The conversation surrounding enterprise access is shifting rapidly. Driven by the need for secure, flexible, and convenient solutions, enterprises are deploying mobile access control to for the cost savings and enhanced security it delivers.
However, this transition poses genuine challenges, from ensuring secure mobile credentials and managing different devices to ensure full system integration and high user adoption. This article shares five mobile security tips to maximize results without operational risk.
Note: The guidance below offers a high-level overview. Site requirements vary, so please consult an authorized Gallagher Channel Partner or security consultant to tailor your deployment plan and implementation steps.
Key Takeaways
- Plan Ahead: Conduct a thorough site audit to ensure your mobile access control deployment is scalable and compatible with existing infrastructure.
- Mandate MFA: Replace easily copied physical cards by mandating Multi-Factor Authentication to establish genuinely secure mobile access systems.
- Gallagher Command Centre: Integrates the mobile system with your entire physical security ecosystem to gain centralized visibility and control from a single platform.
Tip 1: Plan and Assess Your Needs Before Deployment
Before the first credential is issued, mobile access control deployment must start with careful planning. Begin by clearly understanding your security needs by conducting a comprehensive site audit.
Mobile credentials aren’t for every environment, some require visible ID badges, restrict phone use, or have operational needs that make mobile credentials impractical. This assessment helps you determine whether mobile access is the right fit for your organization before moving forward.
A thorough audit also identifies areas of access, categorizes user groups (employees, contractors, visitors), and confirms the security protocols that need to be enforced and integrated.
Clarifying these requirements upfront ensures your solution is scalable, compatible with your existing infrastructure, and robust enough to support future growth and evolving mobile access management policies.
Tip 2: Ensure Secure Mobile Credentials and Authentication
Security is the foundation of any successful mobile access control deployment. By replacing easily copied physical cards with secure mobile access systems that leverage device-native safeguards, mobile access control can immediately elevate your security posture.
Credentials are securely stored on the user’s device and can be instantly revoked or updated if needed, reducing the risk of lost or stolen credentials. For sensitive areas, you can require multi-factor authentication, combining mobile credentials with fingerprint or facial recognition for an extra layer of protection at the access point.
Gallagher's Mobile Connect App credentials are designed with industry-leading safeguards, including FIDO certification, a globally recognized standard for secure authentication.
Tip 3: Integrate Mobile Access with Existing Security Systems
For successful mobile access control deployment, integration with your broader physical security ecosystem is essential. Modern platforms like Gallagher’s Command Centre are designed to unify mobile credentials with other security systems, such as building management, video surveillance, and intruder alarms, enabling centralized oversight and streamlined operations.
Mobile credentials offer unique advantages in this integrated environment. They can be embedded in company apps or digital wallets, allowing users to access doors, book meeting rooms, and interact with other smart building features - all from their mobile device. This seamless experience drives engagement and simplifies daily routines.
This integration gives you the ability to manage your entire security posture from a single, centralized platform. Gallagher’s Command Centre centralizes all events, from mobile access management and credentials to perimeter security. The result is real-time auditability, response coordination, and governance across your entire site.
Tip 4: Train Users for Seamless Adoption
It's easy to get caught up in the technology, but the truth is, even the most secure system can fall flat if people don't use it correctly. That's why user training is a vital element when successfully deploying mobile access control, turning potential user resistance into high adoption rates.
The goal is to provide crystal-clear communication and resources, not just a technical manual, on how to use the mobile app, manage access permissions, and troubleshoot simple, common issues.
By making user onboarding smooth and stress-free, you’ll ensure minimal disruption, maintain high compliance, and realize the full benefits of your mobile access management system. Gallagher is always here to help, with training and certification for employees and contractors.
Tip 5: Regular Maintenance and Updates for Ongoing Security
Secure mobile access systems aren’t static. They’re software-driven endpoints that require ongoing care to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats. Establishing a routine maintenance schedule goes beyond physical checks. This schedule can help you immediately check for system vulnerabilities, update core software, and ensure stress-free integration.
Gallagher’s mobile credential solutions deliver automatic security enhancements directly to users’ devices, minimizing manual intervention and keeping your system resilient against new risks. These updates help maintain compliance with industry standards and certifications, and ensure seamless integration with Gallagher Command Centre and other security systems.
Gallagher Mobile Access Control Solutions: Simplifying Deployment
Moving to mobile shouldn't be stressful. That's why we built our platform, trusted by high-compliance organizations and government sites worldwide, to simplify your entire mobile access control deployment.
Gallagher mobile solutions deliver a seamless deployment with secure authentication and guaranteed integration with your existing security system. Our strength lies in being flexible and scalable, ensuring your investment is protected as you grow, all while eliminating the logistical headaches and costs associated with traditional, easily cloned physical credentials.
To simplify your mobile access control deployment, contact an authorized Gallagher channel partner for a tailored deployment plan and implementation steps.