BridgePoint Systems - Smart Card Readers

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BridgePoint smart card readers support a range of authentication mechanisms suitable for all levels of security and locations, including outdoor. The diagram below shows the Authentication Mechanisms that must be utilized to achieve a desired Confidence Level based on Federal Publication NIST SP800-116, A Recommendation for the Use of PIV Credentials in Physical Access Control Systems (PACS).

Readers are the key component in a smart access system. They must interoperate with numerous different smart cards fielded by the government and do it with speed and precision. Selecting the appropriate reader is a critical aspect of PACS design and upgrade. The following factors should be kept in mind when making a reader selection:

The reader should support a confidence level that is at least one level of security higher than the current requirement. This will provide the ability to migrate one level higher should the threat level increase or the facility require a higher security level.
Consideration should be given to acquiring Dual-Interface readers in favor of contact only or contactless only. Dual-Interface readers provide redundancy in the case of a card that has damage to either the contact pads or the contactless antenna.
Readers should be easy to flash-reprogram without removing them from the wall. Smart card vendors, operating systems and data elements can change, requiring a need to quickly upgrade readers.

Before making a reader selection, the required level of Authentication should be determined based on the assets being protected and the resulting impact if they were compromised. A BridgePoint White Paper entitled Securing Federal Facilities Utilizing the Federal Government Issued CAC and PIV Credentials maps Risk Categories and Impact Levels to Authentication Levels and helps navigate to the best solution.

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