In a card-based access control system, it is essential to set up proper data security configurations, particularly the use of encryption. In this article, we will explain why this is the case.
Let’s illustrate the situation with a very simple, everyday example. Imagine an access control system where there is no human oversight, and access is granted exclusively via cards for authorized individuals to enter the building or certain sections. When the user scans their card, the card reader interprets the codes stored on the card and checks the database to determine whether the person is authorized to enter through that specific door or not.
And this is the point that hackers can exploit to clone access cards and gain entry to the building or the company's computer system. If a device that detects the proximity of a code card is switched on near the card or card reader, it may start transmitting the card's fixed binary code number. If an unauthorized person obtains this information, they can easily use the card data to allow unauthorized individuals to enter the building.
That’s why it’s important to use encryption and coding methods that make the numbers on the card unusable by themselves. In the case of an encrypted card, the system requests access to a secret key or password, which allows it to decrypt the access code and verify it. This is how credit cards typically work!
In practice, this means that in the first case, the card contains a number sequence that the card reader checks to see if it allows entry through the door. In the second case, the card does not contain the final access code; instead, it contains another number, which was generated by a program from the original code. The encrypted card's code is transformed by the reader using an algorithm and a key (e.g., PIN code or password), and then it verifies whether the person is authorized to enter.
There are several types of encryption: it can be symmetric (where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption) or asymmetric (where two different but mathematically linked keys are used).
Encryption for Access Control System Usage
One method is to use card readers that emit different signals than those used by the card verification sensors. Another important option is to store the card number in one of its sectors and encrypt the communication between the card and the reader (making it impossible—or at least very difficult—to clone the card). The latest standards now include an encryption module that is embedded in the card itself. These are perfectly suited to the requirements of fast and highly secure data transmission while being flexible enough to work with any infrastructure.
Secure access control systems from Anteus Kft.!
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