Title: Access Control Systems
Course: 2016FA-MCO-110-401 > Section: Module 6: Safety and Security

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Biometrics

Biometric security refers to the systems and practice of using unique biological “signatures” to restrict access to protected spaces/information.

Most traditionally we think about fingerprints as being our unique human identifiers. These have been used for some time now in security systems. Moving beyond a single fingerprint, palm scanners are also in use in many industries.  There is some debate as to how much more security palm scanners provide.  Either way, despite what we see in movies, finger/palm-print scanners are difficult to defeat inconspicuously.

Optical scanners that read highly unique patterns in the iris of your eye provide another biometric security option. The intricacies of the iris provide a much more enhanced level of security than fingerprints, but these systems are notably more expensive to install.

There are audio options as well – most commonly referred to as voice recognition. While voice recognition has become another option instead of fingerprint readers, the level of technology (and cost) is directly related to the level of security provided.  Most of us have voice recognition features on our smartphones, but in order to support ease of use and deal with background noise, the sensitivity to detect differences in vocal signatures is low. If it is warranted, the added expense of a highly secure vocal-biometric security system, high-end fingerprint readers, or iris scanners can provide a much higher level of security.

Security Badges and Card Readers

Security badges serve two purposes: identify personnel (and possibly work group / access group) visually and digitally; and serve as electronic keys to access spaces.  Card Reader is the common term for the receiver that controls door locks. Traditional card readers have worked like credit cards, swiping a magnetic strip to operate. Technologies such as RFID have replaced magnetic readers in many MCO installations. Touching your security badge to the card reader authenticates your identity and your ability to access specific areas and to unlock specific doors.

Proximity Readers

Proximity Readers work on the same principle as the card/badge reader, but with a stronger signal. This allows you to unlock spaces and open doors without having to place your badge immediately adjacent to the reader/receiver. Proximity readers are useful when personnel often move around with their hands full of materials/tools and have specialty applications. In a biotech facility, or any MCO regularly dealing with hazardous materials, the spread of contamination can be limited by not having to use your hands to access controlled spaces.

Anti-Pass Back

Anti-Pass Back refers to digital interlocks between multiple [sets of] digital access points. This feature may be utilized when “badging out” of spaces is required.  If you badge into an area, you must badge out of that area or the system will not let you access any other areas. This creates a very detailed record of who accessed what spaces, when, and for how long – a common requirement in tightly controlled MCO facilities. Additionally, this prevents what is commonly called “tailgating” – walking through a door behind someone else, without using your own security credentials.

Keypads

Keypads are digital or mechanical lock sets that require entering an alphanumeric code to access a space. Mechanical keypads usually just have numbers on them – entering the code in the right sequence releases the tumbler in the lock, just like a key. Digital keypads may be numeric like the pin pad on an ATM, or have full lettering to enter a password/code. The benefits of keypads include not having to hassle with physical keys (issuance, control, losing them, etc.) and not having a cylinder that can be picked – although some keypads do have a keyed tumbler as a backup.

Keyed Locks

Keyed locks are traditional locksets that require a specific key to release the tumblers inside the lock and open the door. Keyed locks still have a place in MCO, but many MCO operators prefer to have the record-keeping abilities of digital lock systems. Commonly, store rooms, closets, emergency exits, and other less critical, less frequently accessed doors may still use a traditional keyed lock.

Objectives met:
- C6
- 6.13