Ensuring physical access control to IT infrastructure is critical for organizations and businesses of all sizes, whether that infrastructure is a computer room, telecom closet, or on-premises data center. Physical keys, fobs and RFID cards can be lost or stolen, however, and staffing changes may necessitate replacing locks or issuing new keys on a frequent basis. An out-of-band digital-key security system brings numerous advantages to physical access control.
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The most advanced and highly secure alternative to physical keys, fobs and RFID cards for access control to IT infrastrcuture is an out-of-band digital-key security system. In such systems, access to locked facilities can be granted and revoked from a central operations center, using digital credentials. This not only eliminates many of the inefficiencies and security risks associated with physical keys, fobs and cards, but also enables enhanced security for installations with poor or intermittent network connectivity. The GECCO EdgePod uses an out-of-band digital-key access lock controller from Sera4 to ensure that only authorized users can gain access to vital IT systems inside the EdgePod.
Using an out-of-band security system, a digital key is issued to an authorized user’s mobile device (smart phone or tablet) while that device is connected to a network. The digital key is valid only for an approved time period, after which it no longer can be used. The lock controller is not connected to any network – it is out-of-band – and can therefore never be comprised by hackers. The locked EdgePod can be located anywhere, including remote installations with no network connectivity. Only when an authorized user brings a digital key within close proximity of the lock mechanism, can the EdgePod be opened.
In comparison to the traditional approach, no physical key, fob or card needs to be sent to the authorized user, nor picked up or signed out. There is no need for networked biometric sensors on site – indeed this security loophole is eliminated, since two-factor authentication (face recognition, fingerprint scan) is already included in many mobile devices.
Major advantages of implementing an out-of-band digital-key security system for IT infrastructure include:
- Remote Access Control – One of the most significant advantages of an out-of-band digital-key security system is the ability to remotely grant and revoke access as necessary. In traditional systems, if a person needs access to a secure room or equipment, they either have to physically obtain a key or swipe an access card. If the key is unavailable or the card is lost, access to the facility is either delayed or blocked entirely. This can cause significant disruptions, especially in situations that demand immediate or emergency access.
With an out-of-band digital-key system, administrators can grant or revoke access from any location, often with just a few clicks. This remote access control allows for quicker responses to staffing changes, emergencies, or urgent requests, ensuring that access is granted or revoked swiftly and without unnecessary delays. - Enhanced Security – Out-of-band systems are inherently more secure than traditional systems because they do not operate on the same channels that the main IT infrastructure uses. In the context of physical security, this means that the authentication for accessing a locked room or data center is not linked to the network used by sensitive data and IT systems.
Traditional access control systems, such as those relying on networked access cards or biometric scanners, can be compromised if the security system is integrated into the same network as the rest of the IT infrastructure. In contrast, it is impossible for malicious actors to gain unauthorized access to physical spaces when the access control is out-of-band, even if they manage to infiltrate the primary IT network.
The out-of-band digital-key system used in the GECCO EdgePod can leverage multi-factor authentication (MFA) on the mobile device that holds the digital key, and leverages advanced wireless encryption – both of which provide additional layers of security to further protect sensitive edge computing resources. - Reduced Carbon Footprint – Replacing physical locks, keys, and access cards can contribute significantly to an organization’s carbon footprint. Every time a lock is changed or a new set of keys is issued or signed out, resources are consumed and materials are transported, leading to avoidable environmental impacts.
Out-of-band digital-key systems eliminate the need for physical replacements altogether. Rather than needing to manufacture and distribute new keys when staffing changes occur or when access needs to be modified, administrators can simply update digital credentials remotely. This not only saves time and resources but also helps reduce waste and the environmental cost associated with traditional access control systems. By moving to a digital solution, organizations can align their physical security practices with broader sustainability goals. - Simplified Access Management — Managing physical keys can be a cumbersome and inefficient process, especially in large organizations spanning many physical locations, or those with frequent staff turnover. When someone leaves the company or changes roles, it’s often necessary to re-key locks or replace cards. This process can be time-consuming and costly, particularly in large enterprises where multiple access points must be updated simultaneously.
With the digital-key system used by the EdgePod, the access permissions for individual users can be easily updated from a central platform. If an employee leaves or a change in access requirements is needed, administrators can quickly modify or revoke access without the need to physically alter locks or distribute new keys. The system can also be configured to grant or deny access based on time, location, or other factors, further streamlining access management and minimizing the risk of human error. - Audit Trails and Accountability – A significant benefit of digital security systems is the ability to track and monitor access activity. These systems can log every instance of access, creating an audit trail that provides a detailed record of who entered a specific location, at what time, and for what purpose. This is valuable for security purposes, as it allows administrators to quickly identify potential breaches or suspicious activity.
In contrast, traditional key management systems are difficult to audit. If a physical key is lost or stolen, it’s often impossible to determine who had access to the key and when it was used. Digital-key systems provide real-time visibility into access patterns and can be configured to send alerts in case of unauthorized access attempts.
When the GECCO EdgePods are installed in locations that have limited network connectivity, the out-of-band access control system is an ideal solution. Ensuring a complete audit trail is made possible because the mobile device that holds the digital key doubles as the transport mechanism for access-related data from the remote location, updating the audit/accounting system when the mobile device reconnects to the network. - Cost Savings – While implementing an out-of-band digital-key system may involve an initial investment, the long-term cost savings are significant. By eliminating the need for physical keys, fobs and cards, organizations can reduce both operational costs and the time spent managing physical security measures.
Furthermore, because digital-key systems can often be integrated with other building management or IT systems, the overall infrastructure becomes more streamlined and easier to maintain. The ability to revoke or adjust access remotely also reduces the need for costly on-site security staff or time-consuming administrative work associated with managing access.
An out-of-band digital-key security system offers many advantages over traditional access control systems. With remote access management, enhanced security, reduced environmental impact, and simplified management processes, digital-key systems provide a modern solution for safeguarding IT infrastructure. As businesses and orgnizations continue to prioritize efficiency, security, and sustainability, adopting such systems is not just a smart move—it’s an essential step toward the future of secure access management.
By Rudi Carolsfeld