While considering your building’s security, there are many different things to take into account, and you may ask, “Why install an access control system?” When it comes to the security of your business, there’s nothing more important than having such a system in place.
Access Control System Explained
The three most common types of access systems are:
- Discretionary Access Control
- Mandatory Access Control
- Role-Based Access Control
Discretionary Access Control provides a level of security and protection that allows a vetted user to put permissions into place which serve to govern who’s able to enter a facility. The owner of the business or building will be able to maintain the highest level of control by using this type of system. They will have the ability to override any other users’ settings. This means that the owner might need to be more involved in operating the security system than with other types of access control systems, but provides them with the ultimate authority on access.
Mandatory Access Control (MAC) provides what can be considered the strongest level of access control ability. With this type of security system in place, only owners and their custodians will be able to gain access to the security system. The settings for control are established by a system’s administrators, and cannot be altered or removed unless that administrator grants permission.
Furthermore, MAC doesn’t maintain a broad access list of each person’s point of entry. Instead, it grants access to specific areas on a person-by-person basis. For example, if your company has 25 employees, each of these employees will have their own specific permission to enter specific areas of the facility.
A MAC’s level of access is considered to be the most stringent and strongest type of system available. For many businesses, that can prove to be a huge benefit. However, with such a strong layer of security, these mandatory access control systems are also the least flexible. It’s difficult to change permissions once established. In order to do so, the owner or administrator would need to reprogram each specific user’s access ability. Because of this high layer of security and complicated process for changing security parameters, such systems are mostly used by organizations, top-security level companies, and agencies who demand the highest levels of security possible.
Finally, we have “Role-Based Access Control,” a security access system designed for business buildings. This particular security system allows permissions based on job titles rather than individuals. Managers have one set of permissions, while desk clerks have another, and so on.
However, these three aren’t the only systems available. Two other types of security systems frequently utilized are:
- Rules-Based Access Controlled Systems and
- Attributed Access Control Systems
Rules-Based Access Controlled Systems can be thought of as an added layer of security for your facility. While it might not function the same as your building’s primary security system, it lets you reset the permissions to enter your facility based upon certain guidelines or rules the administrators can establish themselves. So if a building closes at 4:00PM, the admin can implement a rule that prevents people from entering after that time. If there is one day out of the week that holds different hours, the system can accommodate that schedule as well.
Another type of an access control security system is the Attribute Access Control system.
This security provides users with different layers of control that may be based on varied criteria such as who the user is or why the user is entering the building.
These attribution systems make it possible for users to set up systems that grant control of access to a facility that’s based on the user’s position, title, location, and role within a company.
At NGSC, we pride ourselves on providing you with the access control security system you feel will benefit your business the most. Contact us today, and upgrade your security!
