Access Denied: The Surprising Ways Criminals Can Bypass Your Access Control
How to Strengthen Your Security and Keep Intruders Out for Good
When businesses in Southern Ontario invest in electronic access control, they often assume their premises are fully protected. After all, modern access control solutions promise secure entry, detailed logs, and streamlined management. But could your high-tech system still leave the door open—quite literally—to unwanted visitors?
In this article, we’ll uncover the common yet surprising methods criminals use to bypass access control systems, explain why even the most advanced technology might fall short without proper planning, and show how Security ONE’s professional solutions can ensure your building remains secure around the clock.
Common Weaknesses Criminals Exploit in Access Control Systems
Tailgating and Piggybacking
One of the simplest and most common methods intruders use is “tailgating.” This occurs when an unauthorized person closely follows an authorized employee through an entryway, bypassing electronic access entirely.
A Belleville office experiences a theft, despite sophisticated card readers at every entrance. Video footage later reveals the thief simply walked in behind an employee who politely held the door open.
How to Prevent Tailgating:
- Educate employees about security policies and risks.
- Install anti-tailgating solutions like turnstiles or mantrap vestibules.
- Implement video surveillance to discourage unauthorized entry.
Stolen or Cloned Access Cards
Criminals sometimes gain entry by stealing, borrowing, or duplicating legitimate access cards. Older cards, especially those using unencrypted technology, can be easily cloned.
Studies indicate many businesses still rely on outdated access control cards with weak or no encryption, making them easy targets for duplication.
How to Prevent:
- Upgrade to encrypted or smart-card technology.
- Regularly audit access logs and deactivate lost or missing cards quickly.
- Combine cards with secondary authentication methods (e.g., PIN codes or biometrics).
Door-Propping and Mechanical Tampering
Propped-open doors or intentionally tampered locks create vulnerabilities criminals love to exploit. Even a robust electronic access control system can’t prevent unauthorized access if doors are intentionally or unintentionally left open.
In London, Ontario, numerous commercial burglaries occurred because delivery doors or back entrances were propped open, negating security protocols.
Prevention Measures:
- Install door-ajar alarms that notify security personnel immediately.
- Regular security patrols or remote video monitoring to ensure doors remain secure.
- Reinforce doors and locks with tamper-resistant hardware.
Outdated Access Control Software
Access control systems require regular updates and maintenance. Old firmware or software leaves the entire system vulnerable to failure or manipulation.
According to security industry research, 30% of access control breaches occur due to outdated software and systems that fail to receive timely security patches.
Prevention Measures:
- Schedule regular maintenance checks and system updates.
- Opt for cloud-based solutions for automatic software updates and enhanced security.
Protect Your Business with Alarm Systems Today
Don’t wait until an unauthorized breach forces you to reconsider your access control. Upgrading your access control solutions with Alarm Systems can give you the protection and peace of mind you deserve.
Whether you’re securing a commercial facility, managing a residential building, or safeguarding a retail environment, our professional team can customize an access control system tailored specifically to your needs.
Ready to strengthen your security? Contact us today for a free consultation or to learn more about how we can protect your property from unauthorized access and ensure the safety of your business or home.
When Alarm Systems is protecting your doors, unauthorized entry becomes a thing of the past—guaranteed.
