How Shifting from Prox to Mobile Access Improves Cybersecurity and Reduces Risk

Are frequent badge losses, physical provisioning and vulnerabilities of proximity cards hindering your organization from realizing a zero-trust security landscape? Mobile access solutions are the future-proof answer for enterprises looking to improve security and digitally mobilize their staff. While legacy proximity credentials may seem sufficient, they are highly prone to physical theft, have significant security susceptibilities and have limited server storage and functionality. Considering these limitations and the fact that the average cost of a data breach globally was $4.45 million in 2023, a 2.25% increase from 2022, it’s evident that businesses need to address their security posture.

Why Build a Mobile Authentication Strategy

Mobile authentication is no longer limited to physical access control. From secure printing to cashless vending, you’ll find more ways to work more efficiently and securely with a mobile device. The 2024 State of Passwordless Identity Assurance report highlights that 91% of breached organizations identified credential misuse or authentication weaknesses as a root cause, indicating that insecure devices and outdated systems contribute significantly to vulnerabilities. Mobile access offers several advantages to combat these issues, such as:

• The ability to integrate into certain existing access control and identity management systems (rf IDEAS readers support both mobile and card credentials for organizations looking to transition in phases.)
• Reducing the number of passwords and pins that users must remember, speeding up the authentication process
• Streamlining credential distribution and management across your entire ecosystem
• Enhancing security by utilizing the same trusted security framework that is used for financial transactions

Reduce Risk Across the Physical & Digital Ecosystem

Protecting data across endpoints and industries doesn’t have to be complex. The right mobile authentication solution can extend your security beyond physical access and simplify credential management.

Securing confidential data and records through mobile access can transform endpoint protection. Network printers are often overlooked but their security is critical, as a single sensitive document lost, forgotten, or stolen from an unguarded printer can lead to a costly regulatory fine. Through mobile credentials stored in a digital wallet, employees can securely release print jobs in addition to seamlessly navigating the rest of their digital and physical environment.

Employees can use their smartphones for everyday transactions, simplifying the payment process at vending machines and cashless cafeterias in the office. Deploying mobile credentials simplifies meeting room reservations and enhances the visitor management experience. Employees can book conference rooms without complex calendars or sign-in procedures, and temporary credentials for visitors or vendors can be issued directly to their phones, streamlining access without burdening IT teams with complex provisioning and revoking processes.

How rf IDEAS Brings Mobile Access to Life

Whether you’re currently using physical badges for access control or have no credentials in place, a security audit is the first step if you’re considering migrating to mobile. If you aim to leverage your existing credentials for expanded access like SSO, secure printing, or time and attendance, rf IDEAS and our partners can help you create a migration strategy tailored to your needs. If your organization lacks existing credentials, an endpoint audit can highlight vulnerabilities and opportunities to deploy an identity access management solution. This can be followed by initiating and deploying a digital wallet and mobile credential setup, saving IT and security admins time and complexity in issuing, managing, and replacing physical cards.

The next step is to choose between BLE and NFC, ensuring the selected technology aligns with the specific business needs. NFC is best suited for applications where next-level security is paramount, while BLE can be beneficial in certain applications where being hands-free is essential. Regardless of the choice, rf IDEAS’ trusted product platform features reliable WAVE ID readers optimized for mobile compatibility.;

Ready to move to mobile for stronger security, better user experience and simplified distribution and management of credentials, visit our Mobile Access page to discover how rf IDEAS can be part of your mobile solution.