NCJ Number
79451
Journal
Security World Volume: 18 Issue: 9 Dated: (September 1981) Pages: 60-64,66,92,94,96,98,100,102,104,106,109
Date Published
1981
Length
15 pages
Annotation
The advantages and disadvantages of various access control systems are discussed, including several types of coded cards on badges that are machine-read or read by a human and biometric systems.
Abstract
Various types of coded credentials required for access are described, each of which requires some method for reading a code to permit entrance. Some examples discussed are optical badges, which require a specific light source to reveal a pattern on a precoded card; the magnetic stripe badge, which as data encoded on the stripe; proximity badges, which are tuned to a specially tuned electronic circuit; wiegand effect badges, which respond to a specially treated wire; and Hollerith badges, which respond to a specially treated wire; and Hollerith badges, punched similar to an IBM card to correspond to the reader. Other badges described are electric circuit badges, magnetic spot badges, and capacitance badges. An overall disadvantage of the use of cards for access is that they may somehow be secured by unauthorized persons. If the electronic state-of-the-art advances in a cost-effective manner, some biometric systems will see more use in access control. Such systems measure a unique characteristic of the person seeking access, such as fingerprints, voice sound pattern, and hand geometry. In the final analysis, access control systems must be selected on the basis of the degree of security risk acceptable for a given operation for the cost an organization is willing and able to pay.