Adding IT applications to the existing physical security badges paves the way

Using contactless technology on the desktop to lock down computers is starting to find more proponents as companies begin to ratchet up their portfolios to include more logical access devices that make it easier, and potentially less expensive, to migrate to the systems.

Logical access can involve either contact or contactless ID cards as well as key fobs but it goes beyond simple passwords. The majority of logical access smart card systems up until now have involved contact cards. But as contactless smart cards become more prevalent for physical access, vendors have introduced products so the same card can be used for logical access.

It all comes down to using the same badge to get in the front door and to logon to a computer. This has been problematic in the past because of cost and technology issues, says Dan DeBlasio, director of business development of identity and access management at HID Global. “Many organizations have not yet moved beyond password-only security because traditional alternative log-in solutions have been too involved or too costly,” he says.