Integrating physical and logical access control systems can provide organisations with enhanced security capabilities and efficiencies. Here are some of the key benefits of taking an integrated approach to access control.
Improved Situational Awareness
Integrating a physical access control system (PACS) such as a card reader with a logical access control system (LACS) like identity management software provides security teams with greater visibility into user behaviours. Access events can be monitored in real-time across both the physical and digital domains, enabling rapid response to suspicious activity. Integrated systems also make it easier to perform audits and investigations after the fact by combining data sources.
Unified Access Policies
With integrated PACS and LACS, the same access policies and permissions can be applied consistently across both physical and logical domains. For example, when an employee is terminated, their credentials can be revoked across all systems simultaneously. This reduces the risk of overlooked access that can lead to security gaps. Unified policies also streamline access provisioning when employees join or change roles within an organisation.
Automated Processes
Integration enables processes to be automated across PACS and LACS for improved efficiency. For instance, users can be automatically granted logical access to certain networks, applications or buildings based on their physical entry to secured areas. This removes delays from administering and updating access separately. Automation also reduces the chance of human errors during manual processes.
Compliance and Reporting
Demonstrating compliance with security policies and regulations is simplified by integrating PACS and LACS into centralised platforms. This provides comprehensive reporting on user access, privileges and activities across both environments. Compliance audits can also leverage integrated logs and data to easily identify policy deviations.
Enhanced Authentication
Integrated systems allow for multi-factor authentication methods that span physical and logical domains. For example, a user may have to present biometric credentials like fingerprints when entering a building and then enter a one-time passcode generated by their mobile app when accessing a virtual desktop. Combining multiple factors enhances security overall.
Cost Savings
There are significant cost savings to be realised from an integrated access control system. Organisations can leverage a single solution for managing access across physical and logical systems instead of incurring licensing, maintenance and management costs for separate systems. Integrated systems also require less equipment, less software, and less IT infrastructure.
Improved User Experience
Users benefit from a streamlined experience with integrated access control. They can use a single set of credentials to seamlessly move between physical and digital environments without constantly presenting identification. This improves convenience and productivity.
Enhanced Data Security
With unified access policies and controls, sensitive data can be better protected from unauthorised access. Privileged account credentials that provide extensive logical access can be restricted for use only on certain physical networks or terminals, limiting exposure. Integrated reporting also makes it easier to audit appropriate data access.
Increased Scalability
As an organisation grows, integrated access control systems can scale up easier than disparate systems. Adding and managing additional physical access points and logical credentials is straightforward through centralised management interfaces. This reduces overhead as physical facilities and digital environments expand.
The enhanced visibility, efficiency, cost savings and policy consistency made possible by integrated access control makes organisations more secure.