Access control is a word or combination of words that are heard a lot in security. What are we talking about when we discuss this concept? Does it look different in different scenarios? I will discuss this here today.
So how do we define Access Control? For our purposes we would define it as restriction of access for certain people or groups to be determined by the property owner. This can apply in physical security or Cyber security, but this article will focus more on physical security.
In the security industry there are various sites that security companies and officers are designated to protect. These vary and include Office Towers, Malls, Apartment buildings, events (concerts and similar public gatherings) and airports. Access Control security is needed to direct the access so only those approved to be in that area are there. Access Control companies such as Redmark Security provide the services to keep these areas safe for all.
OFFICE TOWERS:
For the most part in Office Towers Access Control security tends to be a little more straightforward. In general, tenants of office towers tend to be dressed nicely and appear to be lawyers or accountants. So, if someone looks out of a place to hide, they are easy to spot. As well, there are access control systems in place so fobs or access cards are required to gain entry to sensitive areas.
MALLS:
Generally, malls are a public area so most people are allowed access during business hours. The main thing to watch for is individuals attempting to gain access to storage rooms or other off limit areas. It is also advisable to look out for those who seem nervous or are possibly scoping the area. They may be up to something. In this case you can advise a supervisor and possibly police non emergency could be advised.
APARTMENT BUILDINGS:
Apartment building in many ways have access control systems set up in a similar way to office towers .If the building has a security officer on site they most likely also have card readers and tenants would need to use a fob or access card for entry .If they had forgotten their fob or keys calls can be made to verify their identities prior to giving access .Overall , this makes controlling access easier but certain areas like garbage rooms or recycling rooms would need to be monitored as there are break ins at times, even in the best of buildings.
EVENT SECURITY:
When entering an event attendees would have tickets scanned and sometimes even have a badge to show they are there legitimately. People have been known to sneak in and with the larger crowd this access control security is harder to regulate. At times attendees may need to be evicted and you would need to keep an eye out if they try to re-enter somehow.
AIRPORTS:
Airports are highly regulated and have many policies in place to limit access. There tends to be large security crews and many access points to go through whether you are a passenger, contractor or even an employee. Access is very highly controlled in these environments.
These are the basics of access control in the security industry.