Top 5 Access Control Mistakes You May Not Know You're Making

Access control is only as strong as its weakest point. Are you overlooking any of these?

In today’s security-conscious world, access control systems are the first line of defense for protecting your facilities, people, and assets. But while many organizations invest in the right technology, they often fall short in how it's implemented or maintained. And the truth is, a small oversight can leave the door wide open—literally and figuratively.

Here are five common access control mistakes that even experienced teams may be making without realizing it.

1. USING GENERIC OR SHARED CREDENTIALS

If multiple employees use the same access code, fob, or login, there’s no way to track who entered where or when. Shared credentials create major accountability issues and make insider threats nearly impossible to trace.

Fix it: Assign unique credentials to every individual. Use systems that support personalized PINs, biometric access, or mobile credentials.

2. NO AUDIT TRAILS OR REGULAR REVIEWS

If you can’t track access activity, you can’t detect suspicious behavior—or prove compliance. Skipping regular audits also means you might not notice system failures or unusual access patterns.

Fix it: Ensure your system logs all entries and exits. Set a schedule to review logs, especially in high-security or sensitive areas.

3. POOR VISITOR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

Allowing guests to enter without proper check-in or tracking can lead to unauthorized access. A paper sign-in sheet just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Fix it: Use a digital visitor management system that captures IDs, prints badges, and logs visit times. Ensure visitors are always escorted in secure areas.

4. OUTDATED OR INACTIVE CREDENTIALS STILL ACTIVE

Former employees, contractors, or vendors may still have active access if their credentials aren't deactivated promptly. This is a common and dangerous oversight.

Fix it: Implement a credential lifecycle policy. Deactivate access immediately upon role changes or terminations. Run regular audits to spot inactive or unused credentials.

5. ONE-SIZE-FITS-ALL ACCESS PERMISSIONS

Not all areas should be accessible to everyone. Giving broad access to all employees increases risk—especially in areas like server rooms, labs, or executive offices.

Fix it: Set access levels based on roles and responsibilities. Segment your facility into zones and apply area-specific restrictions.

DON'T LET SIMPLE MISTAKES COMPROMISE YOUR SECURITY

Even the best technology won’t save you from poor execution. Addressing these common mistakes can drastically improve the effectiveness of your access control system.

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