Knowledge Hub
Browse all glossary terms grouped by topic.
Access Control
10 terms-
Anti-Passback
A security feature that prevents a credential from being used twice to enter an area without an intervening exit.
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Biometric Authentication
A security process that relies on the unique biological characteristics of an individual to verify identity.
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Credential
An object or data point used to verify the identity of a person seeking access to a protected area.
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Door Controller
The hardware 'brain' that makes the decision to grant or deny access based on data from the reader.
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Electromagnetic Lock (Maglock)
A locking device that consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate, held together by magnetic force.
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Fail-Safe vs Fail-Secure
Terms describing how a lock behaves during a power failure: Fail-Safe unlocks; Fail-Secure stays locked.
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Multi-Factor Authentication
A security system that requires more than one method of authentication from independent categories of credentials.
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Proximity Card
A contactless smart card used for access control that is read without being inserted into a reader device.
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Request to Exit
A device that signals the access control system to unlock a door for someone exiting a secure area.
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Wiegand Protocol
The industry-standard communication protocol used between a card reader and an access control panel.
