If you’ve already installed an access control system, these tips may help you get even more use out of your security technology.
Installing an access control in your facility is one of the best ways to improve overall security, but it’s not as simple as installing that system and then forgetting about it. There’s a certain level of education and user-upkeep that goes into getting the most out of any access control system. If you’ve recently installed an access control system, or just want to brush up on the basics of an existing one, there are a few ideas that can really improve the use you get out of your system. Here are four ways you can improve your access control system and make for a more secure facility.
1. Audit Your Users
Neglecting to remove access for former employees can, at worse, lead to hundreds of people with credentials they shouldn’t have. Even in the best case scenario though, everyone makes mistakes and it’s likely for a few people to slip through the cracks and not have their access revoked even when they move on. To avoid this, take the time to audit who has access to what and reevaluate your approach for the future if it has become too much of a problem. One potential solution is to have access credentials automatically timeout, which can be done by setting requirements on how often credentials need to be used, setting self-expiration dates, or even just connecting your system to human resources databases so it’s clear who is still employed.
2. Education Goes a Long Way
Something as simple as holding a door open for another person may seem like an obvious act of kindness, but this can impose serious security concerns on a facility. Educating employees on this practice—sometimes called tailgating by professionals—is a great way to cut down on the potential for individuals to circumvent your access control system. Having multiple layers of security is another way of handling this big issue, which may involve installing multiple points of access control or integrating something like video badging into your system.
3. Perform Regular Tests
We all have performed functionality tests on the smoke alarms or security cameras in our homes and it’s only natural that you would apply the same treatment to an access control system. By taking the time to periodically test to see that everything works, including alarms, you can ensure that everything functions as it should.
4. Evaluate Your Features and Access Levels
Do the areas of your facility that are particularly sensitive have matching levels of security in place? Can you change privileges so that only the appropriate people have credentials for specific zones? By taking a look at whether or not your needs are really being met by your current system, you may be able to up the ante by installing more equipment, reallocate resources to the places that need them, or just determine new sets of access levels that make sense for the layout of your building.
Get in Touch with FiberPlus
FiberPlus has been providing data communication solutions for over 25 years in the Mid Atlantic Region for a number of different markets. What began as a cable installation company for Local Area Networks has grown into a leading provider of innovative technology solutions improving the way our customers communicate and keeping them secure. Our solutions now include:
- Structured Cabling (Fiberoptic, Copper and Coax for inside and outside plant networks)
- Electronic Security Systems (Access Control & CCTV Solutions)
- Wireless Access Point installations
- Public Safety DAS – Emergency Call Stations
- Audio/Video Services (Intercoms and Display Monitors)
- Support Services
- Specialty Systems
- Design/Build Services
FiberPlus promises the communities in which we serve that we will continue to expand and evolve as new technology is introduced within the telecommunications industry.
Have any questions? Interested in one of our services? Call FiberPlus today 800-394-3301, email us at info@fiberplusinc.com, or visit our contact page. Our offices are located in the Washington, DC metro area, Richmond, VA, and Columbus, OH. In Pennsylvania, please call Pennsylvania Networks, Inc. at 814-259-3999.
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