Keycard Access
03
Jan

Access Control Tips

In this article, we will discuss the various different types of access control, measures and access control tips to secure your system and the benefits that it will bring to your organization.

What is Access Control?

Access Control is a critical component of data security that authenticates who can use and access company information or resources. Furthermore, access control can also be applied to limit physical access to property, buildings and rooms. For example, using employee keycard access to ensure an employee has the privileges to be able to enter a secured location.

What are the Access Control Types?

The primary types of access control include:

  • Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
  • Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
  • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
  • Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)
  • Rule-Based Access Control
  • Time-Based Access Control (TBAC)

Which access control model is considered the most secure?

Mandatory Access Control (MAC) model is the most secure access control model, because it employs strict enforcement of access policies that are centrally administered, so users cannot change or access permissions. Evidently, this particular model is mostly used in highly secure environments.

What is the most widely used access control method?

In contrast, the most commonly used method for access control is Role-Based (RBAC). Without a doubt, its flexibility and scalability allows for easy management of permissions. As a result, this type of approach enables organizations to authenticate personnel based on their roles and responsibilities. For example, a role for management would be created for keycard access, and all managers would be able to access the same secure room with their unique keycard.

Tips for Access Control

Use Multiple Access Roles and Levels – apply principle of least privilege

  • Use role based system
  • Role assignment
  • Role hierarchies
  • Separation of duties

Update & Remove previous employees in a timely manner

Don’t share keycards, passwords or codes

Integrate your system for full protection (alarm, fire, detection, surveillance)

Develop documentation on how the system should be used

Implement and use secure login

Security Awareness & Training for all employees

Change passwords/codes frequently (at least every 3 months)

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

Update your physical system every 10 years

Regularly do system audit to identify security vulnerabilities

Benefits of Actively Monitor your Access Control System

  • Anomaly Detection
  • Compliance Assurance
  • Security Enhancement
  • Building Trust

Invest in Identity and Access Management

  • Understand Identities
  • Managing Access
  • Single Sign-On
  • Privileged Access Management

Benefits include:

  • More Secure
  • Increases Productivity
  • Compliance
  • User Experience

Grant Temporary Privileges

  • Enhanced Security
  • Flexibile
  • Audibility
  • Efficiency

Multi-Layer Access Control System

  • Physical Layer
  • Network Layer
  • Application Layer
  • Data Layer

Benefits of Multi-Layer Access Control System

  • Improved Security
  • Resilience
  • Flexibility

If you require any additional information, or would like to discuss access control options for your business, click here to get into touch with our Security Consultants at Altris Security.