HID Director of Technology Michael L Davis, writing in India Safe - India’s leading security magazine - has some useful points for security managers to bear in mind when installing a new access control system:
· The most secure card reader is a contactless smart card reader with manual authentication, the least is a CSN or “universal” card reader, which should not be used.
· Install the security systems wires in conduits. This makes it more difficult for perpetrators to locate the correct conduit or access the wires, increasing the chance of detection.
· Securely and permanently connect wiring to outside readers by soldering and covering connections with shrink wrap tubing.
· Secure readers and security components with security screws which require special tools to remove. Failed attacks will result in damage around the screws, check for this periodically.
· Ensure card readers have a tamper-detect mechanism, ideally this will also detect tampering with connecting wires.
· In sensitive locations CCTV should monitor both the reader and the door.
· Some readers are able to send “health” or “I’m alive” signals periodically upstream. Set them to occur faster than it would take to install a rogue device, ideally at one second intervals.
· Converge physical and logical access control systems to enable “geographical” monitoring, whereby a card user cannot gain access to one location whilst registered present at another. This can also ensure users can only access computers at a site after registering at a specified perimeter reader.
· Use biometric information in conjunction with card readers at high security sites. For example hand-held biometric fobs which only release RFID card data after a biometric authentication process has taken place.
· Use a proprietary format for cards which cannot be easily obtained illegally, preferably one that is site specific.
The full article can be accessed by clicking here.
Access Control is one of the core security management subjects covered in the forthcoming university-accredited Security Management Stage 1 Course, 31 March – 11 April. The course may be used as one of six modules that constitute a work-based studies MSc in conjunction with Middlesex University. Contact Janet for details.
