How Offices are Adapting The Change In Security Demands with Smart Access Control

The conversation about workplace security is not a new one. However, with the evolving demand for health-conscious solutions, the discussion of safety at offices and other business facilities has taken shifted and a new priority.

Remote work and in-office safety precautions to combat COVID-19 have triggered a movement of flexible and resilient workplaces. Both employers and employees will no doubt see a shift in security and operational protocol in the very near future.

The Shift to Identity Security

Network security refers to software, on-site or otherwise, that sets the security parameter for access authorization. This means is that a security system grants authorization based on an identity that the network assigns each individual.

This identity is associated with different permissions, etc. New security standards made possible by new technological advances, however, are finding it more secure to associate authorization with individual identity as opposed to one that is network-assigned.

Identity security can be assigned to any credential, such as a mobile phone or a biometric feature. This eliminates the risk of a physical security breach from lost, stolen, or cloned key cards. Cloud-managed systems make it easy to assign security permissions and authorizations. Further, system administrators are able to change those permissions as they wish as opposed to interacting with a third-party system operator or hardware.

Advanced Cybersecurity for Remote Work

Cybersecurity is a constant threat for businesses. When employees are working from the office, they use devices and protocols that are secured with the latest layers of physical and electronic security. But remote work often means that employees use personal devices and public Wi-Fi networks that can expose sensitive data to vulnerabilities. These vulnerabilities can result in costly data breaches and system compromise.

Co-working Spaces

Co-working is a new take on the traditional office model. It’s incredibly flexible, convenient, and has shown to be very popular, yet there are still security challenges that need to be ironed out.

A 2020 Clutch Survey shows that 23% of users in a co-working space are concerned with security and safety issues. To rectify this, coworking space owners and operators are allocating unique credentials and Wi-Fi passwords to users. Coworking users are also being provided with a security policy as part of their sign-in agreement.

When it comes to physical security, coworking spaces are adopting advanced, secure visitor management-like models for temporary access. This approach perfectly aligns with the primary idea behind the coworking model.

Touchless Access Control

Workplace security must ensure employee wellness in addition to physical security. The coronavirus pandemic underscores the need to mitigate health safety risks in the office setting. Along with CDC guidelines such as social distancing, hand washing, and mask-wearing, offices are leveraging technology for a more health-conscious approach to security. Touchless access control solutions are being used to reduce the need to touch high-use surfaces at entrances, exits, and elevators. This technology facilitates a frictionless and touchless access experience that encourages social distancing by reducing bottlenecking and mitigates the spread of germs.

Conclusion

Security will continue to be a discussion in the workplace, and companies that join that conversation to utilize the latest technology and trends will remain resilient and foster business continuity.

Interested in learning more about how to reopen your offices safely with smart, mobile, touchless access systems?

Connect with our team directly at contact@zervinc.com and we’ll work with your team to create a project plan that fits your facility’s needs.