Traditional access control or key card systems that use an electronic card or FOB instead of a lock and key solved a number of problems. As a result, many owners and property managers replaced their locks and keys with key card systems. Today, however, many of them are upgrading to smartphone-based, Bluetooth access control systems because their key card systems didn't solve all their problems. They offer many reasons for changing, some obvious and some you may find surprising:
1) SHARING
It’s happened to us all. You arrive at your office, daycare or gym only to realize you’ve forgotten your key card. Rather than going home to retrieve it, you wait patiently for the next person to arrive at the door, apologize for your forgetfulness and ask if they can let you in. Chances are they will. And now later in the day, you want to run out. Rather than trust that another person will be entering when you return, you ask your officemate to simply borrow theirs. They will likely hand it over without thinking twice. While the ease of sharing may be convenient for those who forget their key cards, it also creates potentially dangerous situations in which no one is certain who’s coming and going.
2) NETWORK CONNECTION
Often traditional key card systems use the same network as a building’s critical business systems. So, what’s the matter with that? Just imagine the problems this could cause if someone hacks into your network through the key card system. You may think this sort of thing only happens in the movies, but ask the owners of the Austrian hotel that was hacked, leaving 180 guests locked out for ransom, and they’ll confirm that the threat is very real.
3) INSTALLATION COSTS
You’ve chosen a traditional key card system that seems to suit your needs and are feeling quite satisfied. Chances are your mood will change when you receive the quote for installation. Traditional key card systems are wired into a central panel, which requires a local network. This calls for expensive wiring, routers, an ISP, and often even IT consultants to ensure proper installation. It’s not hard to imagine how installation costs can quickly skyrocket.
4) VANDALISM
Traditional key card systems utilize keypads or card readers that need users to be very close to work. That requires keypads or readers to be mounted where users can physically access them –outside of the door or building. Having keypads or readers mounted outside leaves them susceptible to bad weather or vandals who can easily damage them, cut wires or remove them altogether. There are even some keypads that can be easily “hot-wired” to open the door using a simple screwdriver.
Click for the rest of the Top 7 Reasons to Upgrade to a Smartphone Access Control System
THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILE APPLICATION TESTING
According to www.statista.com, the number of mobile phone users is expected to pass the five billion mark by 2019, rounding up to 67 percent of population. Mobile apps are a critical component of any business: they serve as a link between customers and the service. Clients entrust their sensitive and personal information to mobile applications. At the same time, mobile malware creators are generating millions of dollars in revenue with their malicious campaigns.
Therefore, protecting data used by the mobile applications is critically important.
