Modern access control systems

Answers revealed in an upcoming eNewsletter

QUIZ

Advances in digital technology have transformed access control systems (ACSs) from performing tasks, like locking/unlocking doors, to contributing to efficiency and business insights. And, as legacy components age, they become vulnerable to evolving threats. How much do you know about modern ACSs? Take this quiz to find out.

1. How old is the average access control system?

a. 1-5 years
b. 6-10 years
c. 11-15 years
d. More than 16 years

2. Approximately how much does a single minute of downtime cost a data center?

a. $1,000
b. $50,000
c. $8,000

3. Which statement is false about open architecture ACSs?

a. They allow you to reuse existing hardware and wiring, so upgrades are more efficient.
b. Hardware is exclusively compatible with the same manufacturer’s software.
c. They offer more flexibility by allowing software and hardware from different manufacturers to operate together.

4. What’s the best way to ensure your access control system is connected to your company’s IT network securely?

a. Keep it isolated.
b. Keep it connected to your IT network with a "zero trust" approach.
c. Keep it connected to your IT network with no additional security.

5. What’s the best way to prepare for a potential cyberattack or breach on your ACS?

a. Ensure patches are in place to keep your system protected from emerging cyberthreats.
b. Be ready to do damage control when an attack happens.
c. Hope everything works out.

6. What new access control technology helps you address evolving security needs?

a. Artificial intelligence
b. Biometrics, mobile, and other high-assurance credentials
c. RFID

7. What are the benefits of having your access control and video management systems unified on a single, open platform?

a. You get a complete picture of what’s happening across your entire data center.
b. It centralizes data that can improve operational efficiency and inform business practices.
c. It simplifies your ability to maintain compliance.
d. All of the above.

8. Following mergers and acquisitions, it’s better to keep the security systems of each:

a. Isolated — cost and risk of migrating systems is too high.
b. Unified on a single platform — ROI of migrating systems is often two years or less.
c. Keep some systems isolated but unify others.

9. Is it more effective to have IT or security responsible for managing ACSs?

a. IT should be responsible.
b. Security should be responsible.
c. IT and security teams should collaborate on a common strategy and best practices.

10. What are the key benefits to modernizing your ACS?

a. It improves cybersecurity.
b. It lowers total cost of ownership.
c. It simplifies compliance with ever-evolving regulations.
d. All of the above.


Mark Feider is national director of enterprise at Genetec. Prior to joining the company in 2007 he was a national account manager at a large Canadian security system integrator. Read Mark’s article on Cybersecurity Risks Hiding in Physical Security Systems here.