Mobile Devices are the new Access Cards
Mobile is the latest identity in the domain of physical security, which allows the users to access a protected premise using their mobile devices, instead of legacy access cards. The basic principle followed by the technology is to provide user related information through an NFC/ Bluetooth enabled phone in a secured manner to an NFC/Bluetooth enabled reader and from the reader to an authentication device therefore granting access to an authorized user.
The key to the technology is the communication between the mobile device and the reader. The communication is initiated using various proprietary gestures to avoid unwanted reads. The gestures can be a tap on the phone, swiping near the reader, twisting the phone or flashing the phone to the reader.
The Bluetooth based communication along with a specific gesture allows longer read ranges whereas NFC based communication allows read range of a few inches only.
Many employers firmly believe that employees are more protective about their personal devices than their access cards, which seems to be a valid justification for their enthusiasm about the mobile access solution. Not to mention the efficiency that it brings into the operational processes by allowing the admin to manage user credentials over the air and saving a lot of time by taking actions in batches or individually, as per their preferences. The system also makes the organization look more modern and tech savvy, boosting its image amongst the customers. From the employees’ point of view, the ability to walk in and out of the office premises without having to constantly check on their access card looks like an attractive prospect. The elimination of access cards from the system also saves a lot of resources to the company and the employees as the reissuing cost on losing the access cards can be quite high. The greatest motivation for the companies to implement the new technology is that it is equally safe or safer than the access cards and functions with same efficiency. Moreover, the mobile access technology is designed to be a lot safer as the mobile devices are equipped with a much bigger processor and a power source to implement expensive encryption algorithms whereas the passive access cards draws its power from the reader.
The mobile devices further allow the addition of multi factor authentication scheme without investing on a multi factor authentication reader. For example pin, pattern and biometrics (fingerprint, face, voice and iris) can be used in addition to mobile credential for authentication. The user maybe asked to go for facial recognition using inbuilt cam of the mobile device prior to flashing the mobile device to the reader.
Keeping on a par with the increasing popularity of this developing technology, IDCUBE has started supporting mobile credentials in its Access360 platform. Specialized android and IOS applications have been developed to further spread the technology. IDCUBE is keen to further improvise the technology in new areas by amalgamating the technology with business logic.
