Encryption in Access Control

Encryption in Access Control

In the process of sending information from sender to receiver, an unauthorized user may work in an active way (update it) or passive way (read or delay in sending). There must be some techniques which assures receiver that whatever information received from authorized user as well as must be same as sent from sender side, in addition to this receiver never make Denial of service. Nowadays sharing of information or resources is a very common thing from single user to the network to the cloud. When information is moving from one node to another node, security is a big challenge. When information is stored on the user’s computer, it is under control but when it is in movement user lose control over it. In the world of security, to convert information from one form to another form, Encryption is used, so that only authorized party will able to read. Encryption is a technique for any security-conscious organization.

Access control is one of the techniques for security for providing integrity and confidentiality. Its main task is to regulate the sharing of resources or information. Access control denotes whether a particular user has rights to perform particular operation on particular data. Access control policies define the users’ permission in order to provide security. These policies are defined according to an access control model. It prevents unauthorised sharing of resources or information. It also secures data against internal attacks and disclosure, leakage of information to cyberterrorist.

As an RFID access card gets close to its reader, it begins to wirelessly transmit its binary code. If using 125KHz proximity, then the wireless protocol is typically Wiegand, an older technology that can no longer provide the security needed today. In a worst case scenario, hackers could simply lift that fixed Wiegand clear text, retransmit it to the card reader and, from there, physically enter the facility and thereby the network, allowing these characters free rein to target the IT system. Data encryption is part of good practice and is, indeed, an opportunity for the security industry.

Mostly Access control is user identification to do a specific job, provide authentication, then provide that person the right to access data This is just like granting an individual permission to log in to network using name and password, allowing then to use resources after confirming whether they have permit to do particular job. So, how to provide permission to a particular user to perform their task? Here access control is used.

There are three major elements to access control system encryption:

Authentication: Determining whether someone is, in fact, who they say they are. Credentials are compared to those on file in a database. If the credentials match, the process is completed and the user is granted access. Privileges and preferences granted for the authorized account depend on the user’s permissions, which are either stored locally or on the authentication server.    The settings are defined by an administrator. For example, multifactor authentication, using a card plus keypad, has become commonplace for system logins and transactions within higher security environments.

Integrity: This ensures that digital information is uncorrupted and can only be accessed or modified by those authorized to do so. To maintain integrity, data must not be changed in transit; therefore, steps must be taken to ensure that data cannot be altered by an unauthorized person or program. Should data become corrupted, backups or redundancies must be available to restore the affected data to its correct state.  Measures must also be taken to control the physical environment of networked terminals and servers because data consistency, accuracy and trustworthiness can also be threatened by environmental hazards such as heat, dust or electrical problems. Transmission media (such as cables and connectors) should also be protected to ensure that they cannot be tapped; and hardware and storage media must be protected from power surges, electrostatic discharges and magnetism.

Non-repudiation: This declares that a user cannot deny the authenticity of their signature on a document or the sending of a message that they originated. A digital signature – a mathematical technique used to validate the authenticity and integrity of a message, software or digital document – is used not only to ensure that a message or document has been electronically signed by the person, but also to ensure that a person cannot later deny that they furnished it, since a digital signature can only be created by one person.

Here is Encryption Algorithms

1. AES

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the algorithm trusted as the standard by the U.S. Government and numerous organizations.

Although it is extremely efficient in 128-bit form, AES also uses keys of 192 and 256 bits for heavy duty encryption purposes.

AES is largely considered impervious to all attacks, with the exception of brute force, which attempts to decipher messages using all possible combinations in the 128, 192, or 256-bit cipher. Still, security experts believe that AES will eventually be hailed the de facto standard for encrypting data in the private sector. AES-128, AES-192 and AES-256 module is FIPS 140-2 certified. “FIPS mode” doesn't make Windows more secure. It just blocks access to newer cryptography schemes that haven't been FIPS-validated.

2. Twofish

Computer security expert Bruce Schneier is the mastermind behind Blowfish and its successor TrueCrypt. Keys used in this algorithm may be up to 256 bits in length and as a symmetric technique, only one key is needed.

Twofish is regarded as one of the fastest of its kind, and ideal for use in both hardware and software environments. Like Blowfish, Twofish is freely available to anyone who wants to use it. As a result, you’ll find it bundled in encryption programs such as PhotoEncrypt, GPG, and the popular open source software TrueCrypt.

3. Triple DES

Triple DES was designed to replace the original Data Encryption Standard (DES) algorithm, which hackers eventually learned to defeat with relative ease. At one time, Triple DES was the recommended standard and the most widely used symmetric algorithm in the industry.

Triple DES uses three individual keys with 56 bits each. The total key length adds up to 168 bits, but experts would argue that 112-bits in key strength is more like it.

Despite slowly being phased out, Triple DES still manages to make a dependable hardware encryption solution for financial services and other industries.

Here is How Encryption Works

Encryption consists of both an algorithm and a key. Once a number is encrypted, the system needs to have a key to decrypt the resultant cyphertext into its original form. There are two varieties of algorithms— private (symmetric) and public (asymmetric).

Private key encryption uses the same key for both encryption and decryption. Be aware—if the key is lost or intercepted, messages may be compromised. Public key infrastructure (PKI) uses two different but mathematically linked keys. One key is private and the other is public.

With PKI, either key can be used for encryption or decryption. When one key is used to encrypt, the other is used to decrypt. The public portion of the key is easily obtained for all users. However, only the receiving party has access to the decryption key allowing messages to be read. Systems may use private encryption to encrypt data transmissions but use public encryption to encrypt and exchange the secret key.

Using one or both these algorithms, access credential communications may be encrypted. Many modern cards support cryptography. Look for terms such as 3DES, AES (which the government uses to protect classified information), TEA and RSA.

Adding Encryption to an Access Control System

Integrators should consider 13.56 MHz smart cards to increase security over 125 KHz proximity cards. One of the first terms you will discover in learning about smart cards is “Mifare,” a technology from NXP Semiconductors.

The newest of the Mifare standards, DESFire EV1, includes a cryptographic module on the card itself to add an additional layer of encryption to the card/reader transaction. This is amongst the highest standard of card security currently available. DESFire EV1 protection is therefore ideal for sales to customers wanting to use secure multi-application smart cards in access management, public transportation schemes or closed-loop e-payment applications.

Valid ID is a relatively new anti-tamper feature available with contactless smartcard readers, cards and tags. Embedded, it adds yet an additional layer of authentication assurance to traditional Mifare smartcards. Valid ID enables a smartcard reader help verify that the sensitive access control data programmed to a card or tag is indeed genuine and not counterfeit.

Encrypted Cards and Readers Inhibit Hackers

Whether you need to guard against state sponsored terrorists or the neighborhood teen from hacking the electronic access control systems that you implement, security today starts with encryption. But, that’s just a beginning. To take steps that will further hinder hackers, ask for your manufacturer’s Cybersecurity Vulnerability Checklist.

While many believe that opening their network to cloud services might welcome greater risks, these studies and common mishaps suggest otherwise. Lack of employee education or defined cyber security policies, gaps in physical security and insufficient system maintenance contribute to the greatest number of threats.

How Connected Applications are Shaping Up to Be More Secure

Cloud is not all or nothing. Cloud services can be added to complement an on-premises system and its infrastructure. This can include using cloud applications to store long-term evidence, instead of on local servers or on external storage devices which can end up in the wrong hands. Cloud services can also play a critical role in disaster recovery.

In case servers are damaged by a fire or natural disaster, a full system back-up can be restored using cloud services so operations can continue without delay. Organizations can connect on-premises systems to cloud services to strengthen security and minimize internal and external threats. Here is how.

Automating Updates to Avoid Known Vulnerabilities

Many vulnerabilities that hackers prey on are quickly identified and fixed by vendors in software version updates. Even when an IT team sets scheduled updates in a closed environment, it might not happen fast enough to prevent a breach. The perk of deploying cloud services is that system updates are facilitated by the vendor. As soon as the latest versions and fixes are available, the client will have access to them. This helps to ensure that their systems are always protected against known vulnerabilities.

Considering Security in the Selection of Your Cloud Service Provider

All cloud solutions are not created equally. To identity the most secure cloud services, it’s important for organizations to take a closer look at the vendor’s security policies and built-in security mechanisms. This should include encrypted communications, data protection capabilities, and strong user authentication and password protection.

These mechanisms help protect organizations against hackers and other internet- based attacks. From an internal standpoint, they also ensure only those with defined privileges will be able to access or use resources, data and applications.

Organizations should also look at the back-end cloud platform on which the services are built. Tier-one cloud providers such as Microsoft have a global incident response team that works around the clock to mitigate attacks. The company also builds security into its cloud platform from the ground up, embedding mandatory security requirements into every phase of the development process. Top cloud providers also go out of their way to comply with international and industry-specific compliance standards, and participate in rigorous third-party audits which test and verify security controls.

NFC to Be More Secure

Nowadays a set of short range wireless technologies is use for public transport, opeing a door or parking lot it’s called NFC (Near Field Communication). These chips are most compatible with devices due to they are formatted in NFC Data Exchange Format (NDEF) and implemented standards published by NFC forum. Their content can be encrypted and some examples are NTAG212, NTAG213, NTAG215 y NTAG216. MIFARE is the NXP Semiconductors-owned trademark and it covers proprietary technologies based upon various levels of the ISO/IEC 14443, incorporating some encryption standards (AES and DES/Triple-DES) and also an older proprietary encryption algorithm.

Conclusion

Access Control is the primary thing for security and is used to protect private and confidential data from attack. Basic access control understanding helps us to manage information security. Four basic models are discussed here. Apart from these four, several models have been developed to increase authenticity, integrity, confidentiality. Another way to provide security is the encryption which uses mathematical algorithm with proper to key to perform operation. Both encryption and access control are used for privacy and to prevent unauthorized users from accessing some object. That data will be in motion so copy or deletion will be possible. With ACL, you can just allow or reject access on a software level not on physical storage. Encryption is used to provide confidentiality of data but data may be access by untrusted entity. Access control is used to provide limited access to the particular entity to particular user as defined by owner.

Note: FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard) 140-2 is the benchmark for validating the effectiveness of cryptographic hardware. If a product has a FIPS 140-2 certificate you know that it has been tested and formally validated by the U.S. and Canadian Governments.
What is the difference between FIPS 140-2 and FIPS 197 certification? FIPS 197 certification looks at the hardware encryption algorithms used to protect the data. FIPS 140-2 is the next, more advanced level of certification. FIPS 140-2 includes a rigorous analysis of the product's physical properties.
FIPS 140-2 requires that any hardware or software cryptographic module implements algorithms from an approved list. The FIPS validated algorithms cover symmetric and asymmetric encryption techniques as well as use of hash standards and message authentication

References

G.Wang,Q.Liu,J.Wu “Hierarchical attribute-based encryption for fine-grained access control in cloud storage services”2010

M.Green,G.Ateniese “Identity-based proxy re-encryption”2007