Best Practices for Securing Sensitive Areas with Access Control Systems

In today’s highly interconnected and digitally driven world, securing sensitive areas within your business or commercial property is crucial. Its implementation helps serve as one’s first line of defense against unauthorized use and access to restricted resources. Today, one excellent method for access security management is by using access control systems. They serve the purpose of restricting and monitoring access to physical and digital company resources. In this blog post, we will discuss best practices for securing business sensitive resources with access control systems. We will also briefly discuss their benefits and available access control system types today. By adhering to these best practices, we believe that organizations can enhance their security protocols and keep assets protected.

Like we said earlier, access control systems are primarily meant to restrict and monitor access. It is interesting to note that restricting access to business resources is a critical component of any comprehensive security strategy. However, it’s not just about keeping out unauthorized individuals; it’s also about creating a controlled environment where access is granted based on strict criteria that minimize risk.

At Access Security Solutions LLC, we will design, implement, and manage access control solutions for your company or business. From selection of the right technologies for your needs to its integration, we provide professional recommendations on how best to achieve your organization’s security goals. To get started with your project, or to receive a free, no-obligation quote, simply request a quote here.

Why use Access Control Systems for your Business?

Simply put, access control systems help provide precise control over and management of business assets. Besides this, they also provide several other benefits as listed below:

1. Enhanced Security: Access control systems bolster security by securing sensitive areas and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive assets and resources. By implementing access control measures, organizations can mitigate the risk of theft, vandalism, and unauthorized activities.
2. Protection of Assets and Information: Access control helps safeguard valuable assets, equipment, intellectual property, and confidential information from theft, tampering, or unauthorized use. By controlling and monitoring those who have access to critical resources, organizations can better protect themselves and their assets.
3. Risk Management: Access control plays a vital role in risk management primarily by minimizing security threats and vulnerabilities. Implementing access control measures can also help organizations identify potential security risks and mitigate them.
4. Security Monitoring and Auditing: A major benefit of access control systems in comparison to traditional access systems Is the ability to monitor and audit. Access control systems can monitor and identify access patterns, register time logs, access durations, etc. This audit trail could be an invaluable resource in identifying suspicious activity and investigating incidents effectively.
5. Visitor Management: Besides its typical tasks, access control systems can also manage provision of temporary access to visitors, guests, contractors, and vendors. This helps ensure that both visitors and staff are properly authorized and monitored while on-site.
6. Flexibility and Scalability: The final benefit on our list that access control systems provide is flexibility and scalability. These systems allow for the addition and removal of personnel, including scaling or downgrading of access permissions. This allows organizations to easily adapt to changing security requirements as needed.

Types of Access Control Systems

Access control systems employ various technologies to regulate and monitor access to physical spaces and digital resources. They are generally built on the security principles of what you know, what you have and what you are. In this section, we will briefly highlight available types before discussing access control best practices. Here are some of the most common types of access control systems available today:

1. Card-based Access Control Systems: Card-based access control systems, also known as proximity card systems, utilize proximity cards containing embedded credentials to grant access. These are usually powered by RFID, Bluetooth or magnetic stripes that a user can present to an electronic card reader. The reader then grants or denies access based on the encoded credentials. While this system grants most benefits of access control systems, its primary disadvantage is that it is transferrable and hence prone to theft.
2. Biometric Access Control Systems: Biometric access control systems use the unique physiological or behavioral characteristics of individuals for authentication. Common types of biometric access control systems include fingerprinting, iris scanning, facial recognition, palm geometry, and voice recognition. Biometric systems provide some of the highest levels of security and accuracy since biometric features are difficult to replicate.
3. Keypad and PIN Access Control Systems: Keypad access control systems require users to know and enter a numeric code or PIN to gain access. Users input their PIN into a keypad or touchscreen and if the entered code matches, access is granted. Keypad systems are simple, cost-effective, and suitable for low-security applications. However, they are also prone to break-ins.
4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Access Control Systems: Multi-factor authentication access control systems combine two or more authentication methods to enhance security. For example, an MFA system might require users to present a proximity card and PIN, or a fingerprint and passphrase. MFA systems provide added layers of security by requiring multiple proofs of identity. These tend to be used for the most high-end security requirements.

Best Practices for Securing Sensitive Areas with Access Control Systems

Securing sensitive areas requires a comprehensive approach that combines various security measures, policies, and practices. Here are some best practices for securing sensitive areas effectively:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): While it is true that access control systems are excellent standalone tools, when they are combined with other authentication methods, they produce even better results. So, an excellent access control best practice is to enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication for all sensitive areas. Like we said earlier, this typically includes a combination of authentication systems such as passwords, biometrics, smart cards, or one-time passcodes to successfully authenticate.
2. Access Control Policies: Another best practice for securing sensitive areas in your organization is to establish access control policies that define who can access sensitive areas, and under what circumstances. These policies should include procedures for granting, revoking, and managing access privileges. Regular reviews and updates to these policies are also strongly recommended to ensure that they align with evolving security requirements.
3. Integration with other Security Systems: Another access control best practice would be to integrate one’s access control system with other security systems to reinforce security. This could include using robust locks, security cameras, alarms, fencing, guards, and gates to deter unauthorized entry.
4. Regular Maintenance and Software Updates: Like all other electronic security equipment, access control systems also need regular maintenance checks and software updates. This should also include checks on access permissions, and software and firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and security flaws.

In conclusion, securing sensitive areas within an organization by implementing access control best practices is a necessity in today’s world. By adhering to these best practices, businesses can ensure that their most vulnerable assets are well-protected.

 At Access Security Solutions LLC, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art solutions and expert guidance to help your business. To get started with your business or home security project, contact us here, over the phone at 510-356-0083 or on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.