Businesses have used key fobs for decades as a form of access control. The technology is relatively simple. The fob has a radiofrequency identification (RFID) code that communicates with the reader, which then authenticates the device to unlock doors or gates.
Fobs are smaller than keycards and therefore easier to carry around. However, like key cards, fobs pose a risk for copying. Copying a key fob is easier than many people realize. Although you won’t be able to have it copied at a hardware store like a traditional key, you can have a key fob copied online or at a kiosk.
Copying key fobs has become a major security risk for organizations that use these devices as part of their access control system. Just how easy is it to duplicate a key fob?
It Costs Just $25 to Copy a Key Fob at a Kiosk
For a low-frequency 125kHZ RFID card or fob, it’s relatively inexpensive to have it copied, costing just $25 at a kiosk [1]. In fact, the devices that can replicate these fobs are also cheap, costing just a few dollars online.
Although the original key fob must be active for duplication, most key fobs are easy to copy. With the low price of getting a duplicate fob, people may opt to get their fob copied elsewhere rather than asking management for a second copy.
While copying some key fobs can be difficult or may take longer to copy than others, it can be done. As the convenience of key copying grows from online stores to physical kiosks, fob copying is becoming more common.
Key Duplication Threatens Security
Key fobs exist to keep unauthorized people out of restricted areas, including gated properties, parking garages, buildings, offices, and residential apartment buildings. When people have their keys copied and give them to friends, family, or coworkers, security is compromised.
Access control systems cannot tell the difference between a copied fob and the original device, meaning if there are several of the same fob in existence, it’s impossible to know who exactly is accessing the property [2].
People can even pay extra to have their copied fobs look exactly like the original fob. As such, property managers may not be able to tell the difference between the copied version and the original assigned key, making it more challenging to identify when copying is taking place.
How to Minimize Risk and Enhance Security
While key fob duplication is a risk, it’s possible to continue using fobs to secure your property. Here are a few ways to reduce risk and improve security when using key fobs as part of an access control system:
- Consider biometrics. Biometric access control provides a seamless approach and can be used with or without key fobs. Quickly and accurately identify visitors with options such as facial recognition technology and retina scans [3].
- Deploy a combination of methods. You can use a key fob system but combine it with a keypad, facial recognition, license plate recognition technology, or another type of access control for enhanced security.
- Upgrade to smartcards. Smartcards use encryption to prevent key copying. The card and the reader must authenticate each other instead of the reader just verifying the card, improving security. Smartcards can also function as ID badges.
Depending on your current access control setup, it’s typically cost-effective and straightforward to upgrade your system to reduce key fob copying and maintain security.
Is Your Access Control Secure?
How secure is your access control system? Find out by booking a risk assessment with Surveillance Secure. Our team provides comprehensive commercial electronic security solutions. Call us at (877) 388-1248 today.
Sources:
- https://www.securityinfowatch.com/access-identity/access-control/cards-tokens/article/12434214/prox-cloning-goes-mass-market
- https://ipvm.com/reports/card-copier-test
- https://www.securityindustry.org/2014/04/01/frictionless-access-control/
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