Optimize Business Security with State-of-the-Art Badge Reader Technology

In today’s modern and technologically-advanced world, businesses are more concerned with facility security than ever before – and for good reason. Access control is a front-line defense against security breaches. Although different business types will have unique security needs, all businesses need some form of access control to optimize security and safety. 

There are various levels of badge reader technology that help business control and track facility access. Depending on the type of business and security needs, one particular type may be more ideally suited to your business than another. Understanding the different types of badge reader technology available can help you select the right type of access control for your business. 

3 Types of State-of-the-Art Badge Reader Technology

• Proximity Card Readers
  • Proximity card readers are the most common type of badge reader, using radio frequency identification technology (RFID) to read your business access card or key fob when held up to the proximity reader. It has one job – read the card’s ID# and/or site facility code number. The system then rapidly confirms verification with a remote computer and either grants or denies access.
• Smart Card Readers
  • Smart card readers work somewhat similarly to proximity card readers but use a different type of technology – integrated circuit card (ICC) technology. They are more secure than proximity cards because any data stored on the card is encrypted so that only authorized devices can access than information. Beyond storing authentication information, smart card readers can store personal information and can work like a cash card to store financial information due to the encryption and superior level of security.
• Portrait Badges
  • Portrait badges use a newer facial recognition technology to identify and authenticate individuals. Portrait badge readers use the photo to compare it to a database of authorized individuals’ pictures and determine if access is granted or denied. Being able to verify that the right individual is using a badge to access secure areas can be advantageous for facilities where a higher level of security is needed.