Guide: Access Control

An Overview of Access Control Products

For companies of all sizes and sectors, security is a major concern. Protecting the corporate resources is critical for success when working with expensive equipment or private information. An access control system can help the employees and prevent access for those who are not permitted to access the database.

Access control solutions can lead to significant savings while securing the company and making access easier for the staff. Read our guide to find answers to any queries one could have concerning access systems, whether you are an administrator or a company owner.

Discover the following information in this article:

What is Access Control?

Access Control is a cybersecurity approach that manages what and who can access or collect the resources. It is a basic security principle that reduces the threat to the company or business.

 

Physical and logical access control are the two types of access control. Access to campuses, structures, offices, and physical IT resources gets restricted via physical access control.

 

Access to computer systems, file systems, and data are all limited by logical access control.

 

Companies employ access control systems to monitor staff access to protected company locations and private regions. A few of these systems have access control panels that limit admission to areas and premises to prevent unwanted access or activities.

 

By analyzing necessary login details, such as passwords, PINs, biometrics, cryptographic keys, or other verification elements, access control systems conduct individuals’ identification, verification, and permission. Multi-Factor authentication frequently gets used to defend access control systems as part of a layered defense.

Types of Access Control

The following are the main types of Access Control.

Attribute-Based Access Control or ABAC

Access control systems in which access is given based on attributes rather than a user’s rights following authentication are referred to as Attribute-Based Access Control or ABAC. The end-user must justify so-called assertions regarding their attributes. A policy for attribute-based access control outlines that you must meet claims to access the information. It is not necessarily essential to verify or recognize the user in ABAC; all that is required is that they must have the attribute.

Discretionary Access Control or DAC

The policies governing those allowed to access the resource get determined by the owners or managers of the protected system, information, or resources. Administrators get entrusted with limiting the spread of access permissions in these systems.

Mandatory Access Control or MAC

A single authority regulates access privileges based on numerous degrees of authentication. MAC gets mostly used in military and government settings when system components are classified. The system software or surveillance processor grants or denies access based on the user’s or device’s official approval. It is tough to handle, but it is necessary when employed to secure very sensitive data.

Role-Based Access Control or RBAC

Instead of an owner, an admission algorithm controls who has access to a resource in Role-Based Access Control or RBAC. RBAC is widely used in industrial and military systems where multiple levels of protection are required.

 

RBAC varies from DAC in that RBAC controls access at the system level, which is independent of user control. RBAC manages permissions is the main difference between it and MAC as RBAC manages permission collections that can range from complicated processes. RBAC is commonly used to limit access to SaaS products depending on business functions, such as engineering, personnel management, and promotions.

Rule-Based Access Control

 

Here, an administrator establishes rules that regulate access permissions. These criteria could depend on factors like the time of day or the location. It is not unusual for rule-based access control and role-based access control to get used in tandem.

Break-Glass Access Control

Most access control systems follow the least privilege and default-deny ideals. This action may interfere with a system’s functionality. Users are ready to bear the risk of breaching an access control policy in certain circumstances if the potential advantage of real-time access justifies the hazards. This advantage is particularly evident in healthcare, where a lack of access to health records could result in death.

Examples Of Access Control Products

Below are examples of Access Control Products:

Access Control Software

A software-based program incorporates a user interface into an access control system to simplify functionality. This user interface controls the inflow and outflow of providers using functional criteria depending on access entitlements.

 

Below are a few examples of software-based Access Control Products.

Server-Based Access Control

It necessitates software licensing purchases and server maintenance by professional IT personnel. A company with several locations will need to build servers for access control.

Web-Based Access Control

This access control system links to the LAN and can get viewed from any network device.

Cloud-Based Access Control

Unlike the access control systems mentioned, cloud-based access control regularly syncs with local ACUs. Since the system synchronizes in the cloud, an internet connection is required. In the event of a breakdown, the ACU will sync when back online.

Physical Door Access Control Readers

A comprehensive access control procedure goes beyond the computer with physical access control safeguards as well. Oftentimes, physical access control uses reader technology as part of a corporate access control system. Firms must deploy door readers that provide management and protection to authenticate the identification.

 

Below are the most popular door access controls.

Keypads

To access a keypad door reader, the user must enter a PIN or passcode. Keypad readers are secure since there is no tangible identification to hand around or steal.

Swipe Cards

This door card reader uses key cards or ids with a magnetic stripe to authenticate. The reader swipes the card for access. The wear and tear on the equipment and cards mean they must be regularly maintained and refreshed.

RFID

RFID access control ids have data tags that emit signals to neighboring readers. Proximity-based access control systems typically use key cards or key fobs.

Biometric Locks

Biometric readers employ detectors to identify individuals by unique physical traits like fingerprints, eyes, or facial recognition.

Smart Locks

Smart lock readers are the most modern door security readers. Smart readers support mobile identification, key cards, key fobs, and even touchless activation.

Conclusion

Excellent security is more important than ever. While physical security is a must, we need to go beyond physical security and also secure the data we store with effective access control.

 

Emerging risks necessitate cutting-edge technology, in-depth research, and strict security procedures. Keys and passwords are outdated. Secure physical and digital assets, lower human expenses and keep employees safe by using access control products.

Smarter Data Access Control With Satori

Satori enables you to have simple and secure data access control, enabling you to make more value from your data. Our platform makes sure access to data is quick with self-service and workflow based access control, compliance is at bay with auditing and monitoring across all your data stores, and more.

Last updated on

June 9, 2022

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