Access Control Cards

Access control cards are technology based cards used as an ID for gaining access to certain resources. Such cards are student IDs, staff cards, guest cards, etc. These cards provide greater measure of security for businesses, schools, government facilities, and more. Enterprises have a vast array of choices when it comes to access control cards.  In addition to traditional access control situations, cards and card readers exist that service biometrics, time and attendance, digital cash, IT secure authentication, guard tours, parking medical and service storage.  Additionally the same cards can be used for digital cash, vending and billing. Access control cards use a variety of technologies.  These include Magnetic Strip, Wiegand and Contactless Smart Cards. The magnetic strip card is capable of storing data by storing data by modifying the magnetism of magnetic particles located on the card, commonly referred to as a magstripe. The card's magstripe is read by physical contract and swiping of the card past a card reader. These cards are commonly used in access control for building access as well as in identity cards.  The technology is slowly being replaced by contactless smart cards which offer more features and security than the magnetic strip card.  A Wiegand access control card uses a series of embedded wires made with a special alloy that make them hard to duplicate and counterfeit.

The set of wires contains data such as identity information, credit card information, medical information, etc. Wiegand cards are often used in proximity cards.  This means that a user only has to be near the reader but does not have to touch the reader.  Proximity cards are useful for physical building access and also on production workflows where employees need access to facilities and/or applications in a hurry.  However, proximity cards are not a strong source of user authentication since the token does not mean that the person holding it is actually the person it was issued to. The contactless smart card can protect the information contained within the card by authenticating the information requestor and then allowing only the release of information the requestor is authorized for. The card owner may have additional methods such as a PIN number or a biometric to approve release of the information. This is an example of strong authentication. The contactless smart card has a microchip embedded in the card with internal memory. This enables the card to securely manage, store and offer data access to the card, perform complex functions and calculations, and interact with an RF device in an intelligent manner.