From Keys to Credentials: The History of Access Control

The history of access control is more exciting than you think. We have seen security features scattered throughout history. Mechanical wooden locks were discovered in modern-day Iraq as far back as 4000BC and Pharoah Tutankhamun’s tomb was secured and locked with a rope knot. Could you envision securing your building now with a rope? We cannot either.  

Due to the dangers prevalent in Roman society, they needed better security. The Romans took inspiration from the ancient Greeks’ locking system, which was made out of wood. After diving deeper into how the wooden system worked, the Romans created the first unique metal keys. These keys were, of course, used to secure possessions and buildings. This novel idea is what led to the creation of the Roman padlock, which was then improved upon by the Chinese for use in trade routes, and later encouraged the heavy wrought-iron padlocks used in England around 870 – 890AD.  

Access control involved more than simply locks, even historically. Kingdom guards would have complex shifts that only allowed them in certain areas during certain times to allow for 24-hour protection. I could only imagine what type of system they created for identity management! 

It’s crazy to think that now antiquated technologies such as moats, drawbridges, and watchtowers were once state-of-the-art engineered solutions utilized to provide perimeter protection and controlled access. Even the thought of verbal passwords was used to gain entry and a form of verification.  

These rudimentary access control ideas represent the foundation of the current technology used today. In modern times, access control is made up of authentication, authorization, and audits.  Modern advancements in technology have allowed for more robust and efficient ways to manage and protect and today’s access control solutions extend far beyond your standard key and card access 

Remote Management

Remote management has remained critical since early 2020, enabling businesses to keep their buildings secure even when nobody is there and paved the way for productive hybrid work models. Remote access and security management enable both enterprise and smaller organizations to stay nimble, allowing teams to complete their day-to-day tasks without being and smaller organizations to stay nimble, allowing teams to complete their day-to-day tasks without having to be physically onsite. Features such as remote door unlocking are useful for letting vendors, contractors, and employees who’ve forgotten or lost their credentials into the building. With access to real-time activity reporting, remote management also gives organizations the flexibility to adjust on the fly. 

Cloud-based access control

When it comes to management, a cloud-based system comes with tools that assist administrative and security teams to sort, view, and process data more efficiently in a unified control center. While physical access control delegates permissions to enter a building, logical access control also includes admittance to computers, networks, files, and usernames and passwords. Physical access control can be used to bolster cybersecurity efforts, assisting in minimizing the risk of unauthorized access, with real-time alerting and fast access to restriction mechanisms in the cloud 

Smart automation

By connecting what was once disparate systems like access control, parking management, room scheduling, visitor management and tenant experience apps, automation streamline processes are now able to make business operations more efficient. AI-enhanced access control and video technology, for example, can help security personnel identify potential threats faster and with better accuracy. By helping teams know what and where to focus, AI-powered security technology can reduce human error, and improve overall experience. 

Touchless access control

Not only are touchless access control trends a more hygienic way of navigating the building, but they’re also more convenient and modern. Now that more systems are relying on mobile and digital technologies, it’s easier to create touchless entry experiences. Utilizing mobile credentials and cloud-based platforms, there’s one less touch point in the office. This means less maintenance, less wear-and-tear on the hardware and greater peace of mind for users.    

Biometrics

Highly restrictive environments or facilities with rigorous compliance requirements, such as hospitals and manufacturing facilities, demand particularly robust access control and security systems. Biometrics technologies use body measurements and physical attributes to find a person’s unique identifying features (typically fingerprints, retina scans, or facial scans) to make a positive ID. 

From ropes to wooden locks, to cloud-based systems and biometrics, security has come a long way through the ages. From the largest and most secure installations to the phone in your pocket, authentication is everywhere. One thing is certain as we look at the future of access control trends: innovation, integration, and adaptability is necessary, but not at the expense of security. The future of access control, especially for enterprises, goes beyond protecting data and restricting access to doing all of it faster, with greater reliability.   

If you have any questions about new technologies that are available to help your business run more efficiently and create a safer environment, reach out to one of our team members today!