Page 56 - Security Today, March 2019

Dealer Strategies
Selecting the Right Access Control System
You have the necessary experience, but think about the specifications for the job By J. Matthew Ladd
With a password on each computer and a card- based access control system on the door, many businesses feel they have their bases covered when it comes to both logical and physical se- curity.
The password for the logical access control system, which pro- vides authorization into a computer system, they will argue, prevents just anyone from logging onto a computer—unless the computer’s owner has a sticky note with their password attached to the screen or they have shared their password with a friend. Then the laptop or desktop is easily accessible by others.
No Trespassing
The card will keep strangers out of the building. This works unless the credential is lost or stolen or passed along by a well-meaning em- ployee to a co-worker who forgot his card. Access works on the prem- ise that the user presents one of two items: something they have, like a card; or something they know, such as a password.
Whether you are running a small business office, doctor’s office, coffee shop or retail store, it is important to ensure that you protect staff and assets. While for some this may mean simply locking the front door at night with a key, the introduction of new technology at lower price points now means that every business can afford the
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0319 | SECURITY TODAY
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