HID Global has announced its completion of two pilot programs that validate how mobile access control using Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled smartphones can allow employees to conveniently open doors with a mobile device without compromising physical enterprise security. The pilots were conducted at the headquarters of Netflix and Good Technology using HID Global's iCLASS SE platform including iCLASS Seos credentials.
Netflix Desktop Analyst David Tsai said, “Technically, the physical security is better since it requires that a person know the phone can be used as a key, know the passcode to get into the phone, and know how to activate the key.”
Good Technology also cited the security benefits of mobile access control as compared to photo ID badges. “Our customers are always looking at new ways to enable mobile worker productivity and efficiency without having to take security risks,” said Michael W. Mahan, SVP Special Markets, Good Technology. “This pilot proved that using both a layered security approach and smartphones to provide secure physical access to buildings is a great way to meet their goals of adding security without complexity.”
HID Global’s multiCLASS SE readers replaced proximity readers at selected locations in both the Netflix and Good facilities, and pilot participants at each company were given Samsung Galaxy S III handsets. The handsets were equipped with NFC capabilities and HID Global digital keys, so they could securely store and emulate user credentials and open doors by presenting the handsets to the HID Global readers. The pilots highlighted a number of opportunities to improve the mobile access control experience as the industry moves closer to deployment.
