Unsafe access cards? These are the alternatives!

A few weeks ago there was a public outrage about access control at government buildings and large companies. High-quality newspapers printed headlines about hackers being able to copy the access badges of police offices, hospitals and the VRT within a minute. Now that the panic has abated somewhat, we would like to explain how your enterprise or organisation can protect itself against this threat.

Electronic access control is everywhere

Electronic access control is very useful in certain professional environments. For example:

- Hospitals, where important areas should be closed off or only available to people with the right badge. 

- Large companies, which count on RFID cards to operate lifts and give access to certain offices.

- Government buildings and police, where sensitive documents should be stored safely behind (electronic) locks.

So it’s not a coincidence that large organisations use electronic access control. After all, this is one of the safest ways of securing the right doors – or not, apparently...

The access cards of a few years ago may look like the ones used today, but the technology in these new cards is much more advanced and is protected much better against hackers. Investing in upgrading your access control systems is a must to keep safe, and that’s often where the problem lies!

Outdated access control is easy to hack

The latest technology is much smarter and bigger than the standard RFID cards with magnet strips. These older cards are a beloved prey of hackers and burglars. It’s easy for them to copy these ‘low frequency cards’ with a device you can buy online.

The modern “standard cards” of 13.56 MHz are already much safer than the cards that our government services use for their access checks today. Still, it’s not the safest option out there. The RFID technology of these cards is evolving rapidly, so it becomes harder and harder to keep up with the latest solutions and to stay ahead of the hackers.

Better access control with smart cards

Finger print scanners, mobile access via smart phone, access codes, manual control, ... There are dozens of ways to secure your areas. Still, cards remain a perfect and safe method of access control as long as your current system is upgraded in time so that it continues to meet modern safety requirements!

We advise the following technologies:

MIFARE Classic

The 13.56 MHz is equipped with the MIFARE security technology. With serial number and sector reading, these cards are already a lot safer. These cards can’t be copied very easily, but they still don’t provide a 100% airtight solution.

MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2

The 13.56 MIFARE DESFire is the way to go if you want an extensive form of security for your building or room. The custom application reading forms an extra layer of protection against hackers.

iCLASS® Seos™

This is the best of the best when it comes to cryptography, and because of that, it’s almost impossible to copy or hack. iCLASS® Seos™ is the perfect technology for the security of extremely sensitive data or top secret rooms!

The road to safer access control

With these steps we can lift your current security to a higher level:

1. Checkup. Does your system have the latest upgrade? What are the costs of an upgrade? Is an upgrade enough to meet your demands?
    
2. Research. Which alternatives are available on the market? Which access control system meets your needs best?
    
3. Secure. Have your electronic access control system installed by an approved installer, so that you are sure to have secure access control!

You require secure access control?

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