Evaluating access control locks against low technology attacks

Abstract

Access control systems consist of many components. Development is often focused on the more complex technologies used in such systems, such as the electronics, network security and biometrics used. However, more basic vulnerabilities also need to be assessed when evaluating access control installations and components. Standards exist for testing the physical and electrical security of locking systems. For high-security locks manual forcible attack testing is also currently carried out to eliminate security vulnerabilities in mechanical locking systems. If access control systems are to be used in high security enclosures then methods of identifying and eliminating weaknesses in electromechanical systems will need to be developed and applied.