The Risks of Card Credentials vs. the Benefits of Biometrics with SAFR Computer Vision

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Ensuring the security of your facility is paramount. Traditionally, card credentials have been widely used for access control due to their simplicity and cost-effectiveness. However, as security threats evolve, so do the technologies designed to mitigate them. One such advancement is the use of biometrics with computer vision, specifically from SAFR.

In this video, Chris Smith and Tom Fontana discuss the common challenges that SAFR SCAN solves for security professionals such as lost or stolen credentials. Watch here >>

Risks of Using Card Credentials

Susceptibility to Theft and Loss: Card credentials can be easily lost or stolen, posing a significant security risk. Once in the wrong hands, these cards can grant unauthorized access to secure areas, leading to potential breaches.
Cloning and Duplication: Modern technology makes it relatively easy to clone or duplicate card credentials. Criminals can use various methods to copy card data, allowing them to create counterfeit cards that can bypass security measures. PRO TIP: read this article about Flipper Zero >>
Human Error: Employees might forget their cards, lend them to others, or leave them in unsecured locations.
Limited Audit Trails: While card systems can track entries and exits, they do not provide a foolproof way to verify the identity of the person using the card. This limitation can hinder investigations in case of a security incident.

Benefits of Biometrics with Computer Vision from SAFR

Enhanced Security: Biometrics provide a higher level of security as they rely on unique physical characteristics that are difficult to replicate or steal. SAFR’s computer vision technology accurately identifies individuals based on facial features, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
Convenience and Efficiency: With biometrics, employees do not need to carry physical cards or remember PINs unless dual authentication is implemented. Access is granted through facial recognition, streamlining the entry process and enhancing user experience.
Scalability and Flexibility: As organizations grow, so do their security needs. Biometric systems, particularly those using SAFR’s advanced technology, can scale to accommodate increasing numbers of users and access points, offering long-term flexibility and adaptability.
Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts: SAFR’s system can monitor access points in real time, providing immediate alerts for any suspicious activities like piggybacking. This proactive approach enables swift response to potential threats.
Accurate Audit Trails: Biometric systems create precise audit trails by logging the actual identity of individuals accessing secure areas. This feature is invaluable for security audits and investigations, ensuring accountability and transparency.
Integration with Existing Systems: SAFR’s computer vision technology can be seamlessly integrated with existing security infrastructure and most access control software platforms, providing an additional layer of protection without the need for a complete overhaul.

While card credentials have served as a staple in physical access control, their inherent vulnerabilities necessitate a shift towards more secure alternatives. Biometrics with computer vision, such as the solutions provided by SAFR, offer a robust, efficient, and scalable approach to access control. By leveraging unique physical characteristics and real-time monitoring, SAFR’s technology not only mitigates the risks associated with card credentials but also enhances overall security and user experience. As threats continue to evolve, embracing advanced biometric solutions is a strategic imperative for safeguarding physical spaces.

The SAFR SCAN access control reader is the first software-hardware solution offering on-premises or cloud deployment from RealNetworks, leveraging the company’s 27-year heritage of IT and software innovations. An aggressively priced solution, SAFR SCAN delivers the best combination of facial recognition, computer vision, and image capture technologies to meet an extremely broad range of mainstream access control and workforce management applications without compromise.