Last September, federal agents apprehended a military contractor who had just landed at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D. C. What was his charge? Conspiracy to defraud the United States and possession of military badges with the intent to defraud; or put more bluntly, while he was working in Iraq, he gave unauthorized people access to the Green Zone. On one hand, it might be depressing to think that if the Green Zone’s badge system could be compromised, any badge system could. However, keep in mind that as technology advances, it is becoming harder for external or internal people to falsify a state-of-the-art ID badge; and if they do succeed at creating the false badge they’re finding it increasingly difficult to get away with it. Many security features are available today which can be embedded in a badge’s material, making the badge more difficult to tamper with or replicate. Today’s printers and software used to make badges also can enhance the badge’s security by limiting the number of people who can print them, limiting when they can be printed, and logging the badge’s history (which is useful if it’s discovered that unauthorized badges were produced using legitimate equipment).
Magicard printers have the ability to print a watermark using the standard dye film overcoat panel through a patented process trademarked Holokote. Typically the customer’s logo is ‘etched’ in a grid pattern across the face of the card in the clear overcoat. The background card design, photo and text on the card are clearly visible, yet there is a subtle watermark-like layer that authenticates the card.
It’s one thing to have a security badge loaded with special features embedded in its material, however that only goes so far if somebody who has access to the equipment can make legitimate badges for people who aren’t supposed to have them. That is why it can be beneficial to have software that tracks when, where and by whom badges were made. Not only can such software act as a deterrent, but it can help to identify someone who is abusing the system.
Bytor security solutions offers a full range of products for badge materials, printers, and software. The card is part of it, but what’s also extremely important is not just the security of the card, but making sure that only the right cards are actually produced.
Bytor Security Solutions carries software that allows you to capture and control the production of cards that are password protected and controlled. We can provide a secure link between the printer and the PC so the two are linked and nobody can print cards from anything other than that PC.
Another scenario to consider is when a badge is legitimately created for an authentic person and purpose, but is only good for a temporary period of time, such as for a one day only visitor.
TEMPbadge features “expiring badge” technology. The expiring technology allows security personnel to issue badges with specific time durations for visitors, contractors and temporary employees. These secure expiring badges incorporate migrating ink technology that changes color over an expected time frame to provide instant visual indication of a visitor’s status.
When examining the process of producing a secure badge, distributing it to its rightful owner, and then keeping it secure for the duration of its proper use, which part would you think is most vulnerable to exploitation? In other words, what’s the weakest link in the chain of events that make and keep a badge secure? In other words, what’s the weakest link in the chain of events that make and keep a badge secure? Unfortunately, the most common answer to this question is “people”. It could be something as simple as leaving a password out in plain view, or forgetting to lock up badge materials during off hours. It could also be more deliberate such as not taking the badge system seriously and not enforcing the standards that are already in place (failing to confront a person who isn’t wearing a badge.)
Secure badges require secure printers, secure software, and secure materials and well trained people all working together. Bytor Security Solutions can help with all your security and employee needs.
Please contact Jessica Newman at www.bytorsecurity.com 1-866-599-0145 or jessica@bytorsecurity.com