Last November, we discussed how modern security has evolved beyond traditional guard services to comprehensive asset protection. Today, we’re going deeper into one of the most persistent challenges our security professionals encounter: unauthorized access through “piggybacking” and other Access Control vulnerabilities.
In our experience protecting businesses across the community, we’ve learned that the most dangerous security breaches don’t happen through sophisticated hacking or dramatic break-ins. They happen when unauthorized people simply walk through doors they shouldn’t have access to.
The Big Three: Access Control Vulnerabilities We See Every Day
1. Tailgating and Piggybacking
This is the number one issue our security teams identify. An authorized employee swipes their badge, and someone follows right behind them without using their own credentials. Sometimes it’s intentional courtesy (“Let me hold the door for you”), sometimes it’s social engineering (“My hands are full, can you get that?”), and sometimes people just aren’t paying attention.
2. Credential Sharing
Employees sharing access cards, codes, or login information with coworkers, contractors, or temporary staff. While this often starts as a way to help colleagues, it creates massive accountability gaps. When something goes wrong, there’s no way to know who actually accessed what areas.
3. Visitor Management Breakdowns
Paper sign-in sheets, expired visitor badges that nobody collected, or informal “just follow me” escort procedures. We’ve seen temporary visitor passes stay active for months after they should have expired, essentially creating permanent unauthorized access.
Technology That Works With Human Security
The most effective access control doesn’t replace security professionals—it gives them better tools and real-time information to do their job more effectively.
Smart Card Readers with Photo Verification
Modern systems that require both a valid card and photo identification eliminate credential sharing. When someone tries to use another person’s card, the system immediately flags the mismatch and alerts our security team.
Anti-Tailgating Sensors
Optical turnstiles and sensors that detect when multiple people are trying to enter on one credential. These systems can lock down entry points and send instant alerts to security personnel while still allowing the authorized person to complete their entry.
Digital Visitor Management
Electronic systems that automatically create temporary access credentials with built-in expiration times. Visitors get photographed, their access is limited to specific areas, and credentials automatically deactivate when their visit should end.
Mobile Security Apps
Our security professionals use mobile platforms that provide real-time alerts about access violations, allow them to grant emergency access when needed, and give facility managers oversight of all entry activity from anywhere.
Turning Access Data Into Actionable Intelligence
Every door opening, every card swipe, every access attempt creates data. But raw data isn’t useful until it becomes actionable intelligence that helps prevent security incidents.
Real-Time Alerts
Our integrated reporting system is monitored and calibrated based on our client’s unique needs and security restrictions. Providing real-time alerts to security personnel to respond to accordingly.
Exception Reporting
The system automatically identifies and reports access control violations based on a client’s configurations such as access attempts to unauthorized areas. Instead of reviewing endless log files, security professionals get focused reports on actual problems.
Comprehensive Audit Trails
Every access event is logged with timestamps, photos, and location data. This creates the documentation needed for compliance reporting and incident investigation. All access data integrates with surveillance systems for complete incident reconstruction when needed.
Predictive Analytics
By analyzing historical patterns, the system identifies potential security gaps before they become actual breaches. It can flag shared credentials, identify high-risk time periods, or highlight entry points that need additional attention.
Making Access Control Work for Your Business
Effective access control requires three elements working together:
Assessment First Understanding your facility’s current vulnerabilities, traffic patterns, and operational needs. Our security professionals conduct comprehensive assessments that identify specific risks and opportunities for improvement.
Phased Implementation Introducing new access control measures gradually, so they integrate smoothly with daily operations. This builds staff confidence with new systems and allows procedures to be refined based on real-world use.
Ongoing Optimization Regular analysis of access control data reveals opportunities to improve security while streamlining operations. The system gets smarter over time, learning from patterns and adapting to changing needs.
Your Next Step: Comprehensive Access Control Assessment
Access Control vulnerabilities represent serious risks, but they also present clear opportunities to enhance security while improving operational efficiency. The key is implementing systems designed specifically for your facility’s unique requirements.
Every day without proper access control increases the risk of security incidents that could compromise safety, compliance, and business continuity. But with the right combination of professional security services and integrated technology, these risks become manageable and preventable.
Building on our commitment to community-rooted security solutions, we invite you to discover how IPSA’s Integrated Security approach can transform your facility’s access control capabilities. Our security professionals understand that every business is different, and we develop access control strategies that address your specific vulnerabilities while supporting your operational goals.
Contact us today to schedule your comprehensive assessment for smart access control and see how the right security partnership can create the safe, efficient environment your business deserves.