An access control system is a set of procedures and controls designed to limit or detect access of people and vehicles to critical information or physical spaces, including software, biometric devices, security guards or cameras. The term “access control” can also be used interchangeably with access management or authentication processes – related processes which serve to monitor access.
The Early Years
Over millennia, humans have used locks and keys to protect their valuables from unauthorised access. While these mechanical systems were effective at the time, they lacked versatility due to vulnerabilities. With the invention of key card and swipe technology came access control solutions which combine security with convenience.
Swipe technologies of the 1960s and 70s provided an upgrade from manual locks by enabling users to gain entry through simple swipe. Furthermore, these systems allowed for greater control over access permissions; however, their shortcomings soon became evident: for instance, physical contact between readers and cards caused wear and tear issues which necessitated physical touch; proximity cards provided an alternative as they could be read from several inches away reducing direct contact issues with readers.
In the 1990s and 2000s, smart cards with integrated microprocessors became widely used for data storage and processing. Biometric technologies also emerged that allowed entry via unique physiological or behavioral characteristics that served as verification.
In the 2010s, cloud-based systems emerged to enable access control via Internet connectivity, creating agile and scalable solutions without hardware maintenance requirements and seamless integration with other business tools such as visitor management systems.
The Electronic Age
Early access control technology utilized mechanical innovations such as locks and keys as an efficient means of protecting spaces and facilities, but these systems proved vulnerable and lacking in adaptability for modern business environments. Keys could easily become lost, duplicated or stolen putting businesses at significant risk of security breaches as well as costly downtime.
Electronic innovations that enabled accessing buildings or facilities using unique PINs or key codes such as magnetic swipe cards, door intercoms with video capabilities and keypad access provided the next wave of innovation. While these technologies increased accessibility and convenience for users, they presented additional security challenges including PIN sharing or needing frequent changes.
Networked access control solutions made a revolutionary advance with their use of Internet Protocol (IP) for communication and power delivery via standard CAT6 cabling, significantly simplifying installation while eliminating additional power sources. Furthermore, this technological breakthrough also opened the way for sophisticated biometrics that provide unrivaled security.
Cloud-based access control platforms enable organizations to centralize management of their security ecosystem from one single dashboard, offering superior scalability, streamlined operations and more secure protection. Remote access capabilities also allow teams to respond more rapidly to events outside geographic restrictions while real-time monitoring ensures continuous analysis.
The Cloud Age
As demand for flexibility and scalability grew, new access control systems began adopting cloud-based technology for easier customisation and remote monitoring of their system. While traditional access control may require multiple steps for changing permissions or scanning fobs to change permissions, cloud-based mobile access control allows this task to be accomplished within minutes through an online portal.
Cloud-based security teams can also take advantage of the scalability offered by cloud systems that offer real-time system updates without extensive infrastructure overhaul, providing them with an economical means to meet changing business requirements without incurring high upfront costs associated with on-premise systems.
At this point, security became part of other business operations, and access control technology began evolving into an all-in-one platform that includes access control, video surveillance, visitor management and more. This holistic approach ensures operational efficiency as well as faster response times for greater safety and security.
With ever increasing demands for security features and integration, access control may move towards being a hybrid system that uses on-premise and cloud-based technologies to deliver seamless protection across all locations and devices. This will facilitate greater integration in order to support smarter security protocols while meeting increasing cyber-physical integration challenges.
The Modern Age
Today’s access control technology combines security hardware and AI/ML software into an effective unified system architecture that protects against cyberattacks while automating systems and strengthening security protocols. This trend was one of the top 2024 trends and delivers effective cybersecurity measures while streamlining automation processes and strengthening protocols.
Biometric technologies have become a top trend in modern access control systems, using individuals’ unique characteristics to authenticate them and grant secure access. Employees find these systems more convenient while they provide superior protection in case of human error or fraud. More companies are opting for passwordless authentication methods like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning which make managing and less susceptible to cyberattacks easier.
Integrating IoT into access control systems has also become an emerging trend, allowing systems to adapt automatically to changing conditions and adapt more efficiently while increasing security. Doors may lock or unlock automatically based on occupancy and environmental factors to maximize energy efficiency while increasing security. IoT data can also be used to better monitor system activity and identify patterns that might indicate security breaches before they happen.
Robust cybersecurity measures remain of utmost importance in access control systems, which are especially vulnerable to phishing attacks, ransomware attacks and other forms of cybercrime. Through end-to-end encryption and merging physical with cybersecurity convergence strategies, organizations can more quickly detect vulnerabilities and respond more efficiently.