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The Keycard

Keycards use bar code technology and have become increasingly popular with hotels and office buildings as they allow for easy code changes rather than re-keying a complete lock when a key is lost or stolen.

While not actually a key, a keycard allows entry into a secure area with electronic access controls. It consists of a plastic, rectangular card that stores a digital signature. It may also double as an ID card. Several popular types of keycards include bar code, magnetic stripe, RFID proximity, and smart card. The latter contains an embedded read/write microchip. To gain access, the user presents the keycard to a card reader by inserting it or swiping it into a card reader. An RFID card only has to be brought in proximity to a sensor.

A keycard using bar code technology offers minimal security, as the bar code can easily be photocopied and the copy often passes the optical reader.

Magnetic stripe keycards offer more security, but it is becoming increasingly easier to copy them. One security advantage is that its information may be changed in the event it is compromised.

The use of keycards and other electronic authentication systems raise privacy concerns because they enable computer surveillance.

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