Access management is the first step in any risk management strategy. Sophisticated threats have adapted to the familiar methods of heavy doors, physical locks and patrolling guards, making them less effective at keeping intruders at bay.
Intrusion and theft are pressing concerns across many industries. US retail stores are suffering losses in the billions from shrinkage, and 81% of staff noted an increase in violence and aggression from shoplifters. 70% of construction workers report witnessing at least one theft annually, and only 25% of the materials and equipment taken are ever recovered. Logistics hubs and hospitals also face concerning rates of trespassing and theft, and these sectors are not known for lax security.
In many of these cases, physical barriers and video security alone were ineffective at preventing crime or minimizing losses. A common thread among them is an uneven distribution of information, in which patient attackers learn routines and access protocols that, once exploited, leave organizations scrambling to identify where the vulnerability lies and who bears accountability for the lapse.
This is where digitized access comes into play. The oversight provided by digital identities and movement data closes visibility gaps, helping organizations better protect themselves against intrusion and the subsequent threats.
Break-in patterns
Popular media is full of dramatic portrayals of theft, but reality is, as always, more mundane than it appears on screen.
Break-ins rely on predictable patterns, such as weak access points, guard shift changes and easy-to-manipulate credentials. Retail, healthcare and everything in between may face unique operational pressures, but the general trends in intrusion attempts remain similar.
The common patterns include:
- Exploiting secondary access points
Loading bays, side doors and back doors are all attractive targets for anyone with criminal intent who wants to keep a low profile. These are often visibility blind spots, and may be left unlocked by staff who use them to come and go.
- Shared or stolen credentials
A thief doesn’t need to pick a lock if they find a lost keycard that’s still registered for access, or if they know a shared passkey that doesn’t change frequently. This is a particularly high risk in environments with high turnover, where temporary staff come and go but retain their credentials and access information.
Smarter attackers know that the weakest element of a site’s security is the goodwill of its people. They may follow closely behind an employee and “borrow” their access credentials by moving through the door before it closes, or even ask them to hold the door open while their hands are full.
- Out-of-hours and routine entry
Moments of lesser scrutiny, such as shifts changing, late nights and delivery schedules, present opportunities for intruders to gain access.
Coupled with these is a pattern from the security response. Traditional locks and manual processes provide little evidence after an incident, making it difficult to determine whether entry was gained through a stolen credential or a backdoor left ajar.
When these factors are tracked through digitally managed systems, such as access control systems, security teams can establish a clear timeline of events, respond more quickly to active entry attempts and shape policy with precision.
How digital access mitigates these vulnerabilities
Data is shaping how companies operate day-to-day, and security teams should follow suit. Digital locks and centralized management monitor and log all movement, strengthening site security overall while addressing the trends listed above.
Digital access bridges these security gaps by:
- Giving operators stronger control over credentials
Access can be granted based on role and assigned to secure devices, such as smartphones, to minimize the risk of credential loss. This ensures staff have access only to locations relevant to their duties and limits the movement of intruders with stolen cards.
Each swipe being logged allows operators to catch suspicious activity as it occurs. They can quickly intercept failed entry attempts to determine whether it’s a forgetful staff member or a bad actor using stolen credentials.
Detailed evidence is crucial for internal investigations, insurance claims and compliance reports. Digital systems automatically log who entered where and when, providing a complete picture of an incident.
- Aligning physical and digital teams
IT and security share data, enabling more coordinated responses. Digitized access also helps prevent one-third of cyberattacks that begin with unauthorized entry, such as those that rely on infected flash drives or compromised on-site devices.
Keyless entry systems, intercoms and customizable credentials are adaptable to a site’s individual needs, creating barriers for would-be criminals and providing seamless access for staff.
Policy and implementation
The effectiveness of digital access systems depends on their governance. Electronic locks and intuitive credential management can reduce risk, but if staff are not trained to use them and overall access protocols, tailgaters can still find their way in.
The strongest strategies are holistic, balancing technology, data and human expertise. Intrusion and theft are dynamic crimes; they adapt their methods to suit their targets, and workplaces must remain equally agile if physical security is to keep up.
About the Author
John Kim is the Senior Director of Product and Design for Avigilon at Motorola Solutions. He brings over 15 years of experience in product development and design, specializing in physical security solutions. As Senior Director of Product and Design for Avigilon at Motorola Solutions, his expertise lies in driving innovative hardware development and implementing agile best practices to deliver cutting-edge products. John also possesses a keen understanding of cloud security, AI and emerging technology trends, leveraging them to shape the future of security solutions.
