When speaking about all the identification technologies used in the world today, more focus should be put on the use of security levels in relation to the type of assets protected.
Security is generated by a series of improvements on all levels. When evaluating the security level of a system one should remember that breaking a security system must be profitable enough in relation to the effort it takes to break it.
This is why the security level of a certain system or technology may be sufficient in one application but not in another.
Security in general does not depend only on identification technologies. It is also affected by other factors – such as the whole system’s security, communication protocols between access control readers and the controller, data encryption and, last but not least, human related factors.
On three levels
The assurance that only authorised people can access the premises protected by an access control system can be guaranteed by security methods on three levels:
1. The person allowed to access possesses something unique that others don’t have (a unique access control card);
2. The person allowed to access is recognised by their individual personal characteristics (iris, fingerprint, photograph);
3. The person knows something that the others don’t know (PIN code, password).
If an access control card gets lost, it is very easy to protect the system by cancelling the access rights of that card. Personal characteristics are practically impossible to steal which makes this method very reliable, but the disadvantage of systems built on these identification methods are in higher costs. In addition these technologies are not often suitable for any conditions or users.
A PIN code, which is known only by one person, is a very effective method of maintaining security. A PIN code with a suitable identification technology and with an appropriate system structure is a simple and cost effective way to reach a very reliable security level.
PIN advantages
The advantages of a PIN code are significant. It is very simple to use and it results in a very reliable security level.
Personal PIN codes prevent the use of access control cards which, for some reason or other, are in wrong hands. Also, if someone manages to copy an access control card, which is used in a system protected by PIN code identification, the card is useless if the PIN code is not known.
Even the latest identification technologies with the latest security improvements can be made more reliable with PIN code identification.
The security of a PIN code is based on the fact that the PIN code is not encoded in the card itself. The card does not contain anything related to the PIN code.
Mag stripe technology
Despite the magnet stripe’s security defects, it is still widely used, even in credit cards. The security of credit cards with a magnet stripe has been improved to a sustainable level by PIN code identification.
It is more than reasonable to protect environments with high security requirements like banks, power plants, government buildings etc by using a combination of an ID card and a personal pin code in their access control systems.
PIN code readers
It is easy to enhance the security level of an access control system by PIN code readers. The readers are simple to use and install and, when chosen right, they can be placed also in harsh environments where they must withstand moisture, temperature changes and dirt.
PIN pad readers with traditional keypads may collect dirt or moisture between the buttons which may cause harm to the reader. Traditional buttons may also get broken which often requires the replacement of the whole reader.
Idesco’s PIN pad readers contain no moving parts, which is essential when the readers are used in harsh conditions. The PIN pad presses are registered on the surface of the housing, making the reader very robust.
Idesco also provides PIN pad readers with an illuminated keypad. A PIN pad reader with a lighted keypad is a user-friendly choice for environments without a light source.
The keypad area of the reader is visible only after activation by a contactless RFID transponder, or, by keypad presses. The keypad is not lighted all the time, so the reader does not attract unnecessary attention.