Gone are the days of keycard swipes and manual lock changes. Modern enterprise-level facilities need more sophisticated, integrated access control solutions that adapt to emerging threats. Government agencies, in particular, have an immense responsibility to safeguard sensitive information and protect personnel. But with new threats emerging at record pace and security needs constantly evolving, how are access control systems keeping up?
Let’s examine a few top access control trends shaping the industry and discover how you can help future-proof your organization’s security infrastructure.
5 Access Control Trends You Need to Know About
Like many aspects of modern security, access control is dramatically shifting. You’ll want to know about these key trends to help your facility stay ahead of potential threats and ensure safety.
Cyber-Physical Security Integration
Traditionally, IT and physical security teams operated separately, but these lines are blurring. Today, it’s often beneficial for an organization to view its security needs holistically. Cyber-physical security integration means combining IT and physical security systems to create a comprehensive, unified approach to safety in the digital and physical realm. By working together, organizations can better detect and respond to threats.
For access control systems, this means integrating physical access points with digital identity verification and authorization systems. For example, an employee might use biometric verification to pass through a physical entry point as well as gain authorized access to an internal system. Comprehensive monitoring of access in the physical and digital realms can help security teams detect anomalies and potential threats.
Zero Trust Policies
Zero trust security models have become more common in cyber security in recent years. The model operates on a “never trust, always verify” approach to granting network access. Zero trust policies require users and devices to be continuously reauthorized, regardless of the network or location. Instead of presuming trustworthiness, zero-trust security looks at every access attempt and verifies it.
Expanding this approach to physical security, including access control systems, makes sense. Instead of granting blanket access past the first entry point, zero trust policies within access control might look like verifying the identity of every person at every access point, regardless of their location or previous authorization level. This kind of continuous risk assessment takes nothing for granted and could significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
Multi-Factor Identification
A single password or keycard used to be enough to access a physical location or online system, but increasingly sophisticated threats require increasingly sophisticated security. Multi-factor identification adds an extra layer of security by requiring multiple verification forms. It involves a combination of something you know (a password) with something you have (a keycard) or something you are (your biometric data).
There are various ways to introduce multi-factor identification in access control, such as requiring both a physical access card and a biometric scan or a PIN and authentication through a mobile device app. This multi-layered approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access if one form of verification is compromised.
AI-Human Security Partnerships
AI is popping up everywhere, and security is no exception. AI is playing an ever-increasing role in the security industry primarily because it can analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns and anomalies. With the help of AI, security teams can anticipate threats and respond proactively.
For access control, AI will be useful in helping security teams focus on specific events. It will play a more significant role in doing things like identifying unusual access times or unauthorized personnel in restricted areas. But AI is just a tool; it can’t replace human judgment. Human expertise will be needed to interpret AI alerts and make informed decisions.
Better User Experiences
It’s easy to assume that with all these new layers of security, access control is going to become more complicated. Almost counterintuitively, though, access controls are going to become more user-friendly. Prioritizing the user experience can improve overall security by encouraging users to be more compliant.
Users want systems that seamlessly integrate into daily life without compromising security, and manufacturers and tech companies are delivering. In the future, there will be less reliance on things like usernames and passwords, which are both inconvenient and easily compromised. Instead, you’ll see technology like blockchains, mobile credentials, and touchless access becoming more predominant.
Tips for Future-Proofing Your Access Control System
Access control isn’t a “set it and forget it” system. You must update your system to meet emerging security threats and stay up to date with technology. But that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to completely rip out your system and invest in new tech every few years. You can help future-proof your access control system by:
- Conducting regular assessments. These security assessments can help you identify potential weaknesses in your system and add updates or countermeasures.
- Embracing scalable solutions. Cloud-based access control is more flexible, scalable, and adaptable. Remote management can make your system more nimble, too.
- Creating a culture of security. Access control is just one part of your security system. Your internal team is often the strongest part. Promote awareness and emphasize the importance of protecting access by following security protocols.
Making your access control system as resilient and effective as possible can safeguard your facility and protect sensitive information for many years to come.
Is Your Access Control System Ready for What’s Coming Next?
Government facilities face increasingly complex and sophisticated threats to their security. To keep up with emerging threats, they must invest in comprehensive, adaptable security solutions. That means partnering with a trusted security provider who can offer expertise, support, and access to cutting-edge technology.
As a LenelS2 federal government value-added reseller, Ariel Secure Technologies specializes in cyber-physical security systems tailored to the unique needs of government facilities. Our expert team can conduct a thorough risk analysis of your current access control system, identify potential weaknesses, and tailor solutions to mitigate them.
By partnering with Ariel, you’ll gain access to the latest technology, best industry practices, and a partner who can help you safeguard your facility. Contact us today to learn more about our enterprise-level access control solutions.
