The Access Badge
: Yesterday and Today
The access badge is the access
point for many modern security systems. The access
badge is a credential used to get into areas with
automated access control entry points. These entry
points are usually barriers such as doors, gates and
turnstiles.
The original concept for the
modern access badge was invented over 50 years ago.
In 1960, Forrest Parry created the magnetic strip ID
card. The
Southern Utah University Alumni Magazine
revealed Parry, a decorated Korean War veteran,
invented the first plastic ID card for the CIA.
Parry used his wife's iron and magnetic tape to
create the original access badge.
Today's access badge has a
number read by a card reader. The number is sent to
the access control computer system to make a
decision about the credential. If the number is
included in the access control list, the point of
entry is unlocked. The transaction is stored in the
system so reports can be generated to see who
entered points of entry at what time.
Everyday employees with access
badges are typically recognized by the system and
pose few security problems. Security issues tend to
arise when outsiders and temporary employees are
given access badge privileges.
Security Magazine reports companies are using
an increasing number of temporary and contract
workers. Temporary staff run the greatest risk to
companies, elevating security concerns. Kevin
Newcomer, corporate loss prevention manager for Ace
Hardware Corp., said, “Any time you bring in someone
from the outside, you have risks.”
Recent employment reports revealed almost half the
companies in business today plan to hire project,
temporary or contract workers over the next year.
This creates a need for improved security measures
to minimize risk. Access control is vital when
companies hire outside employees. Certain businesses
are also at a greater risk based on what they do in
a volatile world climate.
A security training program helps contractors and
temporary hires understand physical access
management and how it works to protect them and the
company. Temporary employees should only hold an
access badge for the systems they need to perform
their jobs. A procedure should be in place to turn
on and turn off access to security as needed.
At many companies, outside workers wear a clearly
visible ID badge at all times. A color-coded badge
stands out from regular employees. The card access
system also monitors employee access to see if
workers attempted to get into an unauthorized area.
Various access badge security solutions offer
different levels of security based on the location's
size, number of visitors and number of temporary
employees.
The first level of security are paper level access
badges, which resemble labels and offer a minimal
level of security. Paper access badges are like
names tags for one-time use. Some are issued
manually and other are issued electronically.
The second level of security are paper badges with
photo identification. The photo on these temporary
badges is captured from an on-site camera or scanned
from a driver's license or legal photo id.
The third level of security are electronic access
badges. They can use a bar code, magnetic strip,
biometric or proximity access to be scanned by a
card reader. Activity is further monitored
electronically when the access badge is integrated
with video surveillance and access control systems.
Finally, the fourth level of security are time
expiring access badges. This access badge helps
prohibit unauthorized use or the transfer of an
expired badge.
Network access control card systems offer an array
of security benefits. A centralized access approach
sets a company standard for employee info and
accessibility, creating a safer environment with
fewer security risks.
