What are Access Control Systems: Types and Benefits

Access control systems determine who can access what within an organization and help enhance security. They are essential for protection in all environments, from large enterprises to small businesses. Choosing the right access control system requires evaluating security needs, organizational structure, scalability and budget. This article explains what access control systems are, their components, types, and their role in protecting assets.

Key Takeaways

• Access control systems manage and restrict user permissions to resources, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and increasing security.
• There are three types of access control systems: Discretionary Access Control (DAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC), each designed for different security needs.
• Modern advancements like AI and mobile technology are changing access control systems, making them more automated, flexible and secure.

What are Access Control Systems?

Access control systems are mechanisms that determine whether a subject should be allowed or denied access to a resource or area. The main purpose of these systems is to control who or what can access or use resources within an organization to reduce risk. Access control decisions are made by comparing the credentials to an access control list. Access control is often used interchangeably with authorization, although authorization may be granted well in advance of the access control decision. Access control software minimizes risks of data breaches by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data and managing the access control list.

These systems verify identity and determine the level of access when managing visitors in physical spaces. They use processes called authentication and authorization for this purpose. The ‘Who, Where and When’ formula is key, defining who can enter, where they can enter and when they can enter. The system checks credentials, compares them to the access list, and grants or denies access based on whether the credentials match the required permissions. Access control can also be used to manage vehicle entry into car parks or gated communities, to secure and manage access in these environments.

This holistic approach ensures that only authorized people can enter. The system restricts access to physical and digital spaces through identity verification and permission management, so overall physical security is increased. The most common security risk of an access control system is tailgating, where an unauthorized person follows a legitimate user through a door. Access control systems can also be compromised by spoofing locking hardware. This is done by using a strong magnet to operate the solenoid that controls the bolts. Levering a door open is another common risk which can be mitigated by using properly secured doors with high-holding force locks and forced door monitoring alarms.

Access Control Components

Access control systems consist of several key components that work together to control access. Most access control systems use key card readers, which are critical as they communicate via protocols like Wiegand or OSDP to validate user credentials. Access control manufacturers offer different controller configurations, such as serial, network-enabled and IP-based controllers, which connect to host systems or networks via different communication methods, each with their own capabilities and security considerations. 

Access cards have been proven to be vulnerable to advanced attacks where hackers can capture card numbers from users’ proximity cards. Many access control credentials have unique serial numbers programmed in sequential order, so they are vulnerable to sequential attacks. Locking hardware devices such as electrified strikes, maglocks and handles, along with door hardware, are tailored to specific operational requirements so doors and entry points are secured. 

Sensing devices such as Door Position Indicators (DPI) and Request to Exit (REX) sensors further enhance security by monitoring door status and controlling exits. When integrated, these components form a robust security system that can adapt to different operational needs, making access control systems and door controllers critical for securing critical infrastructure and assets.

Access Control Credentials

Access control credentials are essential for any access control system. They allow people to confirm their identity to enter secure areas or use protected resources. These credentials come in many forms; each suited to different security needs and levels of convenience. Physical keys are still used in many facilities, but modern access control solutions are increasingly relying on digital credentials such as key cards, mobile devices, and even biometric identifiers like fingerprints or facial recognition.

Mobile devices are becoming a popular choice for access control credentials, offering touchless access and seamless integration with existing systems. By using smartphones or wearables, organizations can provide convenient access while maintaining high security standards. Biometric credentials add another layer of security, so only authorized people can grant access, as these are unique to each person.

The primary function of access control credentials is to ensure that only authorized people can access sensitive or restricted areas. Whether using physical keys, digital cards or mobile credentials, the goal is to give access only to people with the right authorization. This helps protect valuable assets and keeps the access control system secure.

Types of Access Control 

Understanding the different types of access control systems is key to implementing the right security for your organization. There are three standard types: Discretionary Access Control (DAC), Mandatory Access Control (MAC) and Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). Larger organizations benefit from the scalability and consistency of RBAC or ABAC. High-risk areas or sensitive information may require more stringent models like MAC or advanced biometric systems. Each type has its own features and suitability depending on the security requirements of the environment.

Discretionary Access Control (DAC) allows resource owners to flexibly manage access rights, so it is ideal for lower security environments. DAC allows security leadership to determine who can access which resources based on their credentials. Mandatory Access Control (MAC) is managed by administrators and is typically used in high-security environments like government entities.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on user roles, increases security and simplifies access management. These different approaches allow organizations to tailor their security solutions to their needs.

Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

DAC is a flexible access control model that allows a data owner to manage access rights to their digital assets. This model adapts to the needs of data owners so they can grant access as they see fit. However, managing permissions in DAC systems requires a high level of effort and oversight to be effective.

DAC is the least restrictive access control model and is generally not recommended for high-security environments. Its flexibility can be a double-edged sword, as it can be vulnerable if not managed properly. DAC is a great option for diverse environments where flexibility is key.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

MAC is managed by system administrators and is suitable for high-security environments. In MAC systems, access permissions are strictly defined and managed, limiting user control over access rights. MAC provides the most restrictive security protection, where the power to permit access lies entirely with the system administrators. This helps ensure that only authorized people can access sensitive data and resources to provide a robust security framework.

MAC is typically used in environments where security is paramount, such as government agencies and military installations. By managing access permissions carefully, MAC helps prevent unauthorized access and enhances overall security.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

RBAC assigns permissions based on user roles, linking access rights to specific business responsibilities. This model simplifies access management by grouping users into roles, each with predefined permissions. RBAC reduces the risk of unauthorized access and simplifies access control management. Access control systems can also incorporate advanced technologies such as biometric verification and multi-factor authentication to enhance security further.

RBAC is good for security and administrative tasks. Aligning access permissions with user roles means employees can only access what they need, maintaining a secure and efficient operational environment.

Advanced Access Control Models

Advanced access control models are designed to address dynamic security needs that change largely based on context and user behavior. These models provide flexibility and adaptability, so they are suitable for environments where security requirements are constantly changing. Advanced access control models, such as those used in zero-trust network architectures, manage devices as well as users and resources, providing comprehensive oversight and security.

RBAC is an advanced access control, as permissions can change dynamically based on conditions set by administrators. This makes it easy to adjust rules and conditions, providing a flexible and responsive security solution.

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) is a dynamic, context-based policy that defines access based on the user attributes and policies. ABAC uses user attributes to make access decisions, considering factors such as user role, location and time. This model is used in identity and access management (IAM) frameworks.

Evaluating multiple attributes simultaneously, ABAC provides a flexible and efficient way to control access based on comprehensive and context-specific criteria. This flexibility makes ABAC a useful tool for managing complex access requirements.

Rule-Based Access Control

Rule-based access control involves system administrators defining rules that govern access to corporate resources. These rules are based on conditions such as:

• Location
• Time of day
• Specific events

This structured approach means access permissions are granted based on predefined criteria, enhancing security and control.

Rule-based access control is often blended with role-based approaches to provide a more comprehensive access management solution. Combining these models helps organizations balance flexibility and security.

Technology in Modern Access Control Systems

Technology has had a significant impact on modern access control systems, making them more efficient and effective. AI and cutting-edge technology play a key role in automating access control management, providing detailed monitoring and anomaly detection. This improves security and streamlines access management.

Moreover, mobile credentials and touchless access technologies have changed how we interact with access control systems. These innovations provide users with more flexibility and convenient access, making access control and modern solutions both user-friendly and secure.

Cloud-Based Access Control

Cloud-based access control systems offer many benefits, including scalability that allows organizations to adjust their security as needed. Remote management lets administrators manage permissions and security settings from anywhere. Flexibility is particularly useful for organizations with multiple locations. Total cost of ownership for access control systems includes initial installation, hardware, software and ongoing maintenance.

Cloud-based access control solutions have lower initial costs and more flexibility than traditional systems. Leveraging internet connectivity and cloud technology, these systems provide a modern way to manage security, making access controls efficient and adaptable.

Mobile Access Control

Mobile access control allows users to authenticate entry through their smartphones to increase convenience and security. By using access credentials, mobile access control reduces reliance on traditional keys, which can be easily compromised.

Bluetooth technology in mobile access systems further enhances security by allowing users to unlock doors without physical keys, providing a touchless experience on mobile devices. This improves user convenience and aligns with modern security requirements, making mobile access control a valuable addition to any security system.

Integration with Other Security Systems

Integrating access control systems with other security systems enhances overall security management. This seamless integration provides centralized management, real-time monitoring and faster response to security incidents. For example, integrating fire alarm systems with access control can unlock doors during emergencies.

Compatibility between different security systems is key to successful integration and communication. By sharing access logs and alarm signals, integrated security systems provide a complete picture to help ensure a coordinated and efficient security approach.

Omnilert Integration for Automated Emergency Response

Modern access control systems are great at managing everyday movement within a facility, but when a real threat emerges, especially an active shooter, human-driven decision-making is too slow. Omnilert turns traditional access control into an intelligent, automated emergency response system by combining AI, real-time detection and deep integrations with leading access control platforms.

Through Omnilert AI gun detection, AI continuously monitors connected security cameras for firearms with industry-leading accuracy. When a weapon is detected, Omnilert automatically takes action across the access control system. This may include locking or unlocking doors, campus-wide lockdowns, isolating zones and communicating with key stakeholders… all in seconds.

Omnilert’s integration ecosystem connects with VMS, access control, emergency notification systems and public safety tools to coordinate every part of the response. The result is a single workflow where detection triggers action, reducing response times and giving security teams immediate situational awareness. With cloud-based orchestration and scalable workflows, Omnilert supports single-site facilities, enterprise security operations and multi-campus environments.

This automated approach turns access control from a passive barrier into an active, intelligent safety system that responds the moment a threat appears.

Best Practices for Access Control Systems

Implementing access control systems effectively requires:

• Employee training to understand access protocols and associated risks.
• Prohibiting shared accounts.
• Automating user provisioning to reduce risks from manual processes and enforce access policies.
• Using strong passwords to further secure and reduce unauthorized access.

Common ways to implement access controls include using VPNs for remote access and identity repositories for user identity management. By following these best practices, you can maintain robust security and better protect your assets.

Principle of Least Privilege (POLP)

The Principle of Least Privilege involves granting the minimum access privileges required for job functions. By controlling employees’ access permissions based on their roles, POLP ensures users have access only to the data they need to perform their jobs to reduce security risks.

Limiting access permissions through POLP mitigates security risks by reducing the chance of unauthorized access. This minimizes damage from security breaches and is a fundamental principle in access control policies.

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA requires users to verify their identity through multiple means, which reduces the risk of unauthorized access. Using multiple types of credentials, MFA makes unauthorized access more difficult.

Implementing MFA is now a standard practice to increase security. Users must present several forms of verification before access is granted. This extra layer of security is crucial to protect sensitive data and resources from threats.

Regular Access Audits

Regular access audits are key to maintaining a secure environment and ensuring proper access controls are in place. These audits will identify users with too many privileges, inactive accounts and orphaned accounts, so access permissions are managed correctly.

Regularly reviewing and updating access control policies allows organizations to adapt to changing roles and technologies for more robust security measures. Conducting regular audits is important in access management to help access controls remain effective and up to date.

The Future of Access Control Systems

The future of access control systems will be transformed by AI-driven identity management and real-time risk assessment. AI will evaluate access permissions in real-time and proactively identify risks and compliance issues. In this way, management will be shifted from people to technology. Access control policies require organizations to design or select the right security controls to satisfy their needs. This will enable more accurate and timely responses to security threats. Natural disasters pose a security risk to access control systems. Therefore, a robust incident response plan is needed to mitigate these risks.

Implementing the Principle of Least Privilege will continue to be key to reducing security breaches by limiting user access to necessary resources. As AI and other technologies evolve, access control systems will become smarter and more efficient to make sure that security will always be one step ahead of threats.

Conclusion

Access control systems are critical to protect sensitive data and resources in physical and digital environments. Understanding the different types of access control systems (DAC, MAC, RBAC) allows organizations to tailor security to their specific needs. Advanced models (ABAC, rule-based access control) provide more flexibility and adaptability to dynamic security requirements.

Technologies like AI, cloud-based systems and mobile access control have made access control solutions more efficient and effective. By combining these measures with other security steps and following best practices like the Principle of Least Privilege, Multi-Factor Authentication, and regular access audits, organizations can improve their security and protect their assets. Access control systems will continue to innovate, and security will keep evolving to address new threats.

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