Magnetic stripe cards became the standard in enterprise access control in the 1980s, and then RFID cards became a primary means of secure access at the start of the millennium. However, these traditional methods can no longer safeguard high-security government intelligence facilities alone. The increasingly sophisticated threats these buildings face mean they need a more robust approach to access control.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a more comprehensive and secure solution for enterprise access control. It creates a multi-layered defense against unauthorized physical access. Learn more about MFA, how it works, and why you should explore implementing it with your other physical security solutions.
Why Your Building Access Needs Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is a security measure that requires users to provide two or more forms of verification before they can gain access to secure areas. By requiring more than one form of authentication, there are additional layers of protection that make it difficult for unauthorized individuals to gain entry.
There are three types of authentication factors:
- Something you know, such as a password or a PIN code.
- Something you have, such as a security key, smart card, or physical token.
- Something you are, meaning your biometric data, such as your fingerprints or iris scans.
Multi-factor authentication requires users to present two or more of these factors. It’s a system you’ll know well from cyber security and is becoming increasingly common in physical security.
The Benefits of MFA in Enterprise Access Control
The most obvious benefit of implementing MFA in your enterprise access control is improved security. MFA gives you a strong defense against unauthorized access, so you can reduce the risk of security incidents. Stealing or duplicating a keycard may be easy, but it’s a lot more difficult to copy an iris scan.
The security benefits are so comprehensive that many regulatory standards now mandate the use of MFA, especially when it comes to cyber security and protecting sensitive data. Implementing MFA can demonstrate an organization’s commitment to security, even if it isn’t required to do so.
But better security isn’t the only benefit. MFA could also help lower your operational costs and the expenses associated with securing your facility. MFA can reduce the need for physical security measures like fences, gates, and guards. It can also streamline access control, reducing wait times and the resources required to manage user accounts and permissions.
Your security system can be stronger, less expensive, and more convenient with MFA.
How to Implement MFA in Your Facility
You can use several methods to implement MFA enterprise access control in your facility. Your choice will depend on your security requirements, user needs, and budget. Some of the most common options include:
- Biometrics. Fingerprint, facial, or iris recognition
- Radio frequency identification (RFID). Cards or tags that emit a signal when scanned by an RFID reader
- Near-field communication (NFC). Contactless cards or devices that can communicate with a scanner over short distances
- Mobile credentials. Mobile apps can push one-time codes, or mobile phones can be used to hold credentials in the phone’s digital wallet
- Hardware tokens. Physical devices that generate unique codes
You can use any combination of these methods to create MFA access controls. For example, users might tap their NFC-enabled smartphone on a door scanner and then enter a one-time code generated by a mobile app. Or they might look into a camera for a face recognition scan before swiping their RFID card.
Working with a security expert can help you determine the right combination of factors for your facility, including what will work best with your existing security infrastructure.
Get Expert Guidance on Your Access Control Needs
Implementing MFA requires careful planning and expert guidance. Ariel Secure Technologies can help you assess security needs and develop a customized strategy. We’ll then help you select the right MFA factors based on your requirements and budget and integrate them with your existing system.
By partnering with Ariel, you gain expertise and support for creating a highly effective MFA solution for your enterprise access control system. Protect the assets in your facility by contacting our team today to schedule a consultation.