Access Control for Sensitive Areas

High-Security Access Control for Sensitive Areas 

Access control is simply the system that restricts entrace to a propery, building, or sensitive area to only those persons who are authorized to enter these areas. In physical security, access control is focused on who, when, and where.

In today’s highly interconnected and digitally driven world, securing sensitive areas within your business or commercial property is crucial. Its implementation helps serve as one’s first line of defense against unauthorized use and access to restricted resources. Today, one excellent method for access security management is by using access control systems. They serve the purpose of restricting and monitoring access to physical and digital company resources. In this blog post, we will discuss best practices for securing business sensitive resources with access control systems. We will also briefly discuss their benefits and available access control system types today. By adhering to these best practices, we believe that organizations can enhance their security protocols and keep assets protected.

We offer a comprehensive range of high-security access control solutions designed to protect sensitive areas and assets. Our cutting-edge systems, including alarm lock trilogy locks, biometric systems, key card systems, keypad systems, key fob systems, smart systems, touchless card reader systems, and Wi-Fi and smart lock systems, ensure efficient building access control across various industries.

With our expertise and advanced access control technologies, you can enhance security and gain peace of mind knowing that unauthorized access to your sensitive areas is effectively prevented.

Understanding Access Control Systems

Access control security systems play a crucial role in regulating entry, monitoring individuals, and enhancing security within a facility. These systems combine hardware and software components to ensure the safety of premises and assets. By regulating access, tracking the movement of personnel, and restricting unauthorized entry, access control systems streamline operations and provide peace of mind.

At The Flying SSA Integrate, we offer a diverse range of access control solutions tailored to meet the unique requirements of various industries. Our systems are designed to provide seamless integration with existing infrastructure and enhance overall security.

Whether it’s controlling entry with biometric systems, implementing card access systems, or utilizing smart systems and touchless card reader systems, our comprehensive solutions empower businesses to efficiently manage their access control infrastructure.

By investing in access control security systems, organizations can create a safe and secure environment while streamlining operations and protecting valuable assets.

Comparing Access Control Systems

When it comes to choosing the right access control solution, there are several factors to consider. Scalability, functionality, and integration capabilities play crucial roles in ensuring that the selected system meets your specific needs. At The Flying Locksmiths, we offer a variety of access control systems that cater to different requirements, providing seamless integration with your existing infrastructure and the ability to scale for future growth.

Options for Access Control Systems

• Alarm Lock Trilogy Locks
• Biometric Access Control Systems
• Card-based Access Control Systems
• Keypad and PIN Access Control Systems
• Key fob systems
• Smart card systems
• Touchless card reader systems
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Access Control Systems
• Wi-Fi and smart lock systems

Our access control solutions offer advanced security features and convenience, making them suitable for various applications. Whether you require a simple keypad system for a small office or a comprehensive biometric system for a high-security facility, we have the right solution for you.

The Flying SSA Integrate Preferred Access Control Systems

We understand the importance of reliable and efficient access control systems. That’s why we have carefully selected a range of preferred solutions that offer advanced features, robust security, and seamless integration.

Our preferred access control systems include OpenPath, Idemia, Assa Abloy, KISI, Malibu, SimpleAccess, Allegion and VizPin. Each of these systems is designed to provide businesses with the utmost convenience and security, ensuring the safety and efficiency of their access control infrastructure.

OpenPath is a cutting-edge system that combines cloud-based access control technology with mobile credentials, enabling users to conveniently manage and monitor access from anywhere. PDK Touch offers a user-friendly interface and powerful features, making it an ideal choice for businesses of all sizes. KISI provides a comprehensive access control solution that integrates with various entry methods, including mobile devices and key cards.

Malibu, SimpleAccess, and VizPin are also preferred access control systems that excel in their respective areas. Malibu offers flexible and scalable options for managing access, from single doors to multi-site deployments. SimpleAccess provides a user-friendly web-based platform for seamless access control management. VizPin revolutionizes access control with its cloud-based Bluetooth technology, eliminating the need for physical keys or key cards.

Best Practices for Securing Sensitive Areas with Access Control Systems

Securing sensitive areas requires a comprehensive approach that combines various security measures, policies, and practices. Here are some best practices for securing sensitive areas effectively:

1. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): While it is true that access control systems are excellent standalone tools, when they are combined with other authentication methods, they produce even better results. So, an excellent access control best practice is to enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication for all sensitive areas. Like we said earlier, this typically includes a combination of authentication systems such as passwords, biometrics, smart cards, or one-time passcodes to successfully authenticate.
2. Access Control Policies: Another best practice for securing sensitive areas in your organization is to establish access control policies that define who can access sensitive areas, and under what circumstances. These policies should include procedures for granting, revoking, and managing access privileges. Regular reviews and updates to these policies are also strongly recommended to ensure that they align with evolving security requirements.
3. Integration with other Security Systems: Another access control best practice would be to integrate one’s access control system with other security systems to reinforce security. This could include using robust locks, security cameras, alarms, fencing, guards, and gates to deter unauthorized entry.
4. Regular Maintenance and Software Updates: Like all other electronic security equipment, access control systems also need regular maintenance checks and software updates. This should also include checks on access permissions, and software and firmware updates to patch vulnerabilities and security flaws.

In conclusion, securing sensitive areas within an organization by implementing access control best practices is a necessity in today’s world. By adhering to these best practices, businesses can ensure that their most vulnerable assets are well-protected.

At SSA Integrate, we are committed to providing state-of-the-art solutions and expert guidance to help your business related to Access Control, Video Surveillance & Intrusion Detection System.

Access Control Standards Revolution Now In Progress

Access Control Standards Revolution Now In Progress 

Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles, in, out and round a building.

Access control is essential for all businesses to protect people and assets and has the added benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door, to a large integrated security network. There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating other systems, such as Time and Attendance, Visitor Management, ANPR, Fire, Intruder and CCTV.

Few specifications are seen more commonly in access control than UL 294. However, aside from seeing it in print, very few understand what it means. In this note, we break apart and define this spec, describing why it is a vital part of many Access RFPs.

A Standard Defined

The scope of UL 294 covers three aspects of Access Control systems: 

• Construction (Installation)
• Performance
• Operation

Essentially, the heart of UL 294 is a safety standard, where testing proves that system components can be assembled and operate reliably without hazard. In the case of access control, this is a step beyond just validating devices will not catch fire or spark - it attests that the system will not harm the safety or impede egress of those using the system.

In practical terms, this means doors will not accidentally stay locked and keep people in harm's way even during a malfunction. The UL standard subjects each labeled device to a range of testing designed to show the equipment meet relevant code expectations from:

• NEC (NFPA 99): Requirements that each component will not create a hazard either during (recommended) install or use (Sparking, Grounding)
• NFPA 72: Fire Code compliance, assures that controllers include interfaces with fire alarm/suppression systems 
• NFPA 101: System devices 

A UL 294 mark is a 'extra step' the vendor has taken to 'prove' their equipment is safe, and it stands as a 'mark of assurance' when included in buying specifications that dubious equipment will not be purchased.

The Mark

While Underwriter's Laboratories offer a range of 'UL Symbols' that can be interpreted to signify different standards. In the case of UL 294, the mark looks like this:

The UL 'Security Mark' applies only to products such as intrusion detectors, burglar alarms, access control, safes, and vaults.

Performance Tests

UL 294 includes several tests that evaluate how well devices withstand damaging environments. Devices are subjected to atypical electrical, environmental, and brute force situations, including:

• Variable Voltage
• Variable Ambients (Environment)
• Humidity
• Endurance (Ruggedness)
• Transients
• Corrosion
• Standby Power (Battery backup)
• Physical Attack Toughness

Tests are performed individually and are not 'layered' or 'stacked' simultaneously as might occur in the field. The exact methodology for each test depends on the device being tested, but the resulting grade is given in four levels of security performance with Level I (lowest level security equipment) to Level IV (highest level security equipment). 

Exclusions

However, not all parts and features of an Access platform fall under the scope of UL 294. Two areas excluded from the scope include:

• Headend Server/Database: The scope reads "The accuracy of logged data is not evaluated by this standard", and also "This standard does not apply to supplementary computer equipment that is not necessary for operation of the access control system..."
• Intrusion Detection: Again, the scope details "Where an access control equipment and/or system incorporates the features and functions of a burglar alarm control unit, the requirements of the Standard for Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems, UL 1076, shall also apply"

This is important to note when careless specs are written that "All Access Equipment shall be UL 294 Certified", because this is inherently not possible. There will be major functional aspects outside the scope of the standard.

Large System Adoption

Especially for larger systems, UL 294 is common, including devices from: Mercury Security, C*Cure, S2, Maxxess, Sargent, etc.

However, certification is done on a component basis, and there may be gaps in a brand's portfolio. If UL 294 compliance is required in a system, every hardware component must be checked for conformity, as there is no 'system' certification.

Systems and platform intended for smaller deployments (<100 doors) typically forego the certification, because it simply is not a purchasing driver for many non-enterprise customers.

Prime Use

Regardless of the 'safety' overtures, like UL certification for surveillance equipment, 294 is primarily used to exclude non-compliant systems from specifications. UL 294 evaluation is not mandatory for Access Equipment, and many vendors forego the cost of certification especially when their offerings are not well suited for larger government, institutional, and hospital verticals where 294 is commonly cited. 

Likewise, while the mark's testing 'proves' that devices are safe, the onus remains on the field technician to install them in the correct fashion to indeed live up to the certification.

Remember once UL certification has void OEM is not responsible for any health & safety incident of your premises. UL certification void due to repairing through unauthorized service provider....etc.

NFPA 101

While NFPA 101 is comprehensive, the most relevant passages for access control include:

• NFPA 101: 'Electrically Controlled Egress Doors' (2012: 7.2.1.5.6; 2009: 7.2.1.5.5)
• NFPA 101: 'Releasing Devices' ( 2012: 7.2.1.5.10-12; 2009, 2006, 2003: 7.2.1.5.9 -7.2.1.5.11)
• NFPA 101: 'Access Controlled Egress Doors' (7.2.1.6.2)

Specifically, requirements like Access Control Request to Exit (RTE), Exit Devices, and Delayed Egress foundationally conform to NFPA 101.

NFPA 72

In general, this code is the foundation of requirements that doors must release when fire alarms or smoke detectors go into alarm.

NFPA 80

Specifically, this code examines Fire Doors and how they are properly used for protection in a building. In many cases, these door types are also slated to become access-controlled openings, and the 'Locks or Latches (6.4.4)' section describes which modifications are permitted for access use without voiding their fire door ratings.

IBC: International Building Code

The IBC, published by the International Code Council, is essentially a guidebook for designing and engineering safe buildings.

If not observed directly as the authority, then whatever resulting codes that do have authority take guidance from the source.

• ·     IBC: 'Door Operations' (2012, 2009: 1008.1.9; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8)
• ·       IBC: 'Sensor Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors' (2012: 1008.1.9.8; 2009: 1008.1.4.4; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.3.4)
• ·       IBC: 'Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors' (2012: 1008.1.9.9; 2009: 1008.1.9.8)