or passage through a barrier.

What is a biometric input?

A biometric input device measures the unique characteristics of a person (iris, hand, fingerprint).  The most common biometric input devices are computers and cameras. A biometric reader in access control is also an input device, which uses stored information to check if the person’s biometric data.

Why are biometrics used in security systems?

Biometrics are used in security systems to decrease the risk of unauthorised access, either from a stolen access hardware device (e.g. an access card or key fob) or ID. Biometric data is unique and therefore difficult to imitate. Examples of biometrics include: iris patterns, fingerprint patterns, and hand shape.

How much does a biometric fingerprint scanner cost?

From £150 to 1500, depending on the manufacturer and requirements.

How secure is biometrics?

Biometrics are more secure than passwords and cannot be as easily stolen as key fobs or access cards. There is always the possibility the database can be hacked, or that somebody’s finger print can be obtain from an imprint left somewhere.

What is a gate barrier system?

A gate barrier system is a security system comprising a gate which restricts vehicle users and pedestrians from freely accessing a place without presenting authentication of some type. Examples of barrier systems include vehicular gates, barriers and bollards.

How does an automatic boom barrier work?

An automatic boom barrier works by having the boom barrier bar or pole rise vertically to allow the passage of authorised vehicles to drive through. This either happens when a vehicle has been authorised to enter by ANPR technology or the vehicular user has printed off a parking ticket.

How does the turnstile access control system work?

Turnstile access control systems work by only allowing the access of one person at a time, allowing for one-way traffic only. The person walking through is only given access upon the presentation of the appropriate credentials, examples being biometric data, identity documents and access cards.

What are the disadvantages of turnstiles?

The disadvantage of a turnstile access control system is that it is easier for people to jump over or under turnstiles, therefore increasing the likelihood of unauthorised entry and decreasing security. Paddle gates are taller, and therefore could be an alternative.

What is iris recognition used for?

Iris recognition is a form of biometric identification using the iris patterns of a person’s eyes. This is commonly used in access control systems, used as a means of granting a user access to a premise provided that their biometric data is on the permissions list.

What is fingerprint biometrics?

Fingerprint biometrics is a method of biometric access control in which the person is recognised by their unique fingerprint data before being granted entry into a building or through a barrier. Other biometrics used in access control include hand shape, facial recognition, iris recognition, voice patterns and gait analysis.