When you install a cloud-based access control system, you become a custodian of sensitive information. For residents, it's data about their daily routines. For hotels, it's data about their guests' movements. Protecting this information from unauthorised access is paramount for maintaining trust, ensuring privacy, and protecting your property's reputation.
A truly secure system is built on multiple layers of protection. Let's explore the three pillars of modern access control security.
1. Pillar One: Hardware Security
Security starts at the device itself. The lock on the door is your first line of digital defence.
- Secure Elements: Critical cryptographic keys should be stored in a dedicated, tamper-resistant secure element within the lock's hardware, not in general-purpose memory that is more vulnerable to attack.
- Physical Security: The lock should be built from robust materials and designed to resist physical tampering.
- Encrypted Storage: All sensitive data stored locally on the lock, even temporarily, must be encrypted.
2. Pillar Two: Communication Security
Data is most vulnerable when it is in transit—moving between the lock, a smartphone, and the cloud.
- End-to-End Encryption (E2EE): This is the gold standard. E2EE ensures that data is encrypted at its origin (e.g., the smartphone) and can only be decrypted by its intended recipient (e.g., the lock). No one in the middle, including the service provider, can read the data.
- Standardised Protocols: The system should use proven, industry-standard encryption protocols like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and TLS (Transport Layer Security) for all communication channels.
3. Pillar Three: Cloud and Software Security
The back-end platform where you manage your users and devices must be architected for security from the ground up.
- Secure Cloud Infrastructure: The platform should be hosted on a world-class, secure cloud provider that offers robust protection against network attacks.
- Independent Security Audits & Certifications: Look for providers who regularly undergo third-party security audits and hold certifications like ISO 27001, which demonstrates a formal commitment to information security management.
- Robust Data Privacy Policies: The provider should have a clear policy on data ownership, stating that you own your property's data, and outlining how that data is used and protected.
What to Ask Your Access Control Provider
When evaluating a potential partner, use this checklist to gauge their commitment to security:
- Is all communication between your devices, apps, and servers end-to-end encrypted?
- What security certifications, such as ISO 27001, does your platform hold?
- What is your process for vulnerability discovery and deploying security patches?
- Can you provide a clear data privacy policy that defines data ownership?
Security in a modern building is not an IT issue; it is a core feature of the resident and guest experience. Choosing a partner that prioritises security is a fundamental step in building a trustworthy and reputable brand.
