Your Access Control System Might Be Secure. But Are Your Cards?
Understanding card cloning, outdated credentials and why upgrading your access-control
readers could be one of the most important security decisions your organisation makes.
An Overlooked Security Risk
Your building may have CCTV, alarms, controlled entrances and sophisticated access-control software. But have you ever stopped to consider how secure the card in your pocket really is?
For many organisations, access cards and fobs are issued once and then used for years without their underlying security technology ever being reviewed. Staff badges are replaced when people join, leave or lose a card – but the actual credential technology behind those badges often stays the same.
The uncomfortable reality is that some older access-card technologies can be duplicated using inexpensive equipment. In the wrong hands, that can turn a staff badge into a potential route into your building.
That raises an important question: if somebody copied an employee's access card, would your existing system recognise the difference?
For security managers, facilities teams, IT departments, NHS organisations, universities, commercial buildings and critical infrastructure operators, the answer matters.
Physical security is not just about doors, cameras and software. It also depends on the strength of the credentials you trust every day.
Your access card is effectively a digital key. If that key can be copied too easily, the rest of your security measures may not perform as you expect – even if your system appears to be working normally.
What Is Access-Card Cloning?
Access-card cloning is the process of creating a working copy of an access credential so that it behaves like the original card or fob when presented to a reader.
In simple terms, if a system cannot tell the difference between the original card and the copy, both may be able to open the same doors.
Some older low-frequency proximity cards are more vulnerable to this type of attack. In certain legacy systems, the card presents an identifier that is not protected by strong encryption or mutual authentication.
If that identifier can be read and reproduced on another compatible credential, an unauthorised duplicate may be created.
There are also systems that rely heavily on unprotected card serial numbers. Where the serial number is used as the main or only factor for access decisions, this can increase the risk of unauthorised duplication.
Inexpensive, widely available equipment has made this an issue worth reviewing. Devices that can read and emulate certain card technologies are no longer limited to specialist laboratories.
That does not mean every card can be copied, but it does mean organisations should understand which technologies they are using and how those technologies behave.
Not every contactless card provides the same level of security.
Two cards may look similar and operate at similar frequencies, but their underlying technology, authentication methods and security features can be very different.
The key message is simple: understand what you have, and don't rely on appearance or frequency alone as a measure of security.
For a manufacturer's perspective, read Comelit-PAC's article on access-card cloning.
Why Changing Your Card Might Not Be Enough
When organisations first hear about access-card cloning, the natural reaction is often, "We should change our cards."
Upgrading credentials can be an important step, but secure physical access depends on three interconnected components:
The access credential – the card, fob or mobile credential your staff use.
The access-control reader – the device on the wall that reads the credential and communicates with the access-control system.
The controller and management system – the hardware and software that make access decisions, manage permissions and record events.
If you only change one part of this chain, you may not fully address the underlying vulnerability.
For example:
A more secure card may not deliver its full benefits if the reader cannot support its advanced security features.
A modern reader may still be operating in a legacy mode if it is configured to accept older, less secure credentials.
A controller or management system may need configuration changes to ensure stronger authentication methods are enforced.
Simply upgrading a card without checking reader compatibility, configuration and wider system security might leave gaps in your protection.
In some cases, organisations operate mixed systems where older and newer credentials coexist. Without a clear migration plan, this can create uncertainty about the true level of protection.
A more effective approach is to review the complete access-control process, from credential issuance and authentication through to reader communication and access decisions.
Modern Credentials and Better Security
Properly implemented modern secure credentials can significantly reduce exposure to straightforward credential duplication and help organisations move towards more robust access control.
Encrypted credential authentication
Modern secure credential technologies can use strong encryption and authentication protocols to protect communication between a card and reader.
Rather than relying on an easily copied identifier, compatible cards and readers can authenticate one another securely.
Reduced exposure to cloning
When appropriate encryption and authentication are correctly implemented, unauthorised credential duplication becomes considerably more difficult.
While no security technology should be considered completely immune to attack, choosing the right credential technology can substantially reduce risk.
Secure credential management
An effective credential-management process should include secure issuance, access-right management, revocation of lost credentials and regular reviews.
Additional authentication options
Some access-control readers support additional verification methods, including card and PIN.
These options can provide an additional layer of protection for areas requiring enhanced security.
Planned migration from older technologies
Organisations may not need to replace every credential and reader simultaneously.
Depending on compatibility and system capabilities, phased upgrades can allow organisations to move towards more secure credential technologies while managing budgets and operational disruption.
Importantly, a higher operating frequency does not automatically mean better security. The technology, encryption, configuration and wider access-control system all matter.
Manufacturer Spotlight – Comelit-PAC
For organisations considering an upgrade, choosing suitable reader and credential technologies is an important part of strengthening physical security.
Comelit-PAC is an established access-control manufacturer offering technologies designed to support modern physical access-control requirements.
Its OneProx GS3 High Frequency reader range provides options for different installation environments and credential requirements.
When used with compatible PAC OPS secure credentials, and correctly configured within a suitable access-control system, these technologies can support stronger credential authentication.
The OneProx GS3 range includes:
GS3 HF Mullion Reader – A slim reader suitable for door frames and narrow mounting locations.
GS3 HF Standard Reader – A versatile option for everyday access-control applications.
GS3 HF PIN & Prox Reader – Combines credential reading with a keypad, allowing additional PIN verification where supported and configured.
GS3 HF Vandal Resistant Reader – Designed for environments requiring a more robust physical reader.
The appropriate combination of readers, credentials and access-control software can help organisations transition away from vulnerable legacy technologies.
However, it is important to understand that no reader alone can guarantee protection against cloning. Security depends on the complete system, its configuration and the credential technology being used.
Explore Fairfield's Comelit-PAC reader range:
How Secure Are Your Existing Access Cards?
Every organisation is different, but there are some practical questions worth asking:
Do you know which technology your existing staff cards and fobs use?
Are your credentials protected by encryption and secure authentication?
How old are your existing readers?
Do your readers support modern secure credential technologies?
Could your existing cards be vulnerable to unauthorised duplication?
Are your credentials appropriate for the security requirements of your organisation?
Could you benefit from a planned upgrade without unnecessary disruption?
These questions aren't intended to create alarm.
They're intended to encourage organisations to understand their existing security arrangements and consider whether improvements may be appropriate.
Understanding what you have today is the first step towards deciding what you may need tomorrow.
How Fairfield ID Solutions Can Help
At Fairfield ID Solutions, we believe identification and access-control security should be straightforward, practical and appropriate for each organisation.
With over 15 years of industry experience, we provide independent advice and a personal approach to identification and access-credential solutions.
We can help organisations:
Understand their existing access-card and credential technologies.
Explore more secure credential options.
Identify suitable access-control readers.
Review card and reader compatibility.
Consider phased upgrades from older technologies.
Explore solutions that improve security while managing costs and disruption.
Whether you're responsible for a hospital, university, commercial building, critical infrastructure site or another security-conscious environment, we're here to help you understand your options.
We take the time to listen, understand your requirements and recommend solutions that work for your organisation.
Independent advice. Personal service. Solutions that work.
Don't Overlook the Card in Your Pocket
An access-control system is only as strong as the technologies and practices protecting it.
Before investing in another camera, alarm or security upgrade, it may be worth looking at something much smaller – but just as important.
The access card in your pocket.
If you would like to review your existing credentials, explore secure reader options or plan a phased upgrade, Fairfield ID Solutions is here to help.
Fairfield ID Solutions
Identification. Security. Solutions.
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