The rise of QR code mobile access has led to a growing number of cases of unauthorized access, causing the risk of overcrowding, safety and compliance concerns. Furthermore, the financial implications of lost revenue through ticket fraud, theft and sharing. A smarter, more secure approach to QR code mobile access must be possible.
Reversing how QR code mobile access is done by transforming smartphones into QR code access readers, is the intelligent way to enhance the security, safety and revenue concerns that QR codes cause for digital ticketing and visitor pass credentialing. Companies like Sentry Interactive are turning the user’s smartphone into a QR code reader (while also using the mobile as an NFC reader for the majority of customers whose smartphones have NFC compatibility). With Sentry’s mobile credentialing software integration for access control manufacturers it adopts the highest banking-level QR code access security measures while eliminating the need for expensive QR code reader hardware upgrades. This innovation enhances security, reduces costs, simplifies deployment, and provides the option of remote time-restricted QR code visitor pass credentialing.
Security Vulnerabilities of Traditional QR Code Door Entry
QR code access is widely used across various industries today including commercial real estate (CRE) and coworking, hospitality, gyms and events for entry to concerts, sports stadiums, conferences, corporate gatherings, trade shows, and more. However, traditional QR code access poses security risks. Users can easily share their static QR code pass, leading to unauthorized access and potential overcrowding at event venues or stadiums. In fact, a static QR code is even less secure than dated 125 kHz high frequency proximity cards, as a prox keycard requires a Flipper Zero to clone cards but a QR code can simply just be screenshotted and sent as a photo for anybody to use.
These vulnerabilities underscore the need for a more secure approach to QR code-based access control:
- QR code sharing: Attendees can screenshot and send QR codes to others, enabling unauthorized access.
- Lack of authentication: Traditional QR code entry lacks robust authentication, making it susceptible to misuse.
- Overcrowding safety risks: Unauthorized access can lead to venues exceeding their safe capacity, creating security risks associated with overcrowding.
- Static QR codes: If QR codes are not dynamically generated and verified in real time, they can be easily copied and reused.
A smarter and more secure QR code mobile access solution
What if QR code entry could be made more secure? Instead of relying on costly QR code reader hardware that eventually becomes outdated, the user’s smartphone could function as the QR code reader/scanner, similar to scanning a menu in a restaurant or verifying the authenticity of a product in a store, however now can be used for unlocking doors.
By reversing the process and using the smartphone as the credential and reader, security is significantly enhanced. This approach integrates multi-layer authentication, leveraging biometric security features such as fingerprint or facial recognition available on modern smartphones. Additionally, each visitor or attendee is uniquely verified through banking-level secure cloud authentication of the unique user ID and the unique door ID to approve access rights to the specific door, turnstile, or barrier at the approved time.
Sentry Interactive, with their mobile credentialing software for readerless access can offer physical access control system manufacturers, NFC and QR code mobile access for their customers, that avoids reader hardware upgrades. Customers simply have to mount a Smart Access Tile that is batteryless, wireless, and equipped with a passive NFC tag and a QR code laser etched on the face of the tile to provide two options for door entry.
Sentry Interactive provides QR code door unlocking where the mobile device is the reader. Primarily used for digital visitor passes or if a member or employee doesn’t have an NFC compatible smartphone. For visitors, it provides a solution if they are making a one off visit to a building or event and they don’t want to download an application, they can simply access the QR code scanner via a link in their invitation email.
Key features
- Smart Access Tile – A batteryless, wireless tile with a passive NFC tag and a laser etched QR code that is linked to the door, offering two secure banking grade encrypted entry options.
- iOS or Android mobile device as the reader and credential – Users scan the QR code or tap with NFC using their smartphone, eliminating the risk of QR code sharing.
- Cloud-based authentication – Ensures real-time secure validation, preventing unauthorized access.
- Simplified and automated visitor credentialing – Guests who do not wish to download an app can use a one-time access link from their invitation email to scan the QR code and gain entry.
Conclusion
There is no doubt that digital ticketing with QR code scanning has made entry faster and more eco-friendly by eliminating paper tickets, however traditional QR code entry methods that use static QR codes still pose security risks. By transforming smartphones into the reader and credential rather than relying on static QR codes being read by a scanner as the credentialing method, organizations can eliminate risks associated with unauthorized access and QR code sharing.
Sentry Interactive’s innovative approach enhances security while maintaining a seamless user experience, offering access control manufacturers and venue operators a future-proof solution. As technology evolves, mobile-based authentication using the mobile as a reader/scanner will continue to set new standards in secure, cost effective and efficient door entry management.
Get in touch today to integrate Sentry Interactive’s mobile credentialing software solution for readerless NFC and QR code door access within your platform to provide to your new or existing customers.
