BYOD, NFC access control seem a fitting pair
BYOD, NFC access control seem a fitting pair
January 11, 2013
People often associate bring your own device (BYOD) with the telecom industry, as most smartphones are used for collaboration purposes. When the BYOD movement is coupled with the proliferation of near-field communications, however, advanced mobile gadgets can be used as a credential for NFC-enabled access control systems.
The potential for NFC access control was highlighted in a recent report by NFC News, noting that using the technology in a BYOD environment introduces a new level of convenience for mobile users. This is largely because today's smartphones generally act as an extension of a person's identity, making them an ideal tool for an access control system. After all, people are much less likely to lose a smartphone or tablet than they would a small ID card.
If NFC access control systems are to be successful in the age of BYOD, however, the process of authenticating an individual needs to be easy to use, NFC News noted. For this reason, decision-makers need to plan their projects well in advance to minimize challenges and hurdles along the path to success.
Why NFC-based access control systems are gaining ground
In general, there are three reasons mobile-enabled access control systems are considered successful, including the fact that these systems are new and interesting for users. On a more serious note, the rapid proliferation of smartphones and tablets means developers have put much more effort into keeping the devices safe, meaning the tools themselves are inherently secure, NFC News noted.
Finally, there is a certain level of trust associated with allowing individuals to use personal gadgets in the workplace, the news source said. This translates into more confident security protocol, which makes the overall process of using NFC-enabled access control systems more effective.
A separate report by Info4Security noted that using mobile devices for identity purposes is much more efficient than having individuals type in a password or swiping an ID card. Furthermore, NFC technologies provide companies with a cost-effective method authorization, as decision-makers can let employees use gadgets they already own.
As the mobile and access control landscape evolve, a merging of the two seems almost inevitable. This certainty is increased when businesses around the world experience success with BYOD initiatives, developing a new level of trust between executives and the general workforce.
