The Impact of Card Cloning on Access Control
Many businesses rely on access control to provide added security with card-based key systems that can grant access to certain individuals on specific dates and times. Card cloning on these systems can lead to devastating security breaches. A stranger can suddenly access a building, and potential nefarious motives are unimpeded. Property damage, theft, and other severe financial losses can be devastating for a business.
Not only that, but security breaches associated with card cloning on access control systems can lead to reputational damage. A business can be branded as unsafe for both employees and customers. In seconds, a security attack can destroy a reputation that has taken years to build, and that impact can be catastrophic for a business.
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Identifying Vulnerabilities in Your Access Control System
To protect yourself from card cloning attacks, it is important to understand some common weaknesses that your access control system might face. For instance, card skimmers can more easily target cards with magnetic strips. With no encoding protection, magnetic strip cards are easily duplicated with card skimmers.
Look for signs of cloning activity as well. If you are about to swipe your card to access a building, pay attention to the card insert or keypad. Is it broken or cracked? Do you see any tape or glue? Is it perhaps bulkier than normal, indicating something is hidden behind or inside it? These are key questions to ask if you notice signs of card cloning.
Finally, trust your instincts. Perform a self-assessment and ask yourself if you notice anything suspicious in your surroundings. If you need to punch in a code to access the building, observe if anyone is lurking around you. Cameras can also be placed around keypads to spy on people as they type in their codes, so it’s important to be cautious.
Solutions to Prevent Card Cloning
Now that you understand some common weaknesses associated with access control, we need to look into some solutions that can prevent card cloning. For instance, using advanced card technology is very effective in preventing card cloning. EMV chip technology, as seen in newer cards, provides more safeguards against security threats. These chip-enabled cards are typically much harder to clone than those with magnetic strips. They are designed to encrypt card information and they also use dynamic authentication data elements, which means the chip’s information is constantly evolving.
Also, consider multi-factor authentication for your access control system. This is a process that requires users to provide more than one password or code. For example, if you use access control to allow employees into the building, consider having them use both a key fob or card and a code to enter. This ensures another level of security and allows you better control over who can access your business.
Regular updates and maintenance are also essential in keeping your business safe. It’s important that your access control systems contain the latest technology updates that are imperative in keeping you safe. Consider regularly scheduled maintenance to ensure you never forget to have your access control systems inspected.
How Security Integrators Can Help
High-quality security integrators like ProTech Security can help you maintain your access control systems and guard against card cloning attacks. They can provide expert assessments of your current systems and provide customized solutions to better safeguard your business in the future.
Trusted security integrators can also implement your new security solutions while offering you a more personalized level of customer support. You can turn to them for any questions you may have throughout the process. They are there to guide you with whatever you may need. As such, they typically offer additional training and awareness so that you can feel confident that your access control systems are working to keep you safe.
Fight Card Cloning in Access Control with ProTech Security
Card cloning is a modern problem that will undoubtedly continue to grow in the years to come. Not only that, but card skimmers will find a way to adapt and evolve as people try to combat card cloning. That’s why it is so important to utilize a trusted security integrator like ProTech Security for your access control systems.
ProTech works across a wide range of industries to deliver superior security solutions. With experience in the retail, government, education, and financial industries, among others, ProTech offers installation, inspection, system repair, and monitoring, as well as security design and engineering. We are more than capable of providing you with superior access control systems that will protect you from card cloning attacks.
For your business and residential security needs, connect with the experts at ProTech today.
