Why your housing cooperative should use encrypted access tags
Cloning access tags presents a security problem in many housing cooperatives, but the solution is simple: encrypted access tags. Our Head of Development Anders Johansson explains how encryption immediately increases security, and how easy it is to convert an unencrypted access tag to an encrypted one.
Why is encrypting access tags now so important for housing cooperatives?
With older or unencrypted access cards, unfortunately it’s now easy for someone to read the card number electronically and create a clone. Encrypted tags are, in principle, impossible to clone.
What could be the result of continuing to use unencrypted access cards?
Well, clearly there is a risk of unauthorised individuals gaining access to the property. If someone manages to clone an access card, it can be used by anyone to open the front door, the storeroom or other shared spaces. Once the entrance is no longer secure, the risk of burglaries and break-ins increases.
What’s knew about the encryption in VAKA® 5.10?
VAKA® 5.10 fully supports encrypted access tags such as MIFARE DESFire EV2 and EV3. It is incredibly easy to start using them.
How does this work in practice for a housing cooperative?
The board enters an encryption key into VAKA®, and the rest happens automatically. The first time that a compatible access tag is held up to a reader, it’s immediately encrypted in the system. So you don’t need a separate programming station or any additional administration.
Do the residents notice any difference?
No, the access tags continue to work as normal for users. The big difference is that the information stored on the access tag is now encrypted and copy-protected.
Do you have to replace all the access tags and readers straight away?
No, and that’s a big advantage. VAKA® can handle multiple technologies at the same time, so a housing cooperative can start using encrypted DESFire access tags in parallel with older access cards, such as MIFARE Classic or EM. That means you can replace them gradually, and then block the old access tags when everyone has received new ones.
Do you need new hardware to start using encrypted access tags?
In most cases, all you need to do is to upgrade the VAKA® software, which you can always do free of charge. Our readers already support the technology. All that is needed is access tags that support encryption.
Is it difficult to administer an encrypted system?
Not at all. It works in the same way as when you add or block access tags. The encryption happens automatically the first time the access tag is used.
If you are on the board of your cooperative, why should you introduce encrypted access tags?
Primarily for the increased security, because cloning access tags is an increasing problem. Plus, it’s so easy to introduce encryption in VAKA® – you can do it gradually without having to replace all the access tags at once. And as the system is based on established standards, it’s also future-proof.
Want to know more? Please contact us!
