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Access control systems: cards, PINs or biometrics?
By David Otieno, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Each credential type balances convenience, cost, security and privacy. Many sites combine them by area.
Electronic access control records who enters where and when. The credential is a key design choice.
Cards and tags
Convenient and inexpensive. They can be lost or shared, so revoke them promptly.
PINs
No physical item to lose, but codes can be shared or observed.
Biometrics
Fingerprint or face readers prevent sharing. Biometric data is sensitive personal data under the Data Protection Act, 2019, so use it only where justified and protect it carefully.
Combine by risk
Use cards for general areas and add a PIN or biometric for server rooms, pharmacies or cash offices.
Plan for safety
Doors on escape routes must release in emergencies — coordinate with fire safety requirements.
See our access control systems.
About the author
David Otieno
Senior ICT Consultant
David Otieno writes about cybersecurity, physical security systems, power resilience and running IT reliably day to day.