As technology evolves, many organisations are exploring mobile credentials as an alternative to traditional access cards. Mobile credentials use smartphones to grant access to secure spaces, enabling a more streamlined, digital approach to security. However, while mobile credentials offer convenience, they also come with certain challenges.
Here, to help understand the issues, the experts at Alcatraz AI argue the pros and cons of mobile credentials, but they also offer the case for a viable alternative through biometrics, with facial authentication. Firstly, we can take a look at the pros and cons of operating an access control system through mobile credentials.
Pros of mobile credentials
● Ubiquity: Almost everyone owns a smartphone, making mobile credentials widely accessible. This reduces the need for employees to carry separate access cards.
● Fewer forgotten credentials: Unlike access cards, which are easy to leave behind, most people carry their phones with them wherever they go. This minimises the risk of being locked out of secure areas.
● Enhanced security: Mobile credentials offer a higher level of security compared to traditional access cards, which can be easily lost, cloned, or stolen. Many mobile credentials include additional authentication methods, such as biometrics, making unauthorised access more difficult.
● Ease of management: Mobile credentials simplify the process of issuing and managing access rights. Credentials can be issued, modified, or revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead and costs associated with physical badges.
Cons of mobile credentials
● Higher costs: Adopting mobile credentials can be more expensive than traditional cards. Implementing mobile-based access requires compatible readers and, in some cases, software upgrades, adding to the overall cost.
● Reader compatibility: Not all access readers support mobile credentials, which may require upgrading or replacing existing hardware across multiple access points, including vending machines, printers, and point-of-sale systems.
● Privacy concerns: Some employees may be hesitant to use their personal devices for work-related access due to privacy concerns. Using personal phones can blur the line between work and personal life, and employees may worry about being tracked.
● Reissuance for new devices: When employees get new phones, credentials may need to be reissued, adding to the administrative load. Additionally, some mobile credential platforms require re-enrollment if the device is lost or upgraded, which can be disruptive.
While mobile credentials bring certain benefits, they also pose challenges, particularly in terms of cost, privacy, and technology compatibility. For organisations looking for a more seamless and secure solution, facial authentication offers a compelling alternative.
Unlike mobile credentials, facial authentication provides:
● Touchless Authentication: Facial authentication systems eliminate the need for physical contact or even a smartphone, allowing for a completely hands-free experience.
● Increased privacy and security: Modern facial authentication technology ensures privacy and reduces the likelihood of unauthorised access without compromising personal data.
● Streamlined management: With facial authentication, there’s no need to worry about credential reissuance when employees upgrade their devices. Enrollment can be completed in seconds, and updates are handled seamlessly.
While mobile credentials offer convenience, according to Alcatraz AI, their drawbacks—such as privacy concerns, device dependency, and ongoing management costs—can make them challenging to implement. Alcatraz AI’s facial authentication technology promises a superior, frictionless access control solution that addresses these challenges and prioritises privacy, security, and ease of use.
