What are the Common Methods of Physical Access Control?
Several methods are employed to control access to nanotechnology facilities, including:
1. Biometric Systems: These systems use unique biological markers like fingerprints, retinal scans, or facial recognition to grant access. They provide a high level of security as biometrics are difficult to replicate.
2. RFID and Smart Cards: Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags and smart cards are used to control entry points. These cards can be programmed with specific access rights and can be easily deactivated if lost or stolen.
3. Keypad Entry Systems: These systems require users to enter a PIN or passcode to gain access. While convenient, they are less secure than biometric systems as codes can be shared or stolen.
4. Physical Keys and Locks: Traditional keys and locks are still used in many facilities. However, they offer the least security as keys can be duplicated and locks can be picked.