Mobile Credentials: The Future of K-12 Access Control Systems
Smartphone-based access control is secure, convenient, and easily scalable

In recent years, K-12 access control systems have become a vital component in comprehensive school security systems. Access control solutions eliminate security vulnerabilities that metal keys and locks create and allow school administrators to monitor activity around school entryways and exits. Traditional access control credentials include key cards, fobs, PINs, and even biometric facial or fingerprint scans.
But another type of access control is beginning to trickle down to the school level: mobile-based credentials that utilize digital keys stored in an individual’s smartphone. What’s driving the mobile movement? Increased encryption, easy scalability, and convenience, for starters. Keep reading to learn more about what a smartphone-based access system has to offer Waco, TX schools.
SEE ALSO: Access Control for Schools: The Importance of Visitor Management
A Built-In Extra Layer of Security
Smartphone-based credentials automatically enable multi-factor authentication for accessing school classrooms and buildings. Teachers and staff must have their smartphone, unlock the phone with a biometric scan or PIN, and hold or scan the phone over a door reader to access to a classroom, lounge or supply closet. Multiple layers of security reduce the risk of credentials being duplicated or hacked.
Additionally, mobile phones are valuable electronics that contain a vast amount of personal information. Teachers, administrators, and staff are much less likely to lend their smartphones to a colleague or carelessly lose track of it. Loaning out and misplacing physical keycards, fobs, and even PINs are common security vulnerabilities for traditional access systems. A smartphone-based solution tightens control over secure credentials.
Easy and Secure Scalability
With a mobile-based solution, access credentials can be issued quickly and seamlessly to temporary employees like substitute teachers. Subs can receive instructions for downloading the app that contains their profile and secure digital credentials instead of stopping by the front office to receive a physical keycard in the morning. Once a sub’s job is done, school administrators can disable the credential, and the teacher can remove the app from their mobile phone.
Convenience
Mobile-based credentials strike the right balance of security and convenience. While traditional access control credentials like keycards and fobs are a step up from metal keys, they’re also easy to forget at home or in a classroom, easy to lose and easy to steal. On the flip side, teachers and staff are guaranteed to have their smartphones in possession at all times and guard them more closely against theft.
ASAP Security Services has vast experience designing, installing, and integrating sophisticated security, surveillance, and access control solutions for K-12 schools across Texas. To learn more about school security systems, set up a consultation with our team by calling (877) 418-ASAP, filling out our contact form, or starting a live chat with us below. We look forward to working with you!