29 Sep How To Prevent Sabotage in Access Control?

Access control is one of the critical points of a security system in large industrial and commercial venues. We will talk about how to prevent sabotage in access controls, since it is currently one of the main problems of industries and one of the most important problems of security companies.

Before, we will do a small review to clarify what we understand by access control and what types of access controls we can find.

What is an access control and what is it for?

Access control can be understood in a broad sense. For example, passwords that allow access to a computer or email would be a form of access control. In our case, the definition that interests us is the one that connects with the control of access of people or vehicles to certain areas of an industrial facility, either so that those outside the company cannot enter, or so that they can only do so employees or previously authorized persons.

Through electronic or computer devices we can give or deny entry to a certain venue, and also know which people are present at a certain time.

Through keys, cards or biometric recognition, we can establish an access control system for industrial warehouse. With access control we can not only prevent access by unauthorized personnel, it can also serve as a time attendance control system, which allows us to comply with the legislation on the registration of working hours.

What types of access controls are there?

The access controls that we can find in an industrial facility can be classified into two large blocks:

Autonomous access controls

Autonomous access controls can use any electronic method used to open a door: keyboard, card or biometric recognition (fingerprint, facial), but they lack a registration and information storage system. They do not control the time of stay or the person who has accessed, it only serves as a kind of electronic key that allows access or not to the facilities, since they are not connected to a central computer that stores the information that can later be processed .

Networked access controls

In networked access controls we have a computer that centralizes and stores all the information about accesses and presences (entry and exit times, time spent, etc.). With a connected access system, we can use the same electronic equipment that we have seen previously (cards, keyboards, biometric), but when we access we leave a computer trail that can later be used for different purposes (control of time of attendance, attempted access undue).

Access control technologies

Each one with its pros and cons, the most used technologies currently are:

Keyboard access

By means of an alphanumeric keyboard, the door or gate is opened. The security level is medium-low, since it allows access to anyone who knows the password. If the system is connected, the dates and times of the accesses will be recorded.

RFID cards

Presence is controlled by a radio frequency system that recognizes the card. It is not necessary to pass it through any reader, since the system is able to recognize it if we carry it with us. This system is widely used in industrial plant entrances to allow the entry of trucks and other vehicles without having to get off.

Magnetic cards

These cards contain information on the magnetic stripe and are used to replace keys. If they are connected to a computer, they record the access information. The advantage it has is that they can be easily activated or deactivated, leaving those that do not interest us without service. It is a relatively easy and inexpensive system to install, and is widely used in hotels, hospitals, offices, etc. The disadvantage is that anyone who has the card in their possession can enter.

Fingerprint control

One of the most widely used biometric access control systems, fingerprint recognition is very reliable. It is used in maximum security facilities, such as laboratories.

Facial recognition

Facial recognition is another of the most widely used biometric access control systems. Its security is maximum and we can find it in critical facilities.

Remote controls

By pressing a button, the remote control emits a radio frequency signal that is picked up by a receiver that activates the opening of the gate or fence. It is mainly used for access to parking lots and garages.

Access control by temperature

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, temperature access controls consist of a device that, using rays, can remotely take the body temperature of people trying to access a room, activating an alarm if the temperature exceeds a certain limit. The idea is that people who have a fever do not enter, since this is one of the symptoms of a contagious disease.

How to prevent sabotage in access controls?

Access controls can be subjected to multiple sabotage attempts. Many of these sabotages come from employees who are not authorized to enter a specific space or because they are no longer employed and still have the keys or cards that allow access.

To avoid sabotage and unauthorized entry, it is necessary to follow a series of guidelines:

1. Use keyboards and maximum security readers that prevent them from being easily opened, accessing the lock opening wiring.
2. Use maximum security keys that use several numbers, letters and special characters that cannot be easily determined and that are modified periodically.
3. Use biometric recognition in the most sensitive areas and leave the rest of the control systems for the common areas.
4. Combine two or more access methods when we have to increase security (fingerprint and access code or card, for example).
5. Have an alarm system connected to a receiving center. When an attempted sabotage or improper access is detected, the alarm must be managed by a specialized company. The alarm receiving center is the keystone of a modern security system.
6. Use networked access control systems. This makes it easier to detect and control intrusions or improper access, since all the information will be centralized.
7. Strengthen our security system with alarms, detectors and video surveillance cameras that record possible sabotage.
8. Strict control of cards and access codes in circulation, thus avoiding having cards and other access systems that should no longer be in operation. This includes a periodic reset of cards and keys.

By following these guidelines, we can prevent sabotage at access controls. But the most important of all is that our company’s security system is designed in large premises installed by specialized security companies, where perimeter surveillance is essential.