A Quick Guide To Badge Entry Systems: How Do They Work?

Employees, inventory, and property can be secured and accessed through keycard entry systems. A few examples include corporate offices, healthcare facilities, retailers, fitness centers, warehouses, and more. Controlling, restricting, and managing unauthorized entry can also be accomplished with this technology, which can also be used to monitor employee activities and sign-in/out times, eliminate lost or stolen keys, and operate on energy-saving technologies. They provide a variety of advantages with regard to costs, security, and operations, similar to what you might find in a hotel room or other areas requiring personalized entry points. Badge Entry Systems: How Do They Work? An electronic device can read swipe, magnetic, or ID cards attached to special key cards or key fobs. The magstripe or chip on the keycard reads the card when an employee swipes, taps, or inserts it, granting access based on a unique code. The card reader quickly unlocks the specified door or entryway after accepting the authorized access credential. The keycards are also responsible for controlling, restricting, and monitoring hallways, elevators, stairwells, and other specialized areas via internal software. The badge entry system provides comprehensive facility surveys, assessments, personalized strategies, and solutions when implementing access control systems. A compliance measure includes meeting all fire codes and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations. Besides installing, these professionals test and train before activating, ensuring everything works properly. Keycard entry systems have several advantages Access levels can be personalized by keycard technology, safety audits can be conducted, employee activity logs can be managed, and smart technologies and energy efficiency controls can be implemented. Aside from being efficient and easy to use, these devices facilitate internal and external security measures. A lost or stolen key, for example, is one of the most time-consuming and cumbersome challenges. The card can also be wiped and deprogrammed if an employee's keycard is not returned upon resignation or termination. Placement of access points is also important. Keycards should be easily scanned or swiped for indoor use by employees or guests. It is essential to ensure readers are built and mounted to withstand extreme weather and other harsh conditions when placing them outdoors. A keycard entry system will provide peace of mind regarding the safety and security of your employees, inventory, and property at your commercial facility. As well as keeping intruders and unescorted guests out of specified areas, such as hotels, fitness centers, and private facilities that are restricted to members, these devices ensure privacy and security. A keycard access system can also implement a lockdown during emergencies in areas such as warehouses, parking lots, and garages that pose a constant threat of theft, vandalism, and intruders. Access control types for Badge entry system Several heavily regulated agencies and organizations use keycards to maintain specific employee access levels. It is possible for companies to be responsible for sensitive files and confidential information, including law firms, accounting firms, technology companies, and many others. A high level of security clearance and authorization might also be required for these types of settings. In addition, biometric readers, retinal scanners, and facial recognition may be utilized. Temporary employees, contractors, clients, and other non-employees can access the system on different levels. An example would be a short-term project crew or service and delivery personnel. Keycard readers can be divided into the following types: Radio Frequency Identification Cards (RFID) An RFID keycard or keyfob transmits authentication and authorization signals via user identity, which is the most commonly used type within commercial spaces. It is important not to confuse these with NFC (near-field communication) cards that use RFID technology to transmit and receive information instantly over short distances. Smart Cards The ID software on smart cards is more sophisticated than that of RFID cards, which use RFID technology. In high clearance areas, such as banks, governments, and military agencies, smart cards can read data from long distances because of their advanced encryption and mutual authentication. Proximity Cards In areas where authorization levels are low, proximity cards are suitable. The RFID technology used in these cards, also called prox cards, is used for access control. However, they may be less secure and encrypted than other options, making them a less expensive alternative. Wiegand Cards These were developed with a Wiegand sensor and a specialized communication system named after American inventor John Wiegand. As a result of their strong encryption and security, these are also used for access control by organizations. Despite Wiegand cards still being in use, more modern RFID technologies have replaced them in a big way. Magnetic Stripe Cards Similar to debit or credit cards, they transmit data using magnetic readers. In addition to transferring data sets, the reverse side of this card has a black "stripe" that reveals the cardholder's credentials. It is still possible to alter these cards easily or inadvertently, even though they are considered to be higher security than the aforementioned Wiegand cards. Maintaining Activity Monitoring & Management A keycard technology feature is the ability to keep track of employee activity in real-time. If additional information is needed for an internal personnel issue or investigation, this can be helpful. As a security technology, keycards can assist law enforcement by detecting potential insider threats when combined with closed-circuit television cameras and video analytics. Safety audits should be conducted on trackable keycard systems. It is possible to view specific timestamps and locations based on your reader's type and systems integrations, ensuring that employees are adhering to work hours and lunch breaks. Integrated keycard entry systems may also be used to monitor and measure occupancy and people counts as well as crowd control via business activity analytics. Benefits and Integrations of Smart Technologies Integrated keycards can be used in conjunction with a building's existing security management system and smart features. It is easy to program your system through a mobile app when you aren't on-site when you work with a service provider. You can automate lights, thermostats, locks, doorbell cameras, security, and other aspects of your commercial property with smart settings and real-time alerts. In addition to controlling and monitoring interior temperatures and appliance safety, this is especially helpful for industries receiving and accepting deliveries. Keycard Configuration & Activation Keycards are unique to each user, unlike traditional keys. In the event that it is lost, stolen, or an employee leaves a company, it can be deactivated or wiped. Changing locks and keys will never be an issue, nor will unauthorized copies be distributed. If an employee forgets or refuses to release their keycard upon leaving, it may be helpful to have this feature in place. Eliminate duplication The mitigation of possible duplicate badge numbers is another advantage of a global badge entry system. You cannot have duplicate badge numbers when your company uses a single access control system across all buildings and regions. When employees travel, they don't have to create new badge numbers. This avoids confusion and time lost. The employee of another building will need to obtain a completely new badge number if their badge number is accidentally the same as one of the employees at the other location. By assigning a completely new badge number, your system administrator will have to effectively onboard a current employee instead of simply adding building access to one badge number. A global badge system reduces administration time and eliminates confusion between badge numbers that are duplicated. Conclusion Due to the fact that badge entry systems combine identification and credentials, they are popular among residential, commercial, and industrial properties. With badge systems, you can easily replace traditional locks and keys with modern key cards and key fobs. Although the system has some shortcomings, it still relies on a finicky, easily lost, and damage-prone ID card credential. Physical credentials are no longer required with today's smartphone-based access control systems. Tenants have access to their buildings without compromising security with a mobile access control system.

Best Office Wear Outfits To Look Stylish And Professional

It is necessary to look and feel confident at your workplace, and the right choice of outfit will ensure just that. Working professionals don't have time—or often inclination—to think about what they'll wear daily. There was a time when saying you had "nothing to wear" was a bit of an exaggeration, but in recent years it has become more of a common complaint. Your wardrobe probably wasn't completely bare; you probably just didn't feel like getting dressed. We don't pass judgment, so please don't feel bad. Working women probably have several work staples they put on every single day. However, there are often basics like tailored trousers, white shirts, and colored blouses with accents like cardigans and neck scarves that allow them to add variety while keeping it simple. What are the experts saying? According to a poll conducted in February by LinkedIn, 47% of women and non-binary people who work full-time in the United States are looking forward to dressing professionally again, and 37% of those people are now in the process of purchasing a new work wardrobe. Here's the good news: in 2022, you won't have to choose between comfort and style when it comes to what you wear to the job. Continue reading on for some great advice on how to dress for work, whether you're a fresher to the workforce or just want to step up your game. 1. Try different colors Color is what makes the world go round. In fashion, it is what makes things interesting and unique. However, when you go to work, you'll notice that hardly anyone wears bright colors. People don't want to stand out in the office environment. However, be naturally confident, you can wear color without being too self-conscious about it. Darker hues, including navy blue and grey, might help you achieve a more subdued appearance. The colors you wear might also be necessary, depending on your profession. For example, if you work in a field where you must wear a uniform, try selecting a color that you feel most confident in. Nail polish, rings, and other accessories can be used to add color to an otherwise neutral outfit. If you have tattoos, consider wearing clothing that can cover them up at work. And, finally, if you're trying to impress clients or colleagues, you may want to choose a suit or other pieces you wouldn't wear every day. 2. Pair black with white Whether you're wearing a pantsuit or a dress, you can make an outfit more attractive with this classic color combination. It works exceptionally well with patterns because black and white are the base colors of most designs. Mixing and matching black and white together allows you to create outfits that look even more stylish than they would have if they were just one color. Black and white are also great colors to use in the fall because they go with everything. Another wardrobe office staple is black jeans, a white t-shirt, and a black blazer. Black and white clothing can be worn year-round, but it's beneficial during the fall. This can be done with several pieces such as tights, shirts, and blouses. You can also do it with accessories like belts, shoes, and bags. Using these two colors together will help you create a lot of different outfits while still keeping things simple. You can carry this look on a casual office day like on Fridays. 3. Invest in quality fabrics and well-made items The timeless black blazer is always a safe bet. It is a wardrobe staple that will get you through any occasion. A black blazer will always look sleek and professional. However, the quality of the blazer will make a huge difference. Make sure you invest in a blazer of excellent quality. If you can, buy one that is made out of wool. This is a fabric that is appropriate for any season, and it is also incredibly versatile. From formal to casual, a black blazer can be worn to fit any setting! Black is also a slimming color, making you look more put together and professional. As black is a neutral shade, you can easily pair a black blazer with various colors and patterns. You can mix and match from a solid shirt to an Oxford pattern easily. Black is very versatile, and you can wear it year-round. Where possible, it's best to invest in a black blazer rather than a suit jacket. 4. Statement Pants There's no rule that says office attire has to be uninteresting. Wear a tailored pair of pants with a quirky design to work to inject your individuality. You can decide if you want to dress this up with a jacket, trench coat, or cardigan over a tank top for a meeting of the whole staff or dress it down with great pair of shoes for a casual Friday. 5. Keep your basics in the office If you have a few work staples, such as a black pencil skirt and a white blouse, keep them in your desk or locker at work. This will allow you to change your look without having to leave the building and spend any money. You can easily make a new outfit out of these items by simply adding a new piece of jewelry or scarf. This also allows you to change your outfit whenever you feel like it without worrying too much about impressing your boss. 6. Show some skin If you'd rather not expose too much flesh, don't worry. However, if you're feeling insecure about your outfit and want to feel more confident, adding a little skin can help. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to bear your midriff or anything. You can simply add a cardigan or blazer that shows off your shoulders. This little touch will help make you feel more confident in your outfit and will also make you look more professional. 7. The little black dress A black dress is a staple for a reason and is a perfect addition to your office wear outfits. Black is a versatile color that may be worn as a dress or as a tunic with one of your favorite pairs of jeans or leggings. Black is a timeless hue that never goes out of style. The upkeep and sanitization are child's play as well. A little black dress is an excellent addition to any office wear wardrobe. 8. Mix and match your prints If you like wearing patterns and prints, don't be afraid to mix and match them. However, ensure you match them correctly and don't get them too matchy-matchy. If you have three pieces of patterned clothing, you can create three completely different outfits by pairing them with other items. This also helps you avoid looking like you're wearing your pajamas to the office. 9. Jumpsuits To be frank, many times, we don't have time to ponder (much less plan your clothes), and a fine jumpsuit is one of the greatest alternatives for those situations. You can make a bold fashion statement with minimal effort by just adding a belt or a pair of heels to this versatile garment. 10. Stylish pants, blouse, and flats During Zoom meetings, we were welcomed dressed formally from the waist up while being casual on the bottom; this may be adapted for our return to the workplace. Back at the office? Ease into business casual with a blouse that makes a statement. It's that little something extra you've been wanting, and it rounds out an excellent getup for a night out on the town after work. Wrapping up If you're a regular person wondering, "What should I wear to the office in a post-pandemic world?" while staring blankly into an open closet, you're not alone. Do not feel isolated. Eventually, you want to ensure that you put your best foot forward when you go to work. You also want to ensure you are comfortable in your work clothes. Remember that you are an individual and must dress for your personality. Consequently, if you feel confident and comfortable in your outfit, that is all that matters. Make sure you are not afraid to experiment and try something new when picking out your outfits. If you are not confident in your outfit, try to change something about it until you feel comfortable and like yourself again. Continue reading our blog on WomenWire.com for more information and updates on fashion, travel, beauty, entertainment, and more.

What You Should Do After a Burglary: The Right Steps

A burglary is a traumatic event for anyone that experiences it. It can leave you feeling unsafe in your own home and throw your life into a tailspin. However, after the initial shock and panic wear off, there are things you can do to help yourself recover from this invidious crime and regain some control over your life again. You may feel like the world is crashing down on you after a burglary. Your home might feel like a stranger now that someone has broken into it and stolen your possessions. You might even fear going back there now that burglars know exactly where to find you again. All of these anxieties are natural after such an ordeal, but the sooner you take action, the faster you’ll be able to regain control of your life once again. If you’re feeling anxious, don’t be shy about seeking professional help. Talking to a counselor or therapist can be an incredibly helpful way to process your feelings and come to a deeper understanding of what’s going on inside of you. If you’re feeling depressed, don’t be afraid to seek out medication. Many people have negative thoughts when they’re depressed, but talking to a counselor won’t help if you have clinical levels of anxiety. Change the locks One of the first things you should do after a burglary is to change the locks on your home. If the thieves used a key to gain entry, you’ll need to change the locks immediately to prevent them from simply breaking in again. If you think the door might have been left unlocked, check to make sure all the windows have secure latches and that valuables are out of sight. It’s also important to secure your valuables when you’re away from home. Leaving a laptop or expensive jewelry out in the open is an open invitation to thieves. Installing a security system is one of the best ways to protect your home from thieves. Even if you have a security system, it’s a good idea to keep an emergency kit in case someone breaks in. This kit should include things like a first aid kit, water, nonperishable food, flashlights, and a phone that doesn’t require electricity. If the thieves used a crowbar to pry their way in, you’ll still want to change the locks as they may have left marks or scratches on the door that could help police identify how they broke in. Where possible, opt for high-security locks, such as those with a double cylinder pin system. Make sure you check your state and local laws before getting new locks installed since some of them may require a permit. Report the burglary to the police Another important step to take after a burglary is to report the incident to the police. Even if there are no witnesses and they don’t expect to find the burglar, it will help you feel as though you’re doing something constructive to fight against crime after the burglary. When you report the burglary to the police, you’ll have to fill out an incident report. Make sure to keep a copy of this report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to receive compensation for the stolen property. The police can also issue a receipt for the items that you do decide to have returned, which is another helpful piece of evidence. Additionally, you can request that the police collect a DNA sample from the stolen property as well. These reports are often the first thing investigators look at when they’re trying to solve a crime, so it’s extremely important to get it right. Make sure to include as many details as possible, such as the exact time of the incident, a description of the burglar(s), the make and model of any vehicles they left in the driveway, and any other information you can recall about the incident. Take photos of your belongings and check for the insurance deductible After a burglary, it’s common to feel like there’s nothing left to salvage in your home. However, you should still take photos of all of your items before they’re thrown away so you can prove what was stolen in the event of an insurance claim. Taking photos will also allow you to visually see that these items were stolen, even though they’re no longer in your home. Depending on the value of your stolen items, you may be able to claim a deductible reduction. Many insurers reduce the deductible if you have home security devices installed, like alarms or surveillance systems. Make sure to check your policy before you get these devices installed, though, as many insurers will only reduce the deductible if you have a certain level of coverage. Make sure to keep a copy of this report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to receive compensation for the stolen property. The police can also issue a receipt for the items that you do decide to have returned, which is another helpful piece of evidence. Additionally, you can request that the police collect a DNA sample from the stolen property as well. Exit interviews and home security measures If you were robbed by a stranger, you might be asked to attend an “exit interview” with investigators. This interview is a recorded conversation where you talk about the details of the burglary and what you know about the burglar. You’ll be asked to recount your daily routine and where you keep your valuables, which may seem strange and invasive, but investigators must know this information. You may also be asked to change the habits you have in your daily routine, such as closing and locking your windows and doors. Even if you keep them locked up, they’re still in plain sight and could be easily visible to anyone who ever stops by your home. It’s best to keep any valuables out of sight, especially if they’re small enough to fit in someone’s hands. This way, they’re less likely to be stolen. There are also some ways to protect your valuables even if they’re out in the open. For example, you can put them in a locked case. A locked case is easier to see than a small box, but it’s also much harder to open. You can also place them in a remote location like a safe or a vault. Make sure to keep a copy of this report, as it is a crucial piece of evidence if you decide to receive compensation for the stolen property. The police can also issue a receipt for the items that you do decide to have returned, which is another helpful piece of evidence. Additionally, you can request that the police collect a DNA sample from the stolen property as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for help After you’ve taken all of these steps, it may feel like there’s nothing left to do. However, there are a few things you can do to help yourself recover from the burglary and start to feel like you’re in control again. If you have any support networks in your life, such as friends and family, now would be the time to utilize them. After a burglary is not the time to shut out all human contact — you need people in your life who can help you through this difficult time. If you don’t have any support networks, don’t be afraid to go out and make some new connections. You can join a grief support group or even just go out and meet new people. Conclusion Finally, after you’ve taken all of these steps, don’t be surprised if you feel a little bit depressed. Burglary is an extremely traumatic event, and it can take a long time to recover from it. The best way to speed up the process and reduce the level of trauma is to find the person who did it and get justice. Finding justice will often take much longer than you would like, especially if you live in a country that has a slow legal system. In the meantime, however, there are things that you can do to reduce the level of stress and trauma that you experience from the burglary. Be patient with yourself, and know that it’s okay to feel what you’re feeling. Keep in mind that these steps won’t work for everyone. Everyone experiences a burglary differently, and there is no “right” way to handle it. Take care of yourself during this difficult time, and know that you deserve to take as much time as you need to heal.

Best Pet Cameras of 2024 To Keep An Eye On Your Furry Friend

Pet cameras are the latest trend in the pet surveillance market. They offer a convenient way to check on your pet when youre not at home, ensuring they are safe and happy while youre away. These cameras can alert you if your pet gets stuck, begins to roam out of the safe area, or shows other signs of distress through motion-activated alerts. Here we have listed some of the best pet cameras in different price ranges for you to make the right choice. What to look for in a pet camera?There are many pet cameras on the market today. However, not all are created equal. There are a few key features to consider when purchasing a pet camera. Pet camera connectivity - Some pet cameras only work with specific hardware or cloud services, while others offer connectivity with multiple devices. This can allow you to check in on your pet no matter where you are. Picture quality - Pet cameras use a wide range of sensors and lenses, depending on their functionality. A high-quality camera will be able to take clear photos and videos, even in low light. Motion sensors - Motion sensors, especially those that are infrared, are important for indoor pets. Sensors can be used to alert you when your pet leaves a safe zone, like an indoor pet who goes under the bed or an outdoor pet who wanders past a certain barrier. They can also be used to notify you if your pet gets trapped in a certain area, like behind a couch or in a tight spot. Pet sound/voice activation - Pet sound or voice activation can be triggered when your pet barks or makes a noise while you are away. This can be helpful if your pet is anxious or lonely. Pet Cube : Best Wireless Camera for PetsThe Pet Cube is a great pet camera for indoor pets. It features a wide-angle lens that captures high-quality video, even in low light. It comes with a night vision mode that extends the range of the camera from 8 feet to 16 feet in a very dark room. This camera has a motion sensor that detects and alerts you when your pet leaves a certain safe zone, like under the bed or behind a couch. It can also alert you if your pet gets stuck in a certain area. The Pet Cube has a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your pet and let them know you are coming back home. It has a free app that works on both Android and iOS devices. Petzi Co : Best Voice-controlled Camera for PetsThe Petzi Co. is the best voice-controlled camera for pets. It features a wide-angle lens that captures high-quality video. It has a night vision mode that extends the range of the camera from 8 feet to 16 feet in a very dark room. This camera has a motion sensor that detects and alerts you when your pet leaves a certain safe zone, like under the bed or behind a couch. It can also alert you if your pet gets trapped in a certain area. It has an audio function where you can record a sound and play it to your pet while you are away. The Petzi Co. has a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your pet and let them know you are coming back home. It has a free app that works on both Android and iOS devices. Petzi Plus : Best Motion-activated Camera for PetsThe Petzi Plus is the best motion-activated camera for pets. It features a wide-angle lens that captures high-quality video. It has a night vision mode that extends the range of the camera from 8 feet to 16 feet in a very dark room. The Petzi Plus has a motion sensor that detects and alerts you when your pet leaves a certain safe zone, like under the bed or behind a couch. It can also alert you if your pet gets trapped in a certain area. It has an audio function where you can record a sound and play it to your pet while you are away. The Petzi Plus has a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your pet and let them know you are coming back home. It has a free app that works on both Android and iOS devices. Furbo : Best Smart camera for PetsThe Furbo is a great smart pet camera for pets. It features a wide-angle lens that captures high-quality video in a dark room. It has a night vision mode that extends the range of the camera from 8 feet to 16 feet in a very dark room. The Furbo has a motion sensor that detects and alerts you when your pet leaves a certain safe zone, like under the bed or behind a couch. It can also alert you if your pet gets trapped in a certain area. It has an audio function where you can record a sound and play it to your pet while you are away. The Furbo has a built-in microphone and speaker that allows you to talk to your pet and let them know when you are coming back home. It has a free app that works on both Android and iOS devices. ConclusionWhether you have an indoor cat that likes to sneak out under the door, an outdoor dog that might get into trouble, or a nervous fish who needs assurance that nothing is going to come out of nowhere and eat himthere is a camera for every pet. Pet cameras capture those special moments when your pet is mischievous, grumpy, or sleepy. Which one are you planning to get?

Best Practices for Securing Your Access Control Software

Security breaches have infiltrated nearly every sector of the digital world in recent years. The access control system is often one of the most targeted network components, as it stores and processes sensitive user data. Therefore, it is vital to implement robust security protocols to protect access control systems from infiltration. One way to do this is to implement a two-factor authentication system for all access control staff members. Two-factor authentication requires a person to enter a username and password and then enter a unique numeric code that is sent to their smartphone. This greatly reduces the risk of a data breach at the access control software level. There are numerous examples of hackers infiltrating access control systems, usually through a networked device or software. For example, hackers have used malicious apps to gain backdoor access to some systems; they’ve also exploited vulnerabilities in older versions of vendor software or outdated firmware. In this post, we will explore some common pitfalls that can leave your access control system vulnerable to cyber threats. By following these best practices, you can secure your access control system and limit your organization’s exposure to hackers and other malicious actors. Read on to learn more. Change the Default Network Passwords The first step to securing an access control system is changing the default network passwords. While this might sound obvious, it’s a best practice that is often overlooked in the field. Be sure to change the default console password and login credentials as well. Also, ensure your network is segmented from other parts of your IT infrastructure, such as the internet-facing servers and databases. This segmentation will help protect your access control software from threats that might otherwise jump across these boundaries. Put a firewall between your network and the internet, and make sure all ports are closed except for a few essential protocols. Advanced firewalls, such as those that use artificial intelligence and machine learning, can actively block malware and other threats. They can also monitor network traffic, so if something looks suspicious, the firewall can alert you. Firewall hardware can be expensive, but some cloud-based options are much less expensive but may not be as secure. Install the Latest Software Versions Access control systems are often connected to machines with standard operating systems (like Windows), which are unfortunately particularly vulnerable to attack. Therefore, when you install the ACS, make sure you’re using the latest version of the software and that any patches or updates are current. If you’re using a cloud-based ACS, be aware of the security implications of sourcing data from the cloud. For example, some cloud providers might be subject to foreign government surveillance if their servers are located in certain jurisdictions. Use Secure Protocols Where Possible Access control systems often use standard internet protocols to communicate with connected computers, such as web browsers, mobile apps, and computers. While these protocols make sharing information easy, they also make systems more susceptible to attack. By enabling your systems to accept these protocols, you allow them to communicate with any computer on the internet. This greatly expands the potential reach of your access control systems by enabling anyone with an internet connection to use them instead of being limited to a select few with specific hardware. The best way to enable your access control software to accept standard internet protocols is by using an open-source platform that is freely available to the public. Therefore, consider using secure protocols that have built-in security features. For example, use HTTPS to secure web browsing sessions and/or virtual private network (VPN) connections. Be aware that not all protocols offer these security features. If a given protocol is unsecured, you might be able to run a virtual private gateway to add security features. Don’t Email Passwords or Other Sensitive Data Some organizations still send passwords and other sensitive data to users by email. While this might seem like an easy way to get control systems online quickly, it’s a major security risk. If you must send sensitive data by email, first encrypt the message using a digital or file-level encryption tool. These tools are designed to protect data from being stolen or accessed by unauthorized parties. Some file-level encryption software can also be used to encrypt emails before they are sent. Be sure to select a secure email service that offers encryption as one of its features. If you are communicating with partners or vendors overseas, make sure to check their email security policies. Often, these services do not have the same level of email security as American providers. Use Strong Authentication Practices Access control software often relies on log-in credentials to authenticate users and grant them access to building systems. However, these credentials can be stolen or guessed, granting unauthorized access to your buildings and whatever systems they have access to. Sign-in systems like two-factor authentication can prevent this by requiring a second form of verification before allowing access. This can be a code sent to your phone or generated by an authenticator app on your phone. Another option is a fingerprint scan. This is especially useful for facilities or systems that don’t have access to a mobile data connection. You can also use physical keys to grant access to buildings and systems. This prevents unauthorized access by limiting access to those who have a key. These credentials should use strong passwords and/or tokens (such as one-time passwords). Be sure to use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible. For example, some access control systems support MFA log-in using nearby smartphones (with an app installed). While MFA can’t guarantee that a breach won’t occur, it can greatly reduce the impact and likelihood of a successful attack. Audit Everything Finally, consider auditing your access control system and its connected devices regularly. Regular access control software audits are crucial because they allow you to discover any issues with your system before they become a major problem. Regular audits will allow you to catch any issues before they become critical and save you time and money. The best way to do this is to hire an outside firm or consultant to do an audit of your access control system every few years. An audit will allow them to look at your system, check its functionality, and test the system’s capacity to identify any issues within the system. An audit allows you to ask questions about how the system works and what steps you can take to improve efficiency. By doing regular access control system audits, you can also save money and time by identifying issues with your system early on. This can help you detect any potential security issues quickly and take steps to rectify them. Some vendors offer free or paid security audits of their products, so be sure to check with your vendor. If your vendor doesn’t offer this service, you can also outsource an audit to a third-party service. Conclusion The access control system is an increasingly important component of modern buildings and security systems. However, this networked device can also be a target for malicious actors. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to ensure your access control system is secure and that your data is protected against breaches. These include choosing the right system, setting strong passwords, installing updates, and monitoring your network for unauthorized access. With these tips in mind, you can rest assured that your business’s access control system is secure and protected from cyber threats. First, make sure you change the default network passwords and install the latest software versions. Next, use secure protocols where possible and don’t email sensitive data. Finally, implement strong authentication practices, audit your systems regularly, and follow best practices to secure your access control system against hackers.