Dual Technology Credentials

By Ryan Kaullen, Field Services Manager at Kenton Brothers

Access Control has been around for a few decades now, and during that time the technology has evolved. A lot of customers have older access control equipment and can’t afford to change out equipment every time technology and security solutions change. What are ways that a company can increase security but not have to change out everything all at once? How can they avoid impacting large portions of the their current access control solution? One way is by using Dual Technology Credentials.

Proximity Technology

The industry standard at the beginning of development of access control solutions was called proximity technology.

Proximity is a non-encrypted technology. As technology has advanced, and those who wish to hack or break through the security have advanced, the industry adapted. More advanced types of technology were required to combat those new threats. These advanced defenses include solutions like multi technology, new readers with encryption, advanced card formats, and more.

This is where Dual Technology Credentials come into play.

Changing your credential to dual technology allows you to use older technology readers along with the newer options. All while enjoying the benefits of having an encrypted credential for higher security.

Over time, you will be able to upgrade your readers to a newer type of encrypted reader. (In other words, spreading out the investment timeline for doing the reader upgrades.) You will still be able to use your dual technology credentials, but once all the readers have been updated, you can switch from a dual technology credential to an encrypted credential. This will lower the cost of your credentials moving forward while still keeping the correct standard of credential security.

Individuals who intend to cause harm to a location often try to go for the low hanging fruit… which includes access control credentials. A repeater is used to try and reveal the card or FOB’s credentials. This allows them to re-create the card and allow entry. This is where dual technology credentials can really make a difference.

If you are interested in learning more about Dual Technology Credentials, please contact us and we would be happy to see where we can help heighten security and protect your people, property, and possessions.