How To Prevent Key Card Duplication

Feb 3, 2014

Don’t Let the Security of Your Key Cards Become Compromised

Plastic key cards have revolutionized many industries.

The security, convenience, and affordability of digital locking systems that use plastic key cards has replaced locking systems in countless establishments. The technology required for these systems is relatively simple: magnetic strips, similar to those used on credit cards and plastic gift cards, contain a simple code that unlocks a specific door.

This simple, powerful technology is of interest to more than just business owners and their patrons, however. People with malicious intent are devising ways to duplicate key cards in order to manipulate digital locking systems, and to gain access to locked areas.

Preventing Key Card Duplication

• Encrypted magnetic strips. Preventing key card duplication can be as simple as encrypting the data that is stored on the magnetic strip of the card. While this does cost more to incorporate, it can save you money in the long run and give you the peace of mind that security brings. Magnetic strip encryption is a simple, easy process that makes your key cards safer and harder to duplicate.
• Protective sleeves for Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) cards. RFID cards are extremely useful, convenient, and popular plastic key cards. From unlocking doors and granting access to limited access areas, RFID cards provide a wide spectrum of services for their users. They are also vulnerable to duplication if not properly protected. A simple, cost-effective method for protecting your RFID key card is to sheath it in a protective sleeve. The sleeve is a lightweight, simple piece of material that blocks scanners from retrieving information stored on the key card.

Additional Information

As key cards continue to rise in popularity, more advanced security options will develop.

While no one wants their key card unintentionally duplicated for malicious reasons, it is helpful to know that key cards do not contain information that compromise the security of your identity. Identity theft requires sensitive personal information about victims. Hotel key cards do not contain credit card numbers, names, social security numbers, or (in many cases) room numbers. They simply store a minimal amount of information that engages a digital locking device.

Additionally, if a key card is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised, the unique code it carries can easily and immediately be changed.