Connected Access Control: Is Your Gate Adequately Protected Against Cyberattacks?

Access control is undergoing a true revolution. Motorized gates, connected intercoms, remote unlocking via smartphone, real-time access management… The equipment is becoming increasingly smart and offers unprecedented ease of use. But this digital transformation also brings new challenges: cybersecurity.

Long reserved for large companies, cybersecurity now applies to all connected devices, including gate automation systems and access control systems. With the rise of smart buildings and home automation, security devices are also becoming connected devices that need to be protected.

Why are access control systems affected?

Modern access control solutions are increasingly interconnected with their surroundings. They can be linked to a mobile app, a video surveillance system, or even a home automation system.

This connectivity offers many benefits. It enables remote access management, simplifies user administration, and improves day-to-day convenience. However, like all connected devices, these systems can also become potential targets if they are not properly secured.

A password that is too simple, poor configuration, or a lack of updates can leave the door open to cyberattacks. These aren’t necessarily scenarios straight out of a science fiction movie. In reality, cybercriminals primarily seek to exploit inadequately protected devices in order to gain unauthorized access or disrupt their operation.

Security for a gate or a residence should therefore no longer be limited to physical measures alone. It must also incorporate a digital component.

Communication Encryption: A Critical Issue

The security of an access control system does not depend solely on the choice of hardware or the strength of passwords. Protecting radio communications is also essential.

Some access control solutions now incorporate 128-bit AES encryption, an encryption technology recognized for its high level of security and widely used in many sensitive sectors. This process protects communications between different devices and significantly reduces the risk of interception or fraudulent replication of a radio signal.

In the field of gate automation and access control, this protection has become a real asset. A secure wireless system helps enhance the reliability of the installation and provides additional protection against new digital threats.

At Prastel, the integration of AES-128 encryption into certain radio solutions is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at offering systems that are increasingly reliable, high-performing, and tailored to today's cybersecurity challenges.

Choose reliable and suitable equipment

To meet new market demands, it is essential to rely on equipment designed by specialized manufacturers.

Access control keypads are a particularly effective solution for securing the entrance to a residence, business, or industrial site. They allow for precise access control while remaining simple and intuitive to use.

For environments that require more advanced user management, proximity readers and badge systems are an excellent alternative. They allow you to assign customized access rights and quickly deactivate a badge if it is lost.

Condominiums and single-family homes are also increasingly using remote controls for automatic gates, which offer a high level of security while simplifying daily use.

Finally, connected intercom solutions now make it possible to monitor visitors remotely and enhance access security without compromising the comfort of occupants.

Best Practices for Enhancing Security

Technology alone is not enough. Certain best practices can also help mitigate risks.

First and foremost, it is recommended that you always change default usernames and passwords. Many security incidents stem simply from usernames and passwords that are too easy to guess.

It is also advisable to update the equipment regularly when a new software version becomes available. These updates often fix potential vulnerabilities and improve system performance.

The quality of the installation also plays a key role. Poor configuration can significantly reduce the security level of even high-performance equipment. That is why it is always best to hire a professional who can properly configure the system and advise the user on best practices.

Cybersecurity is becoming a key factor in decision-making

Today, both individuals and businesses are increasingly concerned about data protection and the security of connected devices.

When choosing an access control system, price and features are no longer the only factors to consider. The manufacturer’s reliability, the quality of technical support, and the product’s ability to adapt over time are also becoming key factors.

Smart buildings will continue to grow in the coming years. Access control solutions will therefore need to be able to meet ever-increasing physical and digital security requirements.

A Comprehensive Approach to Security

The line between the physical and digital worlds is becoming increasingly blurred. An automatic gate, a keypad, or a badge system are no longer simply mechanical devices. They are now part of a connected ecosystem that must be protected as a whole.

At Prastel, this evolution is accompanied by an ongoing commitment to providing reliable, high-performance equipment tailored to new applications. Discover Prastel’s full range of access control and automation solutions to ensure the long-term security of your access points and prepare today for the challenges of tomorrow.

Because by 2026, securing a gate will no longer be just about preventing physical intrusion. It will also involve protecting radio communications and the entire digital environment surrounding it.

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