The use of outdated card readers for access control is not sustainable in the long term. This article explores the considerations for transitioning to modern card readers, including ease of use, security, and business continuity. Outdated readers pose a security risk and can cause compatibility issues with modern identification methods, which may lead to malfunctions or system failures. This results in costs related to higher maintenance frequency and disruption of business processes. Investing in modern card readers can significantly reduce operational costs. In addition to cost savings, modern readers offer organizations advanced security features and an overall improved user experience.

Modern card readers offer numerous advantages and new features over outdated card readers

Protection against counterfeits

With modern proximity readers, it is possible to verify the authenticity of an access tool. This is done by scanning for the feature present in the (NXP) chips of smartcards and tags, confirming production from trusted channels such as the manufacturer and certified partners. By performing this authenticity check, it verifies that the card contains an original NXP chip and is not a counterfeit identification tool. This measure helps prevent cloning attacks, where criminals attempt to duplicate cards.

Data security and compliance

Modern readers offer new features for secure communication between the access tool and the reader. These measures prevent interception and manipulation of data and support compliance with privacy guidelines. The encrypted communication helps counteract eavesdropping, where attackers listen in to obtain sensitive information, and replay attacks where intercepted information is replayed to gain access.

Prevention and reliability

Criminals may attempt to intercept transactions through man-in-the-middle attacks, where they capture, manipulate, and forward information using a receiver. A countermeasure against this is the transaction timer. This feature enhances reliability by ensuring timely and direct transactions, as a man-in-the-middle attack requires more time than the transaction timer allows. Additionally, there is proximity control. This feature prevents relay attacks, where communication with a reader is attempted remotely via a transmitter. Proximity control checks whether the card is physically close to the reader, making it more difficult for malicious individuals to extend communication over a distance.

Flexibility and security

Current identification tools support multiple applications on a single chip. For example, a card can be used to grant access to various locations and facilities. To grant secure access, the identification numbers are protected with keys (passwords). When the key for access control is compromised, it has a serious impact on the security of the respective location. Previously, the solution was very costly. Everything had to be replaced with newly encrypted access tools. However, with modern readers, it is possible to apply multiple key sets. This allows existing access tools to be centrally transferred to an alternative non-compromised encryption without the need for replacement or retrieval.

Using outdated card readers in access control systems is not sustainable in the long term due to technical limitations and security risks. Transitioning to modern card readers offers numerous benefits, including enhanced security, improved performance, and a better user experience. Modern readers protect against counterfeiting, ensure secure data transfer, and increase transaction reliability. Multiple key sets provide flexibility and make access points more secure.