Best Cloud Based Access Control

Courtney Durler ● Mar 4 ● 7 min read

Verkada cloud based access control allows organizations to gain greater visibility and control across the entire organization, which improves physical security and gives business owners peace of mind.

With cloud based access control technology advancing exponentially since the first computer was built in the early 1960s, there has always been a significant emphasis on data security systems. Before the Internet was invented, the first password required for computer usage was in 1961 for the Compatible Time Sharing System (CTTS), one of the first operating systems developed at MIT. No networks or connections could be exploited, of course, so the password precautions were meant for user error and misconduct in the physical realm. From then on, technology experienced an exciting evolution in cybersecurity.

1970’s

The world’s first computer virus called “The Creeper” was invented, which behaved like the computer “worm,” infecting one the computer after another with a brief, taunting message. It spread through one of the earliest computer networks used by the US Department of Defense. This caused the birth of the world’s first antivirus program called “The Reaper,” which was designed to chase down and eliminate The Creeper.

The 1980’s

Hacking and international espionage burst onto the scene in 1986, as Russia hired a German hacker to steal US military secrets containing ultra-sensitive data. This caused the introduction of Computer Emergency Response Teams or CERT.

The 1900’s

The invention of the Internet opened the general public up to the possibility of cyber threats and computer viruses on a personal level. Concepts like the firewall and antivirus programs were born and still play a vital role in cybersecurity efforts today.

The 2000’s

It had taken some time for the seriousness and scale of computer crime to be understood, and US courts began passing down severe sentences for such offenses. But cyber attacks continued to grow exponentially year over year, which then caused levels of security to become more sophisticated.

2010

The 2010s: Improved and expanded cybersecurity offerings became more readily available for personal and business use. Services like 24/7 threat response and new regulations empowered the general public to protect itself against computer threats.

Cybersecurity threats are evolving with technology, and businesses must remain vigilant in protecting company data from these changing dynamics. Conversely, so much effort is spent on data protection we mustn’t lose sight of the day-to-day physical security that is also vulnerable in businesses. One way to mitigate physical security risks while maintaining robust data security is to implement a reliable Access Control system.

Cloud Based Access Control

What is cloud based access control? Access Control is a critical component of data and physical security in the workplace. I refer to protocols that authenticate and authorize individuals to access information and/or physical entry. It is a method of assuring that individuals are who they say they are. It ensures they have the appropriate permissions to access specific data and files.

Any company or organization whose employees work from the Internet needs cloud based access control. However, government agencies, healthcare, legal firms, and other businesses dealing with sensitive data have a paramount need. The need is for top-of-the-line cloud based access control software to operate safely and comply with privacy regulations.

Generally, there are four types of Access Control.

1. Discretionary Cloud Based Access Control
2. Mandatory Cloud Based Access Control
3. Role-Based Cloud Based Access Control
4. Attribute-Based Cloud Based Access Control

Discretionary Access Control

Discretionary Access Control (DAC) is an access control model that operates by restricting access to data and areas based on the identity of the subjects to which they belong. The system is discretionary in the sense that an issue with specific access permission is capable of passing that permission on to any other topic. DAC is commonly in direct contrast to Mandatory Access Control (MAC).

Role-Based Access Control

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is defined around roles and privileges in the company. It is used by most organizations with more than 500 employees. Its components of role permissions and user-role relationships make it simple to perform user assignments. Roles are then created for different job functions. The authorization to access and perform these functions is then assigned to specific parts.

Attribute-Based Access Control

Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC) incorporates access control software using “IF/THEN” logic to grant permissions based on combining different attributes. Additionally, user attributes, resource attributes, object attributes, and environmental attributes can all be used when assigning permissions in this model.

Hence no matter what industry your business operates in, if your data could be of any value to someone without the proper authorization to access it, then your company needs robust access control. The right type of access control depends on employee numbers, data type, and company hierarchy.

Physical access control

Now let’s switch gears and explore physical access control. This tends to get overlooked as more emphasis is placed on data security. Physical access control restricts access to physical space within an organization. Limiting access to the building, rooms, and assets, physical access control keeps track of who is coming and going in restricted areas. This type of physical access control solution protects businesses against trespassers. Finally, it also monitors employee movement to make sure sensitive regions of the building are covered.

Verkada Access Control

Verkada cloud based access control monitors physical security. They use a combination of a door reader, a door controller, and AI-designed security cameras. This is all managed from the Verkada Command platform.

Using the door reader, door controller, and access cards, organizations can manage doors, users, and schedules across the entire organization via their cloud based access control system. These readers and controls work together seamlessly. In turn, it allows Verkada security cameras to monitor real-time activity, providing a live feed of access-based events. Similary, from Verkada Command, the administrator can add and remove users as well as edit credentials and set permissions. This all-in-one Access Control solution is the answer to many different access-based threats to the organization.

Key features of Verkada Access Control include:

• Instant video integration and insights
• Limitless scalability across different buildings
• Cloud based access control software and management
• Secure mobile, remote, and card access
• Automatic software updates for the latest security enhancements

Use Cases

Likewise, Verkada security systems and cloud based access control are genuinely changing the game of cloud security, mainly when applied to school campus settings. In an era where gun violence has become a commonplace threat to schools, Verkada security cameras, and access control work together to mitigate this deadly threat in several ways:

• Verkada card readers and door controllers can deny access to anyone who does not have the appropriate permissions or access card.
• With previous photo uploads, Verkada AI-designed security cameras can identify known suspects. These suspects could be active threats to schools and students.
• Send alerts to administrators.
• AI-designed security cameras can identify pre-set objects, like guns, captured in-frame and send instant alerts to administrators. They can also send a link to a live feed. You can then create a share with emergency personnel to reduce response time.
• This way, buildings can go on instant lockdown with the push of a button from Verkada Command.

In Conclusion

Verkada’s revolutionary suite of security protocols allows organizations to stay one step ahead of internal and external threats. This peace of mind provides business owners and school administrators to focus more on operations. This way, they can focus less on the stress of maintaining building security.

Our easy-to-use platform makes it simple to manage and monitor your facility from anywhere. Cloud based access control is an excellent solution for businesses of all sizes. With Verkada, you can be up and running in no time. Contact us today to learn more.

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Updated: Oct 22