Tag Archive for: Intercom

GateHawk Gen3 Video Intercom Replaces Key Fobs With Mobile Credentials

/in


GateHawk’s Gen3 video intercom includes on-smartphone access control, offering a built-in access reader that works with Bluetooth and NFC.

PHOENIX — Responding to the surging multi-dwelling market, GateHawk has introduced its Gen3 Video Intercom.

GateHawk says that its latest product addresses the increasingly important need for video intercom capabilities in multifamily apartments and single-family communities. The new Gen3 Video Intercom is designed to provide these residential environments with a modern, safe and convenient way enter and leave these communities.

“We built this product to solve the frustrations caused by other video intercoms and gate entry systems on the market,” states Jenna Dickensheets, business manager at GateHawk. “Properties are tired of dealing with stagnant features, confusing interfaces, and high replacement costs. We’re giving them a new alternative.”

GateHawk Gen3 Video Intercom Complements Smart Devices

The access control manufacturer points out that its latest product offers residents of multi-dwelling and single-family communities a host of features that complements the products they use everyday.

GateHawk emphasizes that its new video intercom incorporates smartphone access control, including a built-in access reader that works with Bluetooth and NFC. These wireless connectivity options allow residents to open a property gate using their smartphone instead of key fobs.

Some of the other features the new Gen3 Video Intercom provides includes a companion mobile app that offers guest management to allow residents to send temporary guest passes to family and friends, instead of giving them gate codes.

GateHawk explains that all guests need to do is show a QR code to the video intercom and the door or gate will unlock.

GateHawk offers property owners a choice of three Gen3 Video Intercom models:

  • 12-inch touchscreen with a large touchscreen interface
  • 10-inch screen with keypad that provides a screen with a physical keypad
  • 7-inch screen with keypad that is designed for high-risk locations

The West Coast company adds the three Gen3 Video Intercom models employ stainless-steel enclosures that are engineered to…

Source…

Building Entrance Security Can Be At Risk From The Locks On Intercom System Cabinets

/in


Many buildings, including apartment and condo complexes, are still relying upon the old 125 KHz RFID key fobs as part of their access control systems. As I wrote in an article in 2018, these are easily and quickly duplicated at kiosks in grocery and DIY stores which means there is no viable key control.

MORE FROM FORBESThe High-Tech Way To Get Copies Of Your Keys, But Is It Smarter?By Marc Weber Tobias

These low security fobs were in use at my condo complex so I convinced our Management to upgrade to the newer encrypted HID tags to prevent cloning or hacking. Entry to our facility is also controlled by a telephone intercom made by Keri Systems. This is typical technology for apartment buildings as part of most access control systems. When a visitor presses the call button, the tenant can “buzz them in” by triggering the electric strike on the front door. Keri is a significant supplier of intercoms.

Many of these systems, including ours, have a U.S. Postal Service lock that allows a mailman to control the door by activating an internal micro-switch within the panel. This “bypass lock” circumvents all of the building entry security. It is a fundamental issue that needs to be addressed nationwide because every facility can be affected. The combination of a post office lock, door override switch, and the ability to easily open many of these intercom cabinets provides an immediate security red flag. It creates the equivalent of a universal master key to every location that has an intercom system protected by a lock that may cost less than ten dollars.

In contrast, most commercial buildings utilize a KnoxBox or similar secure separate key vault to store keys or key fobs to open outside doors. They are protected by a higher-security Underwriters Laboratory-rated (UL 437) lock. These boxes are mounted into outside walls and can be extremely difficult to compromise. Unfortunately this is typically not the case with the intercom consoles because most manufacturers have chosen to supply inexpensive locks to secure their enclosures.

I analyzed the security of the cabinet lock, internal access to the…

Source…