Access Control Security-Bypassing Techniques, and Defense Strategies

Access control systems are critical for securing physical spaces and managing who can enter specific areas. However, these systems are vulnerable to various types of attacks if not designed and implemented correctly. In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive into the details of TLS/SSL encryption in access control, explore how criminals bypass these systems, and provide countermeasures to safeguard these infrastructures. We’ll also examine how the frequency range of access control devices affects security, the tools criminals use, and best practices for defending against these threats.

Understanding TLS/SSL Encryption in Access Control

Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) are cryptographic protocols designed to provide secure communication over a computer network. This is important when selecting your device to install in the context of access control systems, these protocols play a crucial role in safeguarding data transmitted between devices, such as credential readers, access controllers, and centralized systems. While SSL is now considered outdated and vulnerable, TLS is widely used and offers more secure encryption.

Role in Access Control Systems:

TLS/SSL encrypts the communication between access control components, ensuring that sensitive data, such as user credentials and access logs, is transmitted securely over the network. Protects against Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks, where an attacker intercepts and manipulates data between two communicating devices. Ensures that only authenticated devices can communicate with one another, reducing the risk of unauthorized access to critical systems.

Why it’s Important:

Without TLS/SSL encryption, access control systems are vulnerable to data interception and unauthorized access attempts during communication between devices and controllers. Encryption prevents attackers from reading or altering sensitive data in transit, such as PIN codes, passwords, and access events, which could be exploited for malicious purposes.

How Attackers Bypass Access Control Devices

Criminals use a variety of methods and tools to bypass access control systems, depending on the technology in use and the vulnerabilities they can exploit you will need to keep up to date on new techniques criminals use. Below, are some common attack techniques, the tools criminals use, and how they bypass the devices at specific frequencies.

1. Credential Cloning

Tools Used:

• Proxmark3: A popular tool used for cloning RFID credentials operating at 125 kHz and certain 13.56 MHz frequencies. This tool can capture, clone, and emulate RFID credentials by simply placing the device near the reader.
• RFID Skimmers: Small handheld devices that can read and duplicate RFID tags from a distance, allowing attackers to clone credentials.

How It Works:

• 125 kHz (Proximity Cards): These cards are especially vulnerable to cloning due to their weak encryption or lack of encryption entirely. Attackers only need to be within a few inches of the reader or card to clone the credential.
• 13.56 MHz (Smart Cards): While these cards often feature some encryption, many older or unencrypted models can still be cloned by tools like Proxmark3. The attacker typically needs to be close to the reader or card, often within 6 inches.

How to Defend:

• Use encrypted credentials (e.g., HID iCLASS, MIFARE DESFire EV2) that are much harder to clone.
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA), such as combining smart cards with PIN codes or biometric authentication.
• Deploy anti-skimming devices around card readers to detect and block unauthorized RFID scans.

2. Social Engineering and Phishing

Tools Used:

• Phishing Tools: Criminals use sophisticated email spoofing and social engineering tactics to trick employees into providing login credentials or granting unauthorized access.
• Impersonation Devices: Fake IDs or uniforms can be used to deceive security personnel into granting access.

How It Works:

• Attackers impersonate authorized personnel to gain physical access to secure areas.
• Phishing emails may contain links that trick users into entering login information for integrated access control systems.

How to Defend:

• Conduct regular security awareness training for employees, focusing on identifying phishing attempts. This is important for installers to preface customers that there is work to be done on the clients side and consistently for ultimate defensive measures to work.
• Implement two-factor authentication (2FA) for all remote access points, especially for mobile or cloud-based systems.
• Use visitor management systems to verify individuals before granting access to physical locations.

3. Physical Device Tampering

Tools Used:

• Screwdrivers, Crowbars, Cutters: Physical tools used to bypass or disable access control devices, such as door locks or readers.
• Jammers: Devices that disrupt communication between access control components, including card readers and central controllers.

How It Works:

• Attackers may physically tamper with or destroy access control hardware to disable it, gaining unauthorized access.
• Jamming devices can block or interrupt the wireless communication between readers and controllers, potentially rendering the access system inoperable.

How to Defend:

• Install tamper-resistant enclosures for devices, including readers and controllers. And in my other articles make sure you apply a secondary tamper switch to trigger alarms as well as having surveillance monitor any control gate.
• Use physical barriers around readers and locks to make them harder to access and disable.
• Regularly monitor the system for tamper events using intrusion detection systems (IDS).

4. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

Tools Used:

• Wireshark: A network sniffer used to intercept and analyze communication between access control devices.
• Rogue Access Points: A hacker may set up a fake Wi-Fi or Bluetooth access point to intercept data transmitted between access control devices.

How It Works:

• Attackers intercept the communication between an access control reader and controller by deploying MitM tools.
• Sensitive information, such as PIN codes or authentication data, is captured and potentially manipulated.

How to Defend:

• Use TLS/SSL encryption for all communications to prevent interception of data.
• Implement certificate-based authentication to ensure devices can securely verify each other.
• Regularly perform network security audits to detect and mitigate rogue access points.

KHZ Frequency Comparison Chart

The effectiveness of access control systems depends on the frequency of the credential technology being used. Below is a chart comparing different frequency ranges used in RFID-based systems, highlighting their relative vulnerabilities.

How to Defend Against These Attacks

1. Use Encrypted Credentials: Switch from 125 kHz to more secure 13.56 MHz encrypted cards, such as MIFARE DESFire or HID iCLASS.
2. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication: Combine RFID, PIN codes, and biometrics for added security layers.
3. Monitor Communications: Use encrypted communications like TLS/SSL for all data exchanged between access control components.
4. Physical Security: Install tamper-resistant enclosures and ensure the physical security of access points.
5. Regular Audits and Updates: Periodically audit the system for vulnerabilities, and ensure firmware and security patches are up to date.

Conclusion

Access control systems are an essential part of physical security, but they must be properly designed and maintained to prevent breaches. By using encrypted credentials, implementing robust encryption protocols like TLS/SSL, and staying vigilant against common bypass techniques such as credential cloning, social engineering, and physical tampering, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

By understanding how criminals exploit vulnerabilities and how to defend against them, you ensure that your access control systems provide the highest level of security for your facility.

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