Security Industry Believes Mobile Access Control Increases Vulnerability, Report Suggests

The vast majority (80%) of the security industry believes that the use of mobile devices in access control systems will increase the level of vulnerability to cyber attacks, a recent report from HID Global has found.

In The Access Control Report 2016: Legacy Infrastructure and Motivations for Upgrading, published in association with HID Global, 72% of respondents agreed that it is convenient to have identity data not only stored on a card but on multiple platforms (cards, keyfobs, mobile devices) to have more flexibility when new trends occur.

On the other hand, around 80% of industry representatives participating in the poll agreed that using smartphones, tablets or wearable tech to gain access increases an organisation’s vulnerability to cyber hacks.

55% agreed that using smartphones, tablets or wearable tech to gain access has little real operational benefit, while 44% agreed I expect staff to be resistant to, or unenthusiastic about, using their smartphones, tablets or wearable tech to gain access.

HID Global, on the other hand, has a different view on this matter. The report’s authors say that “Smartphones also enable the use of other communication channels like Bluetooth, which brings a new experience to end users. For example, they can now open doors and gates securely from longer distances. Mobile credentials also simplify credential provisioning as there is no need to print and program cards. A digital ID is sent to an employee’s mobile phone in seconds, wherever the employee is, and it can be revoked remotely.”

Tensor Access Control Systems support enhanced security and reliability via multi-factor authentication

Tensor plc is the No.1 British designer and manufacturer of smart card – based access control and time and attendance terminals. We supply top-quality, reliable and secure Access Control Systems that adhere to the latest industry standards and have numerous partners and distributors across the world.

You can control most standard types of internal/external electronic door releases and physical security devices such as barriers and turnstiles making full use of location points, whether in full view or hidden out of sight using multi-factor authentication solutions.

Operated by contactless smart cards, key fobs or biometrics, Tensor Access Control Systems give you full control over who is allowed access through any controlled point at any time of any day, placing it at the forefront of security solutions.

Tensor Access Control is modular in design, and has the advanced capability of being able to be adapted and extended to integrate with a time and attendance system seamlessly and without complication.

If you would like to find out more about the extensive range of access control solutions supplied by Tensor, just contact us or Book a Demo, we would be more than happy to answer all of your questions and queries.