The dramatic events of 2020 have played a crucial role in shaping the upcoming security system of 2021. With technology evolving at a rapid pace, developers are introducing new models and upgrades to access control systems and physical security devices. Keeping up with these latest trends and implementing them in your home or business will greatly improve security.
The latest security technologies are essential for your home to keep you, your assets and your family safe. For businesses, an effective access control system is a must for companies of all sizes, especially in the context of a global pandemic. Nobody wants to touch the door handles, elevator buttons, and knobs. Not only do they put people at risk of infection, but traditional door lock mechanisms no longer offer the best security.
Let’s take a look at the trends in the physical security systems that we will see in 2021.
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Mobile Access Systems
You can do almost anything with your smartphone these days, whether it’s controlling your home appliances or ordering groceries. In 2021 we will see this extend to security systems with mobile access control trends. Gone are the days when key cards were used to unlock the doors. These cards are easy to lose, and any professional hacker can misuse these cards to get access to the restricted areas.
Mobile access control units offer better and robust security solutions. Not only do they offer a greater level of convenience through remote access functions, but it is nearly impossible for hackers to tamper with the access control units that are controlled by smartphones.
Wearables
Smartwatches and other wearable devices are used for a variety of applications and we’re set to see wearable technology in the access control industry in 2021. Imagine being able to open a door simply by turning your wristwatch in the direction of the reader. This means there’s no need to enter a code, use a card, or pull out your mobile to unlock the doors. Super easy and secure!
Cloud-based Access Control
With traditional access control systems, you need to install wires, servers, and pay an annual license fee. On-site access control units are expensive and difficult to manage. Moreover, it is not an ideal option for companies that require high bandwidth. Cloud-based units are not only flexible, but they are cost effective. The admin can cancel or grant authorization to any individual through the cloud so this is an excellent option for businesses that need to manage the security across multiple locations. This brings together all physical security and access control in a single centralized system that controls all operations from one location.
Biometric Technology
Facial recognition technology is already widely-used on smart phones and security devices. This technology is now available across different security technologies. Biometric access control systems are better and safer than legacy units. This technology has become even more useful in recent times with the COVID-19 pandemic.
In the context of the pandemic, people want touch-free access control units that will allow authorized individuals to easily enter restricted zones. Biometric technology strengthens physical security systems while allowing access in a safe, contact-free way.
Multi-Factor Authentication System
As the name suggests, multi-factor authentication requires users to provide more than two credentials in order to access restricted areas. This type of security system has become an absolute necessity in today’s digital age when hacking has become more common.
For example, an individual could be asked to share their login credentials with facial recognition and key cards to gain access to certain areas of a building. You can combine different credentials to ensure that only authorized users can access the restricted areas. The best and most secure multi-factor authentication is arguably a combination of fingerprint sensor, facial recognition, OTP, and email pin.
Subscription-Based Security Devices
In traditional access control units, you need to pay an upfront fee along with regular maintenance costs. Now that cloud-based models are gaining popularity, companies are starting to sell access control systems on a subscription basis.
In subscription-based systems, you have to pay a fixed price per user on a monthly basis. The up-front fee is generally quite low and the maintenance costs are also reasonable. These are mostly the cloud-based models that are known for flexibility.
Wrapping up
Now that the pandemic seems to be under control, employers are all set to bring employees to the office. However, the risk of COVID-19 is still there. To provide people with safe and hygienic access control units, more and more employers will use touch-less security devices in 2021 that will operate on mobile, cloud, facial recognition, and other modern technology tools.
The security and access control trends of 2021 emphasize convenience, security, and flexibility. Modern technologies that offer seamless security features and convenient access will become the new standard in the security industry. That being said, access control devices that will focus on the health of employees will have immense popularity in 2021.
