Access Control
What is Access Control?
We often talk about the importance of having extensive barriers and security measures in place to prevent unwanted users from stealing critical data from your networks. But what about your company’s physical offices and other access points? These physical locations are just as important to protect.
Access control is the process of granting or denying access to resources such as offices, storage areas and other business areas. It can be manual or automated.
By controlling entry to certain areas of a business environment – whether it is employees entering the building or visitors needing to access certain facilities – access control helps to ensure that only authorised personnel are allowed into certain areas and that data remains secure at all times.
Cloud-Based or Automated
Automated access requires the use of a card reader, a biometric scanner such as fingerprint recognition, voice recognition software, an access panel with a keypad entry option, etc.
Manual Access
Manual access control involves granting access to users by means of a key, access code, badge or other physical object.
What Challenges Can Access Control Solve?
Let’s take a look at some of the critical problems that many organisations face with unrestricted access and that can be solved with proper access control.
- Employees entering unnecessary areas: While not always a deliberate threat, employees entering secure offices can be a cause for concern. Access control restricts areas according to employee needs, ensuring that everyone has access to only those areas necessary for their work. This prevents security breaches and the accidental introduction of unwanted materials into restricted areas.
- Control visitor access: Restricting access to only those authorised to enter helps prevent unauthorised individuals from gaining access to restricted areas containing confidential data or hazardous materials.
- Maintain internal security: By granting access based on authorisation levels, access control also helps maintain internal security by ensuring that outsiders do not access – or worse, steal – areas containing confidential information.
How Does Access Control Work?
Access control functions in three different steps.
Authentication
The first step is to verify a user's access rights. Users must present valid credentials (such as their badge, access code or fingerprint), which are checked against an approved list before access is granted.
Authorization
This step determines whether the user can access a particular area. Access can be denied based on time and/or location.
Granting Access
After the authentication and authorisation steps, access is either granted or denied based on the user's access rights.
Products That Restrict or Manage Access
NET2
Features: A PC-based access control solution, Net2 software provides control of sites with up to 1,000 doors. With customised privileges and a simple user interface, this software is intuitive and easy to use, and the single-door architecture makes installation and maintenance simple.
Benefits include:
- Free upgrades
- Unlimited client workstations
- COVID secured sites
- Integrations available
- Usage reporting
Who would it be good for? The Net2 would be perfect for any organisation with many different access points in different locations, such as school districts or campuses.
PAXTON10
Features: Paxton10 puts security first. With video monitoring capabilities, this software makes it easy to take a more hands-on approach to building security. Accessible from any device with an Internet connection, Paxton10 software makes it easy to manage and monitor the security of your site.
Benefits include:
- Online user interface
- Remote access
- Customisable dashboards
- Free mobile apps
- System reporting
Who is it for? Great for mobile workers, managers who need access to multiple sites but are not always present, and business owners/facility managers who need both access control and video surveillance capabilities.
Level Up Physical Security
with Nogata LLC
Access control is important, and it shouldn’t be a one-time investment. Nogata LLC takes a holistic approach to security, meaning we invest in both cyber and physical security to provide our clients with the safest digital and physical environment possible. Nogata LLC provides expert access management and ongoing updates so you can be confident that your physical security system is up to date and working properly.
By working with us here at Nogata LLC, you can receive quality access control management services and ensure that all of your access points remain secure. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about how we can help protect your data and people!