Access Control

What is Access Control?

Access control systems are an important part of ensuring the security and safety of any business or residential property. These systems allow you to control who has access to certain areas and prevent unauthorized entry. There are several different types of access control systems that can be used, including discretionary access control (DAC), mandatory access control (MAC), and role-based access control (RBAC).

DAC systems allow the owner or administrator to decide who is allowed access to a particular area. This is often done through the use of access control lists (ACLs) or similar tools. MAC systems, on the other hand, use labels or security clearances to determine who is allowed access. These systems are often used in military or other highly secure organizations where data classification is of utmost importance. RBAC systems are based on an individual’s role within an organization and provide access accordingly.

There are several reasons why a business or homeowner might choose to implement an access control system. These systems can help protect employees, restrict unauthorized access and reduce theft, provide a record of who has accessed a particular area, eliminate the need for keys, customize individual schedules, allow for remote access, and even reduce energy costs by turning off lights or heating in unoccupied areas.

If you’re considering implementing an access control system, it’s important to consider the size and nature of your business, the number of system users, and the security procedures already in place. It’s also important to choose a vendor with a focus on operational and information security, well-designed graphical user interfaces, privacy, and high availability.

 

There are Three Types of Access Control Systems

  • Discretionary Access Control (DAC)
    • DAC is a kind of access control system that holds the owner responsible for deciding people making way into a premise or unit. This model utilizes some of the most widely-popular operating systems including Windows etc. A typical example of this system is Access Control Lists (ACLs).
  • Mandatory Access Control (MAC)
    • The MAC system doesn’t permit owners to have a say in the entities having access in a unit or facility. Typically, this classifies all users and entities and provides label which permits them to pass through the security and gain entry.
      These labels establish security guidelines and permit subjects to gain access. MAC is more commonly utilized in military-based organizations that place high emphasis on confidentiality and classification of data.
  • Role-Based Access Control Technology (RBAC)
    • Alternatively known as Non-Discretionary Access Control, this is probably one of the most demanded and successful technologies utilized in access control systems. Not only is it popular among households, but has also created waves across the business world (it’s not surprising why RBAC has emerged as a buzzword in the corporate sector).
      In the RBAC model, the access provided is stringently based on the subject’s role in the organization. Majority of the employees possess some privileges as per the limitations of their job responsibilities. This further enables making good use of the RBAC model.
      When it comes to choosing a certain kind of access control system, you need to contemplate on a host of factors. Some of them include nature of business, number of system users, and the security procedures followed by the organization. Places where business applications are small and basic, less-complicated access control systems are more frequently utilized.

Seven Reasons for Access Control

  1. Protect your employees: Access control systems can help create a safer working environment by controlling who has access to certain areas of a building or facility.

  2. Restrict unauthorized access and reduce theft: By limiting access to certain areas, businesses can reduce the risk of theft and protect valuable assets.

  3. Electronic visitor logging: Access control systems can keep track of who enters and leaves a building, providing a record of all activity for security purposes.

  4. Eliminate key problems: Access control systems eliminate the need for physical keys, allowing businesses to use swipe cards, tags, fingerprints, or even mobile phones for access.

  5. Customize individual schedules: Access control systems can be customized to set time schedules for employees and provide short-term access for contractors or other temporary workers.

  6. Provide remote access: Access control systems can be used to remotely grant access to a building or facility, making it easy for contractors or other third parties to enter a building even when no one is on site.

  7. Reduce energy bills and protect the environment: Access control systems can be integrated with building management systems to turn off unnecessary lighting or heating in unoccupied areas, helping businesses save energy and reduce their environmental impact.

Are you an Access Control Vendor?

We’re always on the lookout for well-designed products to recommend to our clients.  We seek the following qualities in our vendors:

  • Operational Security
  • Information Security
  • Well-designed G.U.I.’s (Graphical User Interfaces)
  • Privacy Focus
  • High Availability

If you feel you may meet some or all our perquisites; please feel free to use this form and contact us!

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