Case studies, product profiles and security tips from industry leaders
October 2007: Vol. 4, #7In This Issue: Exploring Your Access Control Options Keeping Vulnerable Adults Safer with ID Card Program OnQueue™ Software Provides Centralized, Scalable ID Card Issuance Videos from ASIS: OnQueue Launch, Kickoff, HDP5000 Test Drive Fargo Printers and Secure Materials Online – 24x7 Accept $100 'Thank You' for Sharing Your ID Success Story ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Exploring Your Access Control Options
Campus Safety magazine has asked three experts from Eden Prairie, Minn.-based Fargo Electronics and HID Global of Irvine, Calif., to comment on the access and identification technologies most appropriate for hospitals and universities. These experts include Chris Sincock, vice president of sales and marketing of HID Identity; Steve Blake, vice president of Fargo; and Sharon Steinhoff-Smith, Fargo’s director of public relations. Here are some real-world solutions that can help your campus maintain an open, inviting environment while keeping unauthorized individuals away from vulnerable locations. DORMITORIES: “Currently, dormitories using access control systems use either an online system, where the door readers are connected in real time to an access control system and events are monitored and recorded as they happen; or offline systems, where cardholders and their access privileges are programmed into a single door controller and/or lock combination device located physically at the door,” says Sincock. “The third common type of deployment is a hybrid system that uses both types of systems and devices.” “If a campus applies electronic access control all the way down to the dorm room level, a university can benefit in many ways,” he adds. “Not only will it have enhanced security, but the maintenance costs of keeping those rooms secured will be minimized.” Eliminating the need to recore doors when keys are lost is just one example of how card access can reduce maintenance expenses. “There are still many dorms that don’t have automatic access control, but that is rapidly changing,” says Blake. “For those that do, the security isn’t very tight. There is a lot of piggybacking, where one student will walk into the dorm and then a whole bunch of others will walk through the door.” How to Prevent Piggybacking on Campus: • Install a vestibule (or mantrap): The vestibule should have two entrances, but only one person can enter it at a time• nclude anti-passback features on access cards: Cardholders must use their credentials to exit and enter. The card is only valid when it is used in the sequence that the administration or policy has defined. • Incorporate photo identification on the cards: This enables RAs to check the photos on the access credentials. According to Blake, however, “Typically, [after entry] the card is put right back into the wallet or purse and is not shown on the person, so you don’t have your visual to verify that everyone who is on that floor should be there unless you have the residents display the card at all times. That’s a procedural change, and I don’t know of any school that requires it.” Still, when appropriate, RAs can ask for credentials. Well-Secured Residence Halls Could Include: • All doors, including perimeter and room entryways, on the same online system, allowing the recording and monitoring of those who enter and exit and at what times• Controls possibly on a floor-by-floor basis • Security cameras by all residence hall entrances • Appropriate interior and exterior lighting ---------------------------------------------------- HOSPITALS: When it comes to healthcare facilities, preventing infant abductions is a top priority. Often RFID wristbands (or barcode wristbands) are issued to both the parents and the newborns. Although this method is extremely useful in preventing newborn abductions, according to Sincock, it is very easy to circumvent because aluminum foil can shield wristbands or anklebands. Additionally, it doesn’t prevent unauthorized visitors from gaining access to the maternity department in the first place. With childcare/daycare centers, a parent can be issued an ID card with the child’s and parent’s photo on it. Additionally, some form of access control either via a card or keypad can be used. Biometrics is also a possibility. For hospital employees and staff, regardless of where they work, IDs need to be legible. Overlaminates on their credentials can prevent photos and text from fading. If unauthorized duplication is a concern, clear holograms, foil stamped holograms, microtext or ultraviolet printing can be used to verify credentials are authentic. In hospital settings, it is also advisable that doctors, nurses and employees carry only one card with multiple technologies (when needed). A single credential greatly simplifies the lives of all cardholders. Logical Access: “More and more people are concerned not only about physical security, but also logical access security on the PC and network,” says Blake. This is a significant issue on healthcare campuses, but also with educational facilities. According to Blake, a smart card or multiple technology credential would probably be the most appropriate method to achieve logical security. “You might use one technology on your physical access because it is already there, like proximity. With the logical access, you may want to implement a new system that is smart-card based with a higher level of data security in it.” The card could then be used for network logon. When a user leaves the terminal, the system immediately locks, keeping the campus compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Colleges and universities, which must abide by Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) standards, might also benefit from deploying this type of solution. ---------------------------------------------------- Common Campus Access Control Technologies • Magstripe: Low cost; commonly used; not as secure as technology cards; can be duplicated easily; subject to physical wear-and-tear• Proximity: Durable; convenient; widely used for access control; more difficult to compromise or duplicate than magstripe technology but easier to compromise than contactless smart cards; less wear-and-tear issues • Contactless Smart Cards: Multi-application functionality (access control, cashless vending, library card, events); enhanced security through encryption and mutual authentication; less wear-and-tear issues; not as widely adopted as magstripes or proximity cards ---------------------------------------------------- OTHER HIGH-RISK AREAS Counterfeit cards pose a significant challenge to universities, especially those that offer performing arts or athletic events at reduced prices for students, staff and faculty. It is important then, to take appropriate steps so the card cannot be duplicated. “One of the things you can add to a card is visual security,” says Fargo’s Steinhoff-Smith. “You can add a simple holographic overlaminate, which is pretty basic. It may not be customized, but if someone is going to try to counterfeit that card, they’ve got to take an extra step. You can also customize holograms, which makes it a lot more difficult for a counterfeiter to get their hands on it. You can add several elements that are covert, overt and forensic, like nano text. The more layers you put on, the more difficult it is to counterfeit.” Mobile verification is another way to reduce unauthorized use and duplication of a credential. Using smart card technology, data (either a photo or biometric) is embedded into a contactless chip. When a mobile reader reads the card, that person’s record is displayed with their photo. This allows security to verify the identity of the cardholder. Animal research laboratories or other research facilities that may contain dangerous strains of bacteria, nuclear materials or chemicals that could be weaponized also pose a significant risk to campuses. The entire building should be locked down and a two-factor authorization should be required for entry into the facility. “You also need to look at some pretty significant physical security measures, like wire mesh on the windows, video surveillance and a mantrap,” says Sincock. Robin Hattersley Gray is the executive editor of Campus Safety magazine. She can be reached at robin.gray@bobit.com ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case Study: Keeping Vulnerable Adults Safer with ID Card Program Protecting the safety of vulnerable adults used to keep Lara Parsons awake at night. Not any more. The introduction of a security system built around plastic photo ID cards now helps Parsons, Director of Development at Shoreham Village, get a better night’s sleep. Shoreham Village is a small nursing home with 83 residents in Nova Scotia. Created to provide an environment that maximizes the quality of life for older persons in need or at risk, the facility sits on 14 acres in a beautiful, quiet setting. The campus offers several living options in addition to the nursing home, including an independent living seniors’ apartment complex, with assisted living suites and apartments.
“Nursing homes are open to many people every day,” Parsons said. “We keep drugs and needles on the premises, and we have been the target for criminals and for people selling junk out of the trunks of their cars.” Shoreham Village is in a rural setting of Nova Scotia, and Parsons believes the management would wait a long time for police to arrive, should the need occur. She is much more content to secure the building and increase the staff’s level of comfort. “A year ago, we started the process of designing and implementing an ID card-based system that would enhance our nursing home’s security,” said Parsons. “We researched many products and companies before deciding upon a Fargo DTC400 Direct-to-Card Printer/Encoder to print the photo ID cards. “The printing system, consisting of a printer, camera and software, needed to be easy to use because we wanted to let different managers have access to it,” she said, “and most have little or no education on computers.” In addition, Parsons wanted a printer that could produce two-sided cards that would last and not fade. The cards are proximity cards, which only need to be held close to card readers located at each of the doors. Individuals who are not authorized to enter do not have access. Not only was Parsons concerned about the well-being of Shoreham Village residents, but she also was concerned about the safety of the 150 staff members. Approximately 99 percent of the staff is female, and because of the 24-hour care that is provided, many either begin or end their work day in the dark. Before the ID card-activated access control system was put into place, staff who began work at 11 p.m. often would stand alone by the back door, waiting for someone to unlock the door and let them in. Not only was this dangerous for the staff arriving, but it also took inside staff away from patient care. Parsons knew something had to be done. With the introduction of an ID card security program, the staff can now let themselves in. “This was a very big improvement,” she said. In the future, Parsons suspects Shoreham Village will add more card readers because they are quicker and easier than using keys. “These ID cards look more professional than the old plastic pin-on name tags,” said Parsons. “When combined with the security system, they also create a more effective time and attendance system. Money has been saved in employee time, one of the most untraceable thefts there is. We can monitor employees who like to leave early or come in late. Staff previously did not even have a punch clock. We operated on the honor system.” With the introduction of the access control system, Shoreham Village administrators can monitor who opens which doors and when. They even have tracked down an internal theft, thanks to the card system, which revealed that a certain person had been in the building at the time of a theft. Parsons also noted that the new system has saved time previously wasted just looking for keys to certain doors. “The building is locked for 12 hours a day to prevent residents from hurting themselves,” she said, “although cards are given to people allowed in the building during those times, including physicians, pharmacists, palliative care volunteers and fire fighters.” It wasn’t long before Parsons found additional uses for the ID cards. “In the beginning, we thought we would use the system for staff only,” she said. “When we looked at how many volunteers we have (currently 170), we decided the system would be appropriate for volunteers as well. It identifies them, tracks their time and attendance and, in the case of an emergency, lets us know who is inside the building.” “We have also found the ID card system useful for some of our residents who come and go from the nursing home frequently,” Parsons added, “as well as for outside agencies that need to come to the nursing home after hours, and for people who occasionally rent one of our outside buildings. We also are looking at using the system in some of the common areas of our apartments.” “Improving the quality of work life is an important issue these days,” she said, “and security is part of that issue.” But it’s the increased safety of the vulnerable adults in her care that keeps Parsons sleeping more soundly these days, and others are noticing her efforts. At an opening event for the Shoreham Village Seniors’ Complex, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore – St. Margaret’s, was quoted as saying, “Your ongoing efforts are helping to ensure that our seniors will have safe and affordable places to call home. I applaud your efforts.” ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OnQueue™ Software Provides Centralized, Scalable ID Card Issuance
Fargo OnQueue Card Production Software is a scalable application that transforms multiple stand-alone ID card printers into one centralized system for large-volume card production. OnQueue offers flexibility in managing up to 20 card printers in a single system. OnQueue’s client application sends print jobs from any PC on the network to a server, and its server-based application manages and processes jobs as they're created. Print information is stored in a central database for easy management, back-up and archiving. • OnQueue online• Product Brochure • Available from your local Fargo dealer on November 1, 2007 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See Fargo Video Announcements from ASIS • Hear about our latest High Definition Printer, the HDP5000 • Watch our tradeshow kickoff announcement
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