A recent survey conducted by the security company Brivo found that 60% of respondents with electronic access control systems are still using standard key fobs and access cards.
Unfortunately, standard access cards and key fobs are easy to duplicate. For $10-$30 dollars you can buy a card duplicator on eBay that will copy most standard 125khz access cards in seconds. The surveillance information company IPVM recently tested one of these devices and showed exactly how quick and easy it is. This issue arises no matter what access platform you use—if the cards or fobs are standard, they aren’t difficult to compromise.
S0 how should you secure your building? One thing you can do is change to a different format card or key fob. Many options have encryption built right into the card. But this solution has its drawbacks because it’s more expensive and has limited range. If you go this route, be sure to make the cards printable so they also act as identification. Also keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for new readers and cards.
A better option for most properties is to change the readers to a two-factor authentication, also known as a card and pin system. Not only is this one of the most secure options, but it’s more cost efficient, too. It requires the card bearer to have the card and know their pin, which meets most government requirements. There are other formats and options available, but they vary in reliability and can be prohibitively expensive.
These days, standard key fobs and access cards might not be enough to protect your property. Finding the right access control solution for your business will depend on your budget and the level of security you require. We recommend working with an experienced, trusted security partner like Hoosier Security to help ensure your company chooses the right solution. If you’d like to learn more about all the different access control options we can design and install, be sure to contact us today.
