Access control has become one of the most important red-button topics in the security industry. When it comes to security, the most important place to implement it is at the front door. If unauthorized users can’t get in, then there’s generally little to worry about. Unfortunately, access control systems aren’t a foolproof method—security guards are necessary for the best and most secure access control.
All Access Control Systems Have a Weakness
Access control systems are a good start, but all of them have exploitable weaknesses. If you don’t have security guards monitoring your entrances and exits, unauthorized access is easier to obtain for those attempting to trick whatever system you have installed.
- Keycard systems are easily tricked with fake keycards, they run on insecure networks, they often can’t be managed remotely, and you can’t deny access in real-time.
- Keypad system disadvantages are innately obvious—anyone can share the keycode and have it end up in the wrong hands.
- Biometrics are one of the stronger options for access control, but even these systems can be hacked, they raise privacy concerns, and false positives or negatives can cause legitimate users to lose access while unauthorized users can gain access.
- All systems suffer if they are improperly integrated. Access control systems can be integrated with other security systems to some degree, but doing it incorrectly or choosing not to do it at all can compromise your building’s security.
Security Guards Provide Real-Time Response
In the event of a security threat at an access point, having security guards that can identify suspicious activity and respond in real-time can be invaluable. When a problem occurs, the best place to stop it is right at your front door. A security guard provides a human element in addition to your facility’s security systems—it may seem unnecessary, but systems fail. A trained security guard is your best defense when a security system is compromised, damaged, or malfunctioning.
Security Guards Provide Deterrence
If you have security guards stationed at entrances, they provide one of the most important factors in any security strategy—deterrence. The best security problem is the one that never happens. Letting individuals know that someone is watching and ready to take action in the event of an issue will make them much more wary of doing something they know they shouldn’t. This is an important strategy for preventing unauthorized users from attempting to gain entry into the building.
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Since opening in 1975, we have been committed to serving businesses in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia. Our values include proactive communication, honesty, reliability, and quality. We also believe in paying unparalleled attention to detail, no matter which service you require us to provide.
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