In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Horvath, owner of Z-bit Physical Access Control Systems Consultancy with over 25 years in the field, delves into the intricate world of physical access control systems. He highlights the slow shift from proprietary systems to open standards like OSDP and the security risks of cloud-based systems. Horvath reveals vulnerabilities in hotel key card systems, explores advancements in credential technology, and stresses the importance of local decision-making in an increasingly interconnected security landscape.
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Quick takeaways
Physical access control systems (PACS) utilize components like credentials and readers to secure physical spaces, paralleling digital access control methods.
The transition to open standards, such as OSDP, enhances system compatibility and security, addressing challenges of proprietary communication methods in legacy systems.
Adopting advanced security measures like public key infrastructure (PKI) can mitigate vulnerabilities in credential cloning, promoting a safer access control environment.
Deep dives
Understanding Physical Access Control Systems
Physical access control systems are designed to monitor and secure physical spaces, analogous to logical access control in the digital realm. These systems utilize various methods for authentication, such as cards, mobile devices, or biometric features like fingerprints. Once identification is established, it is essential to determine whether access should be granted, followed by auditing the transaction. Physical access control can also integrate additional security aspects such as video surveillance and environmental sensors to enhance security monitoring.
Components of Access Control Systems
The main components of physical access control systems include physical credentials, readers, control panels, and host software. Credentials can be traditional cards, mobile technology, or biometric inputs, often linked to a reader that connects physical identity to the access control system. The control panel processes input from the reader and makes decisions based on stored access permissions. Additionally, the host software manages credentials, access levels, and the overall configuration of the system, ensuring that everything works seamlessly together.
Identity Management and Communication Protocols
Authentication and authorization in physical access control involve various communication protocols and interactions between the host software and control panels. Older systems often relied on proprietary communication methods, leading to difficulties in integration and updates. However, the introduction of standards like OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) allows for enhanced compatibility between different hardware manufacturers and scenarios. Implementing these standards creates a more manageable and secure environment, as richer data flows and feedback loops can now be established.
Upcoming Trends in Access Control Technology
The future of physical access control indicates a shift towards adopting open standards and more advanced security measures. Enhanced protocols, like using public key infrastructure (PKI) for credentials, aim to reduce vulnerabilities associated with traditional cloning and replication methods of access credentials. Innovations in wireless communication are also emerging, allowing for real-time access decisions and integration of IoT devices into the security system. As technological advancements progress, addressing the challenges of integrating these new solutions will be crucial for security professionals.
Challenges of Transitioning Legacy Systems
Legacy systems in physical access control face significant hurdles due to their longstanding implementation and the reluctance to upgrade due to financial or logistical constraints. Many organizations still operate on outdated protocols, which present security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies. The process of replacing hardware or updating firmware for compatibility with new standards often entails complex logistical planning. As industry professionals strive to enhance security measures, facilitating this transition will require collaboration and a robust understanding of both software and hardware interfaces.
Jonathan Horvath of Z-bit discusses physical access control systems (PACS) with host Jeremy Jung. They start with an overview of PACS components and discuss the proprietary nature of the industry, the slow pace of migration to open standards, and why Windows is commonly used. Jonathan describes the security implications of moving from isolated networks to the cloud, as well as credential vulnerabilities, encryption using symmetric keys versus asymmetric keys, and the risks related to cloning credentials. They also consider several standards, including moving from Wiegand to the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), as well as the Public Key Open Credential (PKOC) standard, and the open source OSDP implementation that Jonathan authored.