A door access control system is one of the most important components of a building’s security infrastructure, helping to regulate and monitor who can enter your premises. However, simply installing an access control system is not enough. To ensure maximum security, it is essential to take steps to keep your system secure, up-to-date, and resistant to potential breaches. Here are some key tips to help you maintain and enhance the security of your door access control system.
1. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
One of the most effective ways to secure your access control system is by implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA requires users to provide two or more verification methods before gaining access. For example, in addition to a keycard or fob, users may need to input a PIN or scan their fingerprint. This adds an extra layer of protection, making it significantly more difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they manage to steal a keycard or know a password.
2. Regularly Update Software and Firmware
Keeping your access control system’s software and firmware up-to-date is crucial for security. Manufacturers frequently release updates that patch vulnerabilities, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Failing to apply these updates can leave your system vulnerable to hacking or malfunctions. Schedule regular software updates and check for patches that enhance the system’s security features. It is also advisable to enable automatic updates if your system supports them.
3. Perform Routine Audits and Access Reviews
Regular audits are essential to maintaining the integrity of your access control system. Conducting routine checks of your system’s activity logs and reviewing user permissions helps identify any irregularities or potential security breaches. Some things to focus on during these audits include:
Unusual Access Patterns: Look for abnormal access attempts, especially after business hours or in areas that shouldn’t be accessed frequently.
User Access Reviews: Regularly review who has access to various areas within the building and ensure that only authorized personnel have the right level of access. Remove access for former employees or contractors who no longer need it.
Expired Permissions: Ensure that temporary access granted to visitors, contractors, or new employees is promptly removed when it is no longer necessary.
These audits help identify vulnerabilities and ensure that no one has unauthorized access to secure areas.
4. Use Strong, Unique PINs and Passwords
If your access control system uses PIN codes or passwords, it is vital to enforce the use of strong, unique combinations. Weak or commonly used passwords, such as “1234” or “password,” are easy to guess and can be a significant security risk. To strengthen password and PIN security:
Enforce Complex Passwords: Ensure users create strong passwords that include a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Implement Password Expiry: Require users to update their passwords or PINs regularly to minimize the risk of compromised credentials.
Limit Password Reuse: Prevent users from reusing old passwords and PINs.
Two-Step PIN Process: Implement a two-step PIN process, such as requiring users to enter a different code after certain periods or for specific areas.
5. Disable Unused Access Points and Credentials
Inactive or unused access points can pose a security risk if not properly managed. Ensure that:
Unused Doors: If a door or access point is no longer needed, disable it in the system or remove it from the network entirely.
Inactive Credentials: Periodically review user credentials and remove access for employees, contractors, or visitors who no longer require it. Disable lost or stolen keycards or fobs immediately.
By eliminating these inactive access points and credentials, you reduce the likelihood of unauthorized individuals exploiting forgotten or unused access methods.
6. Monitor Access Logs Regularly
One of the most effective security measures for an access control system is actively monitoring access logs. These logs track who enters and exits specific doors or areas and at what time. Regularly reviewing these logs allows you to:
Spot Suspicious Activity: Identify any unauthorized access attempts or unusual patterns, such as access during off-hours or attempts to enter restricted areas.
Detect Tailgating: Tailgating occurs when an unauthorized person follows an authorized individual through an access-controlled door. Monitoring access logs can help identify instances where this may have occurred.
Ensure Compliance: For businesses that need to adhere to regulatory standards (such as HIPAA or GDPR), access logs can provide proof of compliance by showing controlled and restricted access to sensitive areas.
Some access control systems allow real-time monitoring and can send alerts if suspicious activity is detected, enabling swift action.
7. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
Using Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a best practice for managing user permissions in a secure and scalable way. With RBAC, access permissions are assigned based on the user’s role within the organization. This ensures that individuals only have access to the areas they need for their job function. Some advantages of RBAC include:
Reduced Risk: Limiting access based on roles minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive areas.
Simplified Management: With predefined roles, it’s easier to manage user access, especially when handling large groups of employees or contractors.
Easy Auditing: Since roles and access levels are clearly defined, it’s easier to audit and track who has access to which areas.
RBAC can be tailored to each department, job title, or individual employee, helping to maintain a strict security perimeter.
8. Ensure Physical Security of Access Control Devices
In addition to securing digital aspects of your access control system, it’s important to protect the physical components as well. Some best practices include:
Securing Control Panels: Ensure that control panels and controllers are housed in secure locations, such as locked server rooms or security offices, where unauthorized individuals cannot tamper with them.
Weatherproofing Outdoor Readers: If you have outdoor access readers, ensure they are protected from the elements and in secure enclosures to prevent damage or tampering.
Monitor High-Traffic Areas: Install security cameras near high-traffic access points to discourage unauthorized attempts and track individuals using the system.
By securing the physical components of your system, you reduce the risk of tampering or damage that could compromise access control.
9. Integrate with Other Security Systems
Enhance the overall security of your building by integrating your access control system with other security measures. Consider linking your system with:
Surveillance Cameras: Connect cameras to monitor access points and record activity when doors are accessed. This adds a layer of accountability and helps with post-incident investigations.
Alarms: Integrate alarms that trigger if an unauthorized access attempt is made or if a door is forced open.
Intrusion Detection Systems: If your system detects any attempts to bypass the access control (such as tampering with the reader or door), the intrusion detection system can alert security personnel immediately.
This integration provides a more comprehensive security strategy and ensures that no component of your system works in isolation.
10. Educate and Train Users
Lastly, security awareness is crucial for maintaining a strong access control system. Educate all users, including employees, contractors, and visitors, on best practices for system use and security protocols. Training should cover:
Credential Security: Instruct users on how to protect their keycards, fobs, and passwords. For example, emphasize that they should not share credentials with others or write down PINs in accessible places.
Reporting Suspicious Activity: Encourage users to report any suspicious behaviour or potential breaches immediately, such as seeing someone attempting to force a door open or trying to use someone else’s credentials.
Tailgating Awareness: Ensure users are aware of the dangers of tailgating and remind them to close doors behind them and not allow others to enter unless they have valid access credentials.
Educated users are the first line of defense in keeping your system secure.
Keeping your door access control system secure requires a combination of regular maintenance, technological updates, and user vigilance. By implementing multi-factor authentication, performing regular audits, ensuring strong credentials, and integrating with other security systems, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Taking proactive measures like updating software, monitoring logs, and educating users ensures that your access control system remains a robust and reliable part of your building’s security infrastructure.
