Securing a government facility takes more than a heavy door lock and a security guard. Door access control systems are crucial in protecting sensitive assets, safeguarding personnel, and ensuring operational continuity.
However, selecting the right door access control system involves more than just choosing a system at a local big-box store. Decision-makers must ensure that the system complies with government security standards, integrates seamlessly with existing security systems, and can meet long-term needs.
Let’s walk through what modern government facilities should look for in a door access control system and some key factors in getting it right.
What Modern Door Access Control Systems Must Deliver
Government-level security demands access control that is smarter, stronger, and more adaptable than ever. The chosen system must offer:
Interoperability
A door access control system must integrate seamlessly with a facility’s security infrastructure, including video surveillance systems, intrusion detection devices, and emergency response protocols. The integration will ensure that data flows seamlessly between each system, allowing real-time threats to be detected and responded to without delay.
Secure Authentication
In high-security environments, mobile and Bluetooth credentials are typically prohibited. There are too many security concerns and potential vulnerabilities. Instead, secure authentication can be achieved through methods like PIN codes, smart cards, biometrics, or a combination of these. The goal is to verify identities in a way that meets the latest compliance standards.
Fail-Safes
Access control systems can’t fail. They must continue to function during power outages or cyberattacks. Redundant systems, battery backups, and strong failover protocols ensure that if part of the system is compromised, the facility’s security remains intact.
Future-Ready Design
Compliance standards, such as FIPS and NIST, evolve constantly. Door access control systems have to allow for software updates and eventual hardware upgrades and do so without requiring complete system overhauls. Scalability ensures the facility can grow or adapt without having to start its security infrastructure from scratch.
Common Pitfalls in Choosing Access Control Section
Access control is a critical part of a facility’s security, but missteps still commonly occur when choosing a system, particularly in the public sector procurement process. Contract offices often manage procurement but may lack technical security expertise, resulting in RFPs that prioritize cost savings over security effectiveness.
Without engaging in in-depth conversations with end-users (the people responsible for using and maintaining the systems), procurement decisions can inadvertently prioritize budget over operational integrity. It’s a well-intentioned but flawed approach that often results in the selection of underperforming, non-compliant systems that fail to meet critical needs.
There is also a temptation to purchase commercially available solutions, which often don’t meet stringent government security standards and may lack long-term support. Regulations such as FIPS, NIST, and FedRAMP outline specific requirements. When non-compliant technology is chosen, facilities expose themselves to increased legal risks and vulnerabilities.
Ultimately, these choices can end up costing the facility more in corrective actions and system replacements down the line.
Connecting Physical and Cyber Security
Access control systems help control physical access to a facility, but it’s just as essential to control cyber access to the device itself. Each badge reader, controller, and server must be hardened against cyber threats, as attackers can exploit outdated equipment lacking current firmware to gain unauthorized access.
Lifecycle matters, too. As systems age and compliance standards evolve, regular software patches and hardware upgrades become more essential. Without planning for the system’s lifecycle, facilities can find themselves vulnerable and at risk of failing regulatory requirements. Forward-thinking security partners like Ariel will design systems with upgrade paths in mind so facilities stay protected over time.
Choosing Between Card-Based, Biometric, and MFA Systems
Which type of door access control system a facility chooses should be based on the level of security required by the space. Some of the options include:
- Card-based access: Smart card systems can be a reliable and easily scalable choice for general facility access. The system must support updated encryption standards to prevent credentials from being cloned.
- Biometric systems: Sensitive spaces often require biometric authentication, such as facial recognition or fingerprint scanning.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): For high-risk environments, combining authentication methods creates the strongest defense against unauthorized entry. Ariel installed such a system for a lab handling nuclear materials, installing a multi-layered solution that required a card swipe, PIN entry, and facial scan for maximum security.
Security specialists at Ariel work closely with facility leaders to guide access control selection, taking into account factors such as regulatory requirements, threat levels, and budget. Our recommendations are always based on practical security needs, not sales quotas.
Build Secure Access Systems that Last with Ariel
Choosing the right door access control system is only half the battle. Partnering with a trusted security integrator ensures the system operates correctly, remains compliant, and is resilient to emerging threats for years to come.
With over 30 years of experience installing, testing, and maintaining access control systems at U.S. government facilities, Ariel brings unmatched technical knowledge to the job. We offer long-term thinking, steering clients away from short-sighted technology decisions that could become costly mistakes. We prioritize technology from stable, proven manufacturers with strong customer support and pride ourselves on being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, delivering efficient and secure solutions that balance cost and long-term value.
Contact Ariel today to learn how we can help you design and install an access control system that meets your highest security needs.
Please contact:
Al Perez
575-524-6860