Identity security isn’t what it used to be. And like most other aspects of life, the next iteration is taking place on our smartphones. Many enterprises are turning to virtual credentials for their increased security over physical cards, touchless access capabilities, and more recently, their accessibility over traditional card deployment.
As a semblance of normality starts to return, here’s a look into some of the main reasons leading companies are migrating to mobile credentials in 2022.
Avoid Supply Chain Delays
The disruption of the global supply chain is delaying the delivery of traditional card credentials and readers. With the global chip shortage pushing orders out as far as 52 weeks (or longer) and with prices doubling (and even tripling) for traditional identification cards, there has been no better time to consider the switch to mobile credentials.
Better Security
It’s widely known that key card technology just doesn’t cut it these days. The vulnerabilities are pretty well-documented across the security industry. Aside from the obvious flaws like the fact they can be forgotten, lost, and copied with cheap devices bought online, they haven’t adapted much since their inception around 40 years ago.
Like the solution that Safetrust offers, mobile credentials provide enhanced security over a normal plastic card. Two Factor Authentication (2FA) such as pin codes, fingerprint or face ID creates an added layer of protection. Also, the ability to add specific credential rules to each person means you can be sure who is accessing what and at what times. With additional encryption that mobile credentials offer, plus the fact that they can be updated or revoked in real-time, organizations can achieve a far more secure work environment. Plus, as tech advances, mobile credentials can easily be updated whereas when plastic cards become outdated, they need to be reissued entirely (a mammoth task for organizations with hundreds and even thousands of employees).
Touchless Access
As a result of COVID-19, more and more buildings are integrating touchless access control systems to create safer, cleaner environments. Door access methods, such as keypads or biometric readers, and door handles are some of the most commonly touched surfaces in any building. When it comes to returning to work safely, eliminating the need to make contact with those touch-points upon entry creates a more hygienic environment for everyone. Mobile credentials make these high-traffic areas safer by allowing for contactless authentication from a distance and allowing people to move through common spaces quickly.
Increased Convenience
In addition to a more hygienic environment that touchless access brings, it’s also a billion times more convenient. Forget the days of fumbling around in your bag for your key (only to realize you’ve left it at home… we’ve all done it!). You’ll never leave home without your phone and, without even ending your phone call or removing it from your bag, you can enjoy seamless hands-free access from lobby to desk. Mobile credentials are also far more convenient for employees during onboarding or when they need a new card. Gone are the days of meeting with IT to reissue a new credential after you’ve lost it. Credentials can be issued, managed and revoked OTA (over the air), eliminating the need for face-to-face interaction.
Simple & Instant User Management
Managing access for plastic cards can be slow and cumbersome. Safetrust makes managing thousands of user credentials simple by enabling administrators to grant and revoke access over-the-air from one intuitive portal. Manage users from anywhere, at any time, without the need for face-to-face interaction. If a current employee or tenant becomes terminated, you’re no longer at the mercy of them returning their badge. You can instantly revoke access without leaving your chair. Need to give a new employee their access card? Just a few clicks from the portal, and they’ll receive their credential straight to their mobile device. Less manual overhead – more control.
Integration with Existing Applications
Mobile access control is designed to work with the tools you use every day. More often than not, additional security translates to additional hassles. But with cloud-based APIs and Mobile SDKs, your mobile access control system can integrate directly into HR systems and single sign-on systems, saving you hours managing users over their lifecycle. When an employee joins your organization and is added to your HR system, they can automatically receive a credential. If and when they leave the organization, their access can be revoked in the same manner. This reduces the overall operational cost for companies and building management while increasing safety and ensuring physical security compliance.
Business Intelligence
Better understand and optimize resources and assets by knowing how, when and by whom they are being used. Safetrust services collect data from intelligent devices through open protocols and interfaces with other applications. The solution supports repositories, business intelligence systems, PACS, and critical event management platforms in connecting to and consuming the information.
In an increasingly mobile world, our smartphones play a huge role in not only how we communicate but now how we identify ourselves. But it’s also important to note that mobile doesn’t have to replace cards altogether. Companies may choose to use both card and mobile technologies or migrate fully to mobile for the foreseeable future. Cards aren’t going away for many end users and Safetrust hardware supports both strategies.
