Is The Access Control System Really Safe? It Seems Reliable But May Be Cracked

When we talk about the security protection of access control systems, which is something that ordinary people don’t have much contact with but are actually closely related in their daily lives, many people—including myself before—that they think that the thing is high-tech, very safe and reliable. Most people will definitely not be able to deal with it, and they have never thought that it can make people crack problems like this! Some people even think that this kind of system - you know, is the machine that can enter by swiping a card at the entrance of the community, or the thing that can open the door by pressing a fingerprint in the company building - they must be unbreakable and as stable as Mount Tai! But what about it? According to some incomplete, heard internal news from the industry, as well as some so-called "white hat hackers" - the kind of technicians who specifically find ways to find system vulnerabilities and then tell others to fix it - some strange articles published show that some types of entry-level, or older access control systems may take two or three minutes to successfully crack it, so that people can sneak in: (It's really scary to think about it!)

The access control system, simply put, I am afraid it is either too complicated to say it, or the full name of the electronic device and the management program behind it when you go out and enter the door, you need to swipe a card or use fingerprints or facial recognition. Its main function is naturally to control who can enter this door and who cannot enter this door, so as to ensure the safety of a specific area, such as the corridors of your community, company offices, school laboratories, etc.

So, what exactly is the reason why something that can stop us from entering casually will be fooled by someone so quickly? —I mean those who are malicious!

1.? The password is too simple! This is simply a cliché, and my ears are almost calloused when I talk about it! Many people try to save trouble, or they can't remember complicated things when they are old, and they like to use "", ", ", "" when setting passwords, or they can guess a combination of numbers that are almost the same as the date of birth or the last six digits of the phone number. You said, if someone has a little thought about it or try it out one by one with a dictionary-like password book, will it be possible to try it out soon?

2. ? The card security level is too low! There are still many places that use the most ordinary ID card, which is the kind of cards with only a string of simple card numbers. This kind of card has no special encryption protection. The information of the card is called the "card reader copy" that is exchanged for dozens of yuan or about one hundred yuan. With a slight sense outside your pocket and next to your bag, you can copy the information in your card completely with a few whispers, and then you can write a blank card by yourself. Hey, it's exactly the same as your card!

3. ? The front-end device is too old and has a lot of loopholes! In some units or communities, the access control system has been installed for ten or eight years. I don’t know how to replace it, nor do I know how to find someone to upgrade the patch or something. These old card readers, controllers, their operating systems, or running mini programs may have some public security vulnerabilities that have long been discovered by everyone. Those who know how to do things can take advantage of these loopholes and send some messy instructions to "short the brain" of the machine and foolishly give it to the door!

So when we encounter this situation, we ordinary people, or the property management and company administration in charge of this matter, can we do something to prevent it and not let people succeed so easily? —You can’t sit still and wait for death!

1. ? Quickly modify the password to a more complicated one: upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and add some messy symbols, such as "@", "#", "$", etc., mix them together and make up a dozen digits in length! —Although it’s a little troublesome to remember, it’s better than being broken into the door, right? Change it regularly, don’t use a password until you are old!

2. ? Swap the card for a safer IC card, or simply use the biometric technology you want to talk about later! The IC card interface is higher-end than the ID card. It can store more information and can also be encrypted, making it not easy to be copied and pasted so easily.

3. ? Check the equipment regularly and find a manufacturer to refresh the official security patches! Just like our mobile phones need to update the system, the "brain" software of the access control controller also needs to check from time to time whether there are new versions and whether there are patch packages that plug the loopholes, and install them quickly! Don’t be lazy, safety cannot be troublesome!

4. Can combine biometric technology, such as fingerprints, faces, etc., and use them with the original card or password to create a double insurance! That is to say, if you just have a card, you have to press a fingerprint; or if you just know the password, you have to brush your face. In this way, even if a card is lost or the password is accidentally known, it will be difficult for others to get a second thing at the same time, and the security will suddenly increase!

Next, I will think of a few questions that you may ask out of thin air, and then use my shallow knowledge to reply randomly, hoping that it will not make everyone more confused^_^

Question: Is the simplest electronic access lock that you bought for hundreds of dollars at home so easily broken? I'm so nervous after listening to it now!

Answer: Oh my, my friend, don’t be too nervous! The simple electronic lock used for home is actually quite different from the commercial or community access control system we mentioned today and the level of security protection! However, you can't take it lightly! When you buy, try to choose a product with a louder brand and better evaluation. The password should also be set in a complicated way - remember, don’t look at “”! It is best to choose the type that has virtual password function, which means that you can press a few numbers in front of the real password, and others will not know which one is real after recording it.

Q: Then how can I know if the access control system used in our community or company is the old model that is easy to crack? I, an ordinary citizen, can't understand what tricks it is!

Answer: Well, it is really hard for you, an ordinary resident or employee, to judge how safe the system is and what is inside. The easiest way is if you think our access control system looks gray and broken for many years, or if you respond very slowly every time you swipe your card, and you can join forces with other owners, or give a suggestion to the company's administrative department and security department - let them find a professional and reliable security company to come to do a comprehensive security assessment and inspection! It is always true that those who know the knowledge can see if there is any problem and whether it needs to be replaced, right? Just think it is to add a layer of security to our safety, and it is worth spending some money! Yes, that must be true!

My personal opinion that I am immature at all and may change tomorrow is that the access control system is originally to provide us with a security barrier and is the first barrier for safety protection in our living and working environment. The importance is beyond doubt! Never ignore its regular maintenance, updates and daily safety management just by trying to save money or save trouble, or think that "this unlucky thing is definitely not my turn". Otherwise, if the access control system is easily cracked, it will lead to property losses, or even more serious security incidents, it will be too late to regret and cry! Be more careful, ask more questions, and urge the relevant responsible parties to pay attention to this issue. It is always good!