Saturday, January 18, 2014
Can Access Control Systems Prevent Fraud In The Office?
By Kit Futter
An access control system is a technology that helps in controlling the entrance to a particular building, facility, or any secure area. Businesses and industries of all sorts have incorporated access control to make sure that only authorized people are able to access restricted areas. It is a good way of increasing not only the security of an area but also its privacy as well.
In the past, entry and exit points are secured with different types of physical locks, but the problem with these is that the keys used with them can easily be duplicated. By using digital access control technology, access can be granted via a terminal that accepts passwords, passphrases, or PIN. This eliminates the need to bring physical keys that are susceptible to getting lost.
A more advanced access control system makes use of biometrics, in which a specific part of a person is used as verification whether access will be granted or not. A biometric scanner can check the fingerprints or the retina of a person to verify authorization. Once identity has been verified, the access terminal will then release the electronic locks in the door or gate.
An access control system also helps to minimize the use of additional manpower for guarding entrance and exit points in buildings or facilities. It can also be used to track the work hours and activities of employees more accurately. The likelihood of fraud can significantly be minimized this way since there is less manual work involved.
The most common components of an access control system are the physical barrier, the access controller/reader, and the credentials. The physical barrier is very important because it is what actually secures the door or gate. Electronic locks are pretty much common these days, especially in hotels and banks. In bus or train terminals, turnstiles are a common feature in the entrance gates.
An access controller can be a stand-alone system in which all the important information and credentials are stored within the unit itself. Networked access controllers make use of a database system to verify the credentials of a person requesting access. Credentials can be a key card, password/passphrase, key fob, or a distinct personal feature such as a fingerprint or retina.
There are also some possible security risks that an access control system can encounter and one of them is tailgating. This is when an intruder follows authorized personnel in entering a restricted area. Other risks include door levering, lock spoofing, and hacking. It is important to take these risks into consideration and ensure that they are properly and timely addressed.
A good way of leveling up the security of your establishment or facility is by combining your access control system with an advanced surveillance system. This way you'll also be able to keep a close watch over all your operations and not have to worry about whether or not your personnel are doing their job properly or not. It's a critical area of internal control you should not overlook.
In the past, entry and exit points are secured with different types of physical locks, but the problem with these is that the keys used with them can easily be duplicated. By using digital access control technology, access can be granted via a terminal that accepts passwords, passphrases, or PIN. This eliminates the need to bring physical keys that are susceptible to getting lost.
A more advanced access control system makes use of biometrics, in which a specific part of a person is used as verification whether access will be granted or not. A biometric scanner can check the fingerprints or the retina of a person to verify authorization. Once identity has been verified, the access terminal will then release the electronic locks in the door or gate.
An access control system also helps to minimize the use of additional manpower for guarding entrance and exit points in buildings or facilities. It can also be used to track the work hours and activities of employees more accurately. The likelihood of fraud can significantly be minimized this way since there is less manual work involved.
The most common components of an access control system are the physical barrier, the access controller/reader, and the credentials. The physical barrier is very important because it is what actually secures the door or gate. Electronic locks are pretty much common these days, especially in hotels and banks. In bus or train terminals, turnstiles are a common feature in the entrance gates.
An access controller can be a stand-alone system in which all the important information and credentials are stored within the unit itself. Networked access controllers make use of a database system to verify the credentials of a person requesting access. Credentials can be a key card, password/passphrase, key fob, or a distinct personal feature such as a fingerprint or retina.
There are also some possible security risks that an access control system can encounter and one of them is tailgating. This is when an intruder follows authorized personnel in entering a restricted area. Other risks include door levering, lock spoofing, and hacking. It is important to take these risks into consideration and ensure that they are properly and timely addressed.
A good way of leveling up the security of your establishment or facility is by combining your access control system with an advanced surveillance system. This way you'll also be able to keep a close watch over all your operations and not have to worry about whether or not your personnel are doing their job properly or not. It's a critical area of internal control you should not overlook.
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