access controlAccess control is the selective restriction of entrance into a particular area.  Access control security systems are used all over the world.  The most common access control security systems are electronic and are connected to a central database which stores information from all individual units.  Whether you own a business or are the head of a university’s police department, access control is the most efficient and cost-effective approach to keeping assets, people, and property safe and secure.

Keycard Access Control

Many access control systems utilize magnetic key cards.  Typically, there is a pad on the wall or on the door handle which is programmed to allow access or to not allow access.  In order for access to be granted to a particular area or room, the appropriately programmed keycard must be used to unlock the door.  If an improper keycard is used, the door will remain locked.  This form of access control is common in hotels, businesses, and colleges/universities.

For many of the modern keycard systems, each attempted swipe to enter is recorded in the access control system database.  This provides the history of an entrance in order to determine which card was used at a particular time.  The only downfall is that keycards can be misplaced by authorized personnel, which increases the risk of a security breach by an unauthorized person who retrieved the keycard.

Code Access Control

Code access control security systems are commonly found in businesses, colleges/universities, and residences.  This is probably the method used for most garage doors and alarm systems.  Code access control requires that a numerical code be entered correctly within a designated period of time in order to allow entrance or access.  These codes range in length, but are most commonly between four and six digits.  The longer the code is, the greater the security.  It is important to change these numerical codes regularly in order to avoid the code being compromised by unauthorized personnel.

Fingerprint Access Control

There are not any two people in the world that have identical fingerprints.  This fact makes fingerprint access control one of the most secure forms of access control security systems.  These systems require that a fingerprint be electronically scanned and analyzed by the security system before entrance to an area or room can be granted.  The only way for unauthorized personnel to beat this method is to either bribe or force authorized personnel to open the door.  Having a trusted private security officer monitoring an area containing assets, people, and resources is the best way to ensure fingerprint access control systems are not compromised by unauthorized personnel.

Facial Recognition Access Control

As a more expensive option, one may purchase an access control security system equipped with facial recognition software.  In order to gain access to an area, one’s face must be scanned and analyzed by the computer, which will decide if the face is a match to grant access.  This system is the most secure because it takes a picture of the individual using it.  When utilized, this method is commonly combined with fingerprint access control security systems in order to maximize the access restriction.