BLOG: How AES encryption makes ATRIUM access control more secure than ever

Did you know that in 2024, it took an average of 194 days for businesses to identify a data breach? And another 64 days to contain it? [1] That’s over 8 months in total. And the average cost of a breach? An eye-watering $4.88 million (USD) [2]. Data security isn’t something that should be taken for granted. And in access control systems, it’s arguably even more important, because the data in the system gives you access to the physical premises of a business.

Luckily, ATRIUM access control is equipped with AES encryption straight out of the box. We put advanced technology at the heart of the system, because we know that nothing is more important than the peace of mind security brings. This blog will explore what AES encryption is and how ATRIUM uses it to keep your data safe.

Why is encryption important in access control?

How encryption keeps data safe

Encryption is the digital equivalent of a locked safe for data. It ensures that nobody can access sensitive information without the proper authorisation and credentials. In an access control system, this is critical. User data, access logs, floorplans, integrations with CCTV and alarm systems are all contained in the system. And a breach of any of that data could have very serious consequences for individuals and organisations.

Robust encryption built into the access control system ensures:

• Data confidentiality. Nobody can view, alter, or delete data without the proper authority, giving users confidence in the system.
• Data integrity. It’s vital that data is not intercepted or altered during communication between the server, controller, and reader.
• Regulatory compliance. Organisations must take regulations like GDPR and HIPAA seriously in order to operate in the modern world.

What happens when access control data is compromised

The real-world stakes of access control data breaches are high. The consequences for both individual users and for organisations can be extremely serious. Consider these following scenarios and the financial, operational, and reputational damage they could cause.

Criminals intercept credentials or manipulate the system to falsely gain access to the building.

This could lead to all kinds of serious outcomes, including theft, vandalism, exposure of sensitive or protected trade secrets.

Hackers manipulate access logs.

This could result in inaccurate logs which have erased evidence of unauthorised entries. As a result, it could take longer to detect a breach and make investigations significantly more difficult.

Reputational and financial damage.

If sensitive employee or customer data was leaked, a company would suffer immense reputational damage. They may also be liable to pay legal fees, fines, and regulatory penalties, impacting the business’ bottom line.

Compromised safety in critical sectors.

In critical infrastructure such as hospitals or utilities providers, access control breaches are even more serious. These premises are vital for the normal operation of a society. A security breach could affect or even halt those operations, depriving people of basic services.

What is AES encryption?

AES encryption is type of cypher that protects and conceals messages transmitted through the internet. Essentially, data is converted into an unreadable format called cyphertext. The only way to later read the data is by having the right cryptographic key to decode it into a readable format. In the AES standard, the same key is used to both encrypt and decrypt, meaning it’s an efficient and straightforward method of encryption.

The United States government selected AES as its official standard for encryption. That’s a serious endorsement of its level of security! One reason why AES has gained its reputation for robustness is its support of key lengths of 128, 192, and 256 bits. The longer the key, the more possible combinations there are, and therefore the more secure the encryption. In 256-bit encrypted system, the number of possible combinations for the key is so colossal that brute-force hacking attempts are impossible.

How AES encryption powers ATRIUM access control

ATRIUM utilises AES encryption to ensure that communication between system devices is robustly secure. From the credential to the reader, reader to controller, and controller to server, every step is protected by either 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption. This end-to-end encryption means all system data is safe from interception or hacking. As a result, end users benefit from peace of mind and confidence in their solution.

Moreover, encryption in ATRIUM renders card cloning impossible. All the well-documented risks of RFID cards and tags are eliminated. And with that, the risks of unauthorised access from cloned or intercepted credentials are also eliminated. Cloning is a big worry for businesses and individual users alike [3]. Erasing that risk entirely is big weight off their minds.

Benefits for businesses and users

AES encryption future-proofs physical security system. With today’s technology, it would take millions, if not billions of years to crack it with brute-force methods [4]. By choosing ATRIUM and end-to-end AES encryption, you’re ensuring that your system will remain securely protected for many years to come. And what that brings to business owners, security officers, and end users alike is peace of mind. For end users, the knowledge of a strongly fortified system enhances the trust they place in it. Consequently, they are more likely to use and champion the system, as well as adhering to the procedures associated with it.

In addition, with the risks of unauthorised access and hacking significantly reduced, there are big wins for operational efficiency. It takes 64 days on average to contain a data breach. Anything a business can do to avoid the disruption and costs associated with that is worth its weight in gold.

ATRIUM and AES encryption: security for years to come

The end-to-end AES encryption in ATRIUM access control delivers seriously robust data security with no extra effort. It’s all pre-programmed from our manufacturing plant and works straight out of the box. The risks of a serious data breach in access control are small. But the consequences in that event can be extremely serious.

?? Book a demo today and find out how to keep your access control data safe with ATRIUM.