What Do You Need to Consider Before Implementing Different Types of Access Control?

1) Size of the Organization or Business

The needs of a multinational corporation with locations that span the globe will differ from a mid-sized business headquartered in Toronto. By the same token, the needs of an office building will differ from that of a daycare or a retail store.

Comprehensive access control systems will consider every facet of the access control process. Do you have just a few employees in your office who need to be able to get in each morning and lock up at the end of the day? Or do you have multiple teams on multiple floors, each with its own level of security clearance?

Another issue can be how your system handles visitors.

While offices might have a few limited visitors who can easily be scheduled, facilities like daycares or nursing homes have regular visitors, but still need access control to protect inhabitants and employees, and to direct people to the appropriate areas of the facility for visitation purposes.

2) Most Important Functions of the Access Control System

An access control system must provide the features and functionalities you need the most, while having the ability to remove the functions that are less important. In other words flexible and functional.

Source: Logixx

For some organizations, protection of intellectual property, digital access, and sensitive information is key, while other companies require a focus on physical access, like daycares or assisted living facilities.

At Logixx, we look at which features are most important, and make recommendations on how to maximize those functions, while scaling back on items that are less essential to your operations, saving you implementation time and costs.

3) Availability of Technology

A good security system has multiple layers, ensuring that access control systems have backup processes in place in the case of any potential failures. We always seek out ways to make your system even more secure.

One way we do that is by discussing the ability to give your access control system its own network. While it is possible to use an existing network in your business, separating your security system from other IT functions can be prudent.

It isolates security functions, ensuring they remain operational even if your business suffers any kind of digital disruption. These types of innovative solutions can work for any business.

4) Mobility and Access Control

Mobile devices have become multipurpose devices. In the physical security world particularly facility access control, they are a useful tool. Access control systems can be remotely controlled via iOS devices, tablets, and Android phones. This feature alone is a convenient time saving asset to anyone that uses and or controls such access systems.

An outdated type of access control system leaves your facility constantly vulnerable to intrusion, both physical and digital. Whether you’re implementing one of these systems for the first time, or replacing an old system, there are many new types to choose from.

Protecting Your Business With the Power of Access Control

Commercial property crime and commercial burglary have risen significantly over the past few years. According to the FBI, over 60% of the total crimes reported in 2020 were property-related. Three in four retailers said they saw a rise in organized retail crime in the same year.

Cargo theft increased over 8 million dollars in 2021 in the US and Canada, leaving businesses facing devastating inventory losses. The Covid-19 pandemic has been a huge contributing factor to these rising crime rates, as financial hardships and unavailability of supplies led to more theft and burglary.

Cyber crime has also risen aggressively year after year, and is now one of the most profitable “industries” in the world, accounting for trillions of dollars lost annually. It is every bit as important to defend your facility’s online assets as its physical resources. You need a cutting-edge technology security solution.

Access control is one of the most important ways you can protect your business both in the real world and the digital space.

What Type of Access Control System Do I Need?

Access control software has changed dramatically over the past decade, as new technologies have emerged and improved. This software enables greater flexibility and customization than ever before, enabling facilities to restrict access based on any aspect they require.

Each system requires the administrator to use some type of access control list—simply a pre-set list of rules which are used to grant or deny access. Access control lists may be changed at any time, creating a high level of flexibility. Updates may be made when new employees are hired, job roles are expanded or cut, or a facility’s physical structure is modified.

There are a few basic types of systems for protection of online assets and data, as well as physical facilities. Let’s examine each type of access control system.

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC is a type of control that restricts access based on each user’s identity. You can decide exactly who will gain access to specific data, based on any rules you implement.

This type of access control is often granted through means such as a username and password. Each user may have distinct limitations, such as the ability to only read a document or only edit it. This access system enables the administrator assigning permissions to have a very detailed level of control over each employee’s access.

Role Based Access Control (RBAC)

Role based access is not limited to a specific person, but is instead determined by a specific job title. Anyone who holds that position therefore has access to the information necessary to perform their role.

RBAC systems are ideal for companies where multiple team members need access to the same data, or when a position is shared by more than one employee.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC offers the most strict level of access. Each user is assigned to a different security level, and each digital object (such as files) is also assigned a security level. Users then only have access to their own security level or lower.

MAC offers strict permissions and ensures confidentiality when necessary. It is often used in governmental organizations or other environments where employees have very different levels of clearance.

Other Types of Access Control

In addition to systems designed to protect digital sensitive information, there are also types of access control systems for restricting access to physical locations and assets in a facility.

Physical Access Control (PAC)

PAC systems are designed for organizations that require physical barriers in place for staff and/or visitors. Facilities such as military bases, assisted living, office buildings, hospitals and schools often use this access control type.

PAC measures may include keycard entry points, locks and alarms, biometric identifiers such as fingerprint scans.

Rule-Based Access Control (RuBAC)

Instead of being specific to an individual, RuBAC may apply to a large group of users. It is an access control method which offers facilities a high level of flexibility, as the rules for access may change at predetermined times.

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A good example of RuBAC can be found in a facility which may only grant access to its employees at certain times of day. Employees may have access to a building or computer system from 9-5, then be restricted access after hours.

Although it offers greater flexibility than other access control models, RuBAC requires more hands-on work by the system administrator. Rules are often updated and changed frequently, so the setup process can be time-consuming.

Cloud-Based Access Control

Some types of access control allow for much more flexible options when it comes to controlling who enters and leaves your premises. For example, cloud-based systems offer remote management and easy updating, while still providing strong security.

Cloud technology is still developing, and may not be as reliable or secure as on-premise systems. The popularity of these systems, however, is on the rise, due to their flexibility and convenience.

Trustworthy, Dependable Access Control

Software House is a major player in the access control and facility management arena.  Software House solutions include the innovative C•CURE 9000 security and event management system and the C•CURE 800/8000 access control solution, including a range of complementary hardware products.

With an open architecture and integration platform, Software House C•CURE solutions allows customers to integrate seamlessly with critical security and business applications giving users full control through a single user interface.

Source: Logixx

C•CURE Go Mobile App

C•CURE Go is a full-featured access control app for mobile devices for C•CURE 9000 security and event management system.

The app is compatible with iOS devices including the iPhone, iPad, iPad Air, iPad Mini, and Android phones and tablets. C•CURE Go enables the user to quickly search, create, or update personal records while away from an administration station. The user can add or remove clearances and deactivate cards on the go quickly and easily saving valuable time.

With C•CURE Go, monitor C•CURE 9000 system activity and lock/unlock doors with a touch of a button. Easily navigate C•CURE 9000 to a specific date and time for forensic investigation anytime, anywhere.

C•CURE Go provides a highly secure connection to C•CURE 9000 over WiFi, and 3G or 4G. This complimentary application can be downloaded from the iTunes App Store and Google Play.

Need an Access Control System That Covers Everything?

Logixx Security offers best-in-class systems for each type of access control. Whether your facility requires digital protection or physical security, we’ve got you covered. Our access control systems are fully customizable to the demands of your business space, from retail to warehousing.

• CCTV and video surveillance
• Integrated electronic security systems
• Card access control
• Advanced biometric systems
• Monitored and managed services
• Keyless entry systems
• Single control system
• Virtual guard tours
• IT integration with your current infrastructure

If your facility needs a physical presence, we also provide highly trained security operatives, private investigators, security audits and consulting, K9 detection and much more.

To create an ironclad security solution for your facility, contact our team today.

Featured Image Source: Pexels