Page 44 - Security Today, February 2017

MOBILE PIAM
DISSECTING THE
ADVANTAGES
Realizing the cost benefits for small- and medium-size businesses By Don Campbell
Physical identity access management (PIAM) solutions have changed the way leading organizations approach security. In recent years, advances in PIAM software and relat- ed technologies have not only improved the accuracy and capabilities of these powerful
systems, but they have also brought the cost within reach of small- and medium-sized businesses. Now, mobile access and management of PIAM systems capabilities are opening up a new way for organizations to further increase their pro- ductivity and speed up responses to system alerts.
Here are four advantages of mobile PIAM that offer organiza- tions new capabilities for improving their security posture.
Convenience
Security staff has a wide variety of important tasks to accom- plish, and that not all of these activities take place at their desks. Instead, staff can be on the move throughout the day, involved with supervision, training, inspections, and many other tasks in the course of their work. If access to the PIAM system was only available at the security office, then it would only be possible to update the system with new information, or take action on ap- proval requests, from that location. This limitation could mean that important updates would be delayed until an officer with the information returns at end-of-shift, or until they could be relayed to a staff member who is actually in the office.
Providing access to the PIAM system through a mobile device provides a much higher level of convenience. Mobile access lets them accomplish relevant system tasks from any location at the time they find the need. For example, reporting lost badges or lost and found items. Mobile access also lets them respond immedi- ately to time-sensitive system tasks, such as responding to system alerts or approving or denying access requests.
Thus, the convenience of mobile access is not just a ‘feel- good’ benefit—there is a real positive impact on productivity and effectiveness.
Improved Security
In the past, security forces shared information at daily briefings, through reports, and other traditional methods. Today, a mobile security force may still start their shift with a daily briefing, but
that force relies upon many more information updates during the day to understand the ever-changing current situation and shift- ing priorities, and to manage developing needs and incidents.
If such security officers have real-time access to the PIAM sys- tem, then they will have access to the most up-to-date status and relevant information, leading to an improved level of security. And, officers that are so equipped can make decisions and take actions with confidence, thereby improving their effectiveness.
As an example, it is still relatively common for security guards at entrances to sports facilities, outdoor festivals, construction sites, and similar situations to rely on physical lists of authorized visitors that are used to control entry and access to these sites. This low-tech approach appears to save money but exposes the organi- zation to glaring security gaps. And, because the lists are prepared in advance, it is difficult to update them, categorize visitors with different access levels, correct errors, and so on. These time lags are not just inconvenient—they actually create security risks and interfere with the ability of the security guards to do their jobs.
With mobile PIAM, these security risk loopholes are closed. PIAM solutions ensure identities are properly vetted and authen- ticated before issuing a credential or allowing access. The same policies and procedures of authentication and verifying are ex- tended into the mobile environment. For example, as part of an event registration process, attendees might be required to upload a photo ID. When their temporary event credential is issued, it would include a barcode and when scanned, the profile of the person quickly appears on the mobile device of security staff. In this way, security staff can quickly confirm that the person pre- senting the credential is the authorized person. Color coding on the mobile device can also help with rapid vetting. For example— by providing a green for approved—security simply verifies the photo matches the person and allows entry. If orange or red ap- pear on their device upon scanning, they can take the necessary precautions and deny entry.
Greater Efficiency
Even with improved security, many organizations will not be sat- isfied with a solution that slows down established processes or extends wait times. Mobile PIAM is one of those rare solutions that delivers on both counts, providing improved speed and ease of access while also delivering stronger security. The flexibility of- fered by mobile PIAM also delivers efficiencies and convenience for updating identities and access privileges. Rather than having to go to a desk to add or remove an identity from a PC, authorized
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