Key fobs have become incredibly commonplace, streamlining access to everything from our cars to our homes and workplaces. In high-traffic environments, especially, the traditional tumbler lock and key are increasingly relics of the past. Proximity cards, often referred to as key cards or access cards – those credit-card-sized, contactless devices – have largely replaced them, offering a convenient way to grant access to various areas. For many multifamily buildings like apartment complexes and condominiums, however, these very access cards can represent a significant security vulnerability, especially if you are relying on outdated or easily compromised systems. Understanding the security of your key fob system, particularly if it’s a system like Kastle Systems, is crucial in today’s world.
Proximity cards, or keycards, offer undeniable convenience and some clear security and financial advantages. When a resident moves out, there’s no need for the cumbersome process of rekeying the entire building or physically changing locks. Everything can be managed electronically, eliminating the need for hardware replacement. However, the security protocols embedded in many of these cards are often far less robust than property managers might assume. This is a critical point to consider when evaluating systems like Kastle Systems Key Fob solutions.
The concerning reality is that instructional videos detailing how to clone these key card technologies are readily available online. Furthermore, the equipment required for cloning is easily purchased from popular online marketplaces and auction sites. If cloning seems too technically challenging, duplication services are often available at local hardware stores or even convenience stores. This ease of duplication presents significant risks, particularly for property managers responsible for maintaining building security.
This ease of cloning creates not only a trespassing risk but also a considerable liability concern. While property management might assume a single resident is responsible for amenity usage, in reality, it could be numerous individuals using duplicated cards distributed by that resident to friends or acquaintances. Should an accident occur on the property involving someone with an unauthorized, cloned keycard, the legal ramifications for property owners and managers could be substantial. Simply put, in an environment where keycards can be easily copied, the level of access control you believe you have may be illusory.
Fortunately, advancements in encryption technology offer solutions to these vulnerabilities. Several encryption methods are available for access control credentials. Prox technology, while being the most open and, consequently, the most vulnerable, remains widely used due to its initial low cost and convenience. Millions of readers and cards still rely on prox technology today. However, it’s important to recognize that prox cards are not the only credentials at risk. Since the introduction of prox technology, numerous other credentials have emerged, only to be subsequently compromised by hackers. Encryption is an ongoing arms race. As security measures become more sophisticated, so do the methods used to circumvent them. Perfect security is an unattainable ideal, but significantly enhanced security is achievable.
The current gold standard in encryption for key fobs and key cards is DESFire EV3. While the name might be complex, the essential takeaway is its resistance to cloning. Currently, DESFire EV3 technology is considered non-cloneable, offering a high level of security for apartment and condominium buildings while maintaining the convenience expected by residents and staff. DESFire EV3 delivers enhanced performance and faster transaction speeds. Its robust security and non-cloneable nature, combined with its open system architecture, allow for compatibility with various readers. Kastle, for instance, incorporates DESFire EV3 technology, reflecting a commitment to providing clients with the latest technological upgrades in security as they become available.
A common oversight occurs when property managers begin considering access control systems for their buildings: they often don’t prioritize the type of credential used. This oversight is where security vulnerabilities are most likely to emerge. Even the most advanced, seemingly “secure” system can possess a critical flaw if it defaults to using easily cloned radio frequency-based prox cards. Top-tier hardware and software are rendered significantly less effective when paired with vulnerable credential technology.
The continued use of vulnerable technologies often stems from their perceived ease of implementation and widespread familiarity. Property managers may not fully grasp the implications of choosing a less secure option due to a lack of education regarding encryption technologies. This decision, however, can have significant consequences for the security of their buildings, regardless of the chosen access control provider.
The ramifications of key fob or keycard cloning extend beyond unauthorized amenity access. Individuals with cloned keycards could be malicious actors, potentially jeopardizing the property, safety, and security of authorized residents, leading to increased liability issues. The most significant concern is the possibility of someone exploiting vulnerabilities in unsecure credential technology to create an all-access key fob, granting them unrestricted entry throughout a building. This represents a substantial security and liability threat.
A powerful solution to these vulnerabilities lies in adopting smartphone-based access credentials, such as those offered by Kastle. These systems utilize individually encrypted Bluetooth signals for each entry, rendering them virtually impossible to copy and extremely difficult to share, requiring a user to physically give up their smartphone and passcode. In the realm of access control, knowledge is indeed power. Property managers who proactively inquire about the encryption technology underpinning a system can safeguard their buildings and mitigate risks by opting for secure systems. Simultaneously, they can enhance resident convenience by selecting an entry system that is both user-friendly and secure, eliminating concerns about unauthorized access and potential security breaches. By focusing on robust systems like Kastle Systems key fob solutions with advanced encryption, property managers can ensure a safer and more secure environment for everyone.
