Choosing an Access Control Company: What Most Organizations Get Wrong (And What to Look for Instead)

A credential cloning device costing less than $30 can duplicate a standard proximity card in just 15 seconds, and major retailers now have self-service kiosks where anyone can clone access cards as easily as cutting a key. Yet countless facilities across New York City—from commercial buildings to healthcare facilities to corporate offices—continue to rely on vulnerable 125kHz proximity cards and key fob systems installed by access control companies in NYC that never evaluated whether this technology was appropriate for their actual security risk.

This is not simply a technology gap. It is a failure of approach.

While many access control providers focus on getting hardware installed and operational, they often skip the most critical step: determining whether the system meaningfully protects a facility from unauthorized physical access.

The Real Problem with Most Access Control Companies

The access control industry is crowded with companies that can mount readers and run cable, but lack the security engineering expertise required to protect modern facilities. These installers may be technically capable, yet they often fail to address the fundamentals that define real physical security:

• Physical security threat assessment – Who are you protecting against, and what capabilities do those threats have?

• Vulnerability analysis – Where are the weakest access points in your building?

• Credential technology comparison – Which credential types withstand real-world attack methods?

• System integration requirements – How should access control interact with video surveillance and intrusion detection?

• Compliance considerations – What do NYC building codes, HIPAA, or industry regulations require?

The consequences of this installer-only mindset are significant. Unauthorized access can lead to theft, vandalism, workplace violence, or corporate espionage. Insider threats—such as former employees with cloned credentials—remain one of the most overlooked vulnerabilities in access control planning.

Organizations are then left exposed to liability, regulatory violations, and insurance challenges when security controls prove inadequate.

At Connextivity, we take a different approach. Our team includes Certified Protection Professionals (CPP) and Certified Security Project Managers (CSPM)—credentials that reflect security engineering expertise, not just installation capability.

Common Access Control Applications Across NYC Businesses

Whether you're securing a multi-tenant commercial building, protecting an office suite, or managing a corporate campus, the fundamental security principles remain the same. Access control for business takes many forms across New York:

Commercial door entry systems range from simple key fob door access at building entrances to sophisticated multi-factor authentication for executive suites. Office door entry systems often include card readers, keypads, or mobile credential readers integrated with video surveillance for visitor verification.

Key fob systems for business remain popular due to their familiarity, though as we've discussed, not all key fob entry systems for buildings offer adequate security. Traditional building key fob solutions using 125kHz technology should be considered legacy systems requiring upgrade.

Keyless entry systems for buildings represent the future—eliminating physical keys and vulnerable key fobs in favor of encrypted smart cards or mobile credentials. These commercial keyless entry systems offer superior security, instant provisioning and revocation, and detailed audit trails of who accessed what and when.

Many controlled entry systems also incorporate specialized hardware for specific applications. High-security facilities may require turnstile entry systems, while residential buildings often need commercial doorbell buzzer systems for visitor management. Each application requires thoughtful security engineering, not just product installation.

The Hidden Vulnerability in Your Access Control System

The 125kHz Proximity Card Crisis

Those white access cards clipped to lanyards throughout your building may look harmless. They are not.

Contactless RFID credentials became standard in the 1980s, relying largely on security through obscurity. The assumption was simple: if specialized equipment was required to read a card, the card must be secure.

That assumption no longer holds.

The data on 125kHz proximity cards is not encrypted. Card cloning devices can easily extract site codes and card numbers and transfer them to blank cards. These devices are inexpensive and widely available.

Tools like Flipper Zero, retailing under $200, can clone proximity credentials with ease. Even more concerning, retail kiosks such as KeyMe openly advertise duplication of “RFID keys, fobs and access cards.”

This enables “bump-and-clone” attacks where credentials are copied without theft—sometimes while passing someone in a hallway. Once cloned, access persists until the system is fully upgraded.

After more than 30 years of use, proximity card compromise is no longer hypothetical. What was once obscurity has become exposure.

Even "Secure" Systems Have Vulnerabilities

Upgrading to newer smart cards does not automatically eliminate risk.

High-frequency credentials can be compromised through downgrade attacks when readers are left configured to accept legacy proximity protocols. Organizations often do this for convenience or compatibility, unintentionally reintroducing the weakest link.

Attackers exploit this gap by encoding high-security credential data onto legacy cards that the reader still accepts.

It is the access control equivalent of installing a reinforced door while leaving a side window open.

Even advanced systems have demonstrated vulnerabilities. A recent issue involving HID’s iCLASS SE CP1000 Encoder received a CVSS 7.2/10.0 rating from the National Vulnerability Database.

Installers miss these risks because their objective is functionality—not threat resistance.

Understanding Credential Technology Options

Not all access credentials are created equal. Here's what you need to know about the security spectrum:

Lowest Security: 125kHz Proximity Cards and Key Fobs

These cards and key fobs operate at 125kHz frequency with no encryption. While fob systems for doors remain popular across NYC buildings due to their low cost and ease of use, they represent the most vulnerable option. Whether it's a key fob building entry system for your commercial property or simple key fob door access for office suites, 125kHz technology can be compromised in seconds.

This applies equally to cards and fobs—the form factor doesn't matter when the underlying technology is insecure. Many organizations refer to these generically as their "building keyless entry system," but truly keyless systems should use mobile credentials, not easily-cloned fobs.

Medium Security: 13.56MHz Smart Cards

These operate at a higher frequency with basic encryption. Examples include HID iClass and MIFARE Classic. They're more secure than standard Prox cards but still have known vulnerabilities, particularly if not properly configured.

Best for: General office environments with moderate security needs where the threat level doesn't include sophisticated actors.

High Security: Advanced Encrypted Smart Cards

This is where serious security begins.

MIFARE DESFire EV3: This technology has the highest standard of card security currently available with advanced encryption. The encryption makes unauthorized duplication exceptionally difficult.

HID SEOS: Uses advanced encryption technology making duplication virtually impossible through mainstream cloning devices. Built on a software-based infrastructure, it can secure trusted identities across multiple form factors.

These solutions cost more, but that cost is an investment in actual security, not just access control.

Necessary for: Healthcare facilities, data centers, financial institutions, research labs, government facilities, or any environment where unauthorized physical access could have serious consequences.

Highest Security: Multi-Factor Authentication

For your most sensitive areas, a single credential—no matter how sophisticated—shouldn't be enough.

Two-factor authentication follows the "Something You Have AND Something You Know" verification path, making spoofing or cloning a card only half the effort needed to gain access. Even if someone successfully clones a credential, they still can't get through without the second factor.

Common combinations include:

• Card + PIN code

• Card + biometric (fingerprint or facial recognition)

• Mobile credential + biometric

• Card + video verification

Essential for: High-security areas, executive suites, evidence rooms, pharmaceutical storage, server rooms, research and development spaces.

Emerging Technology: Mobile Credentials

The newest evolution in access control leverages the security features already built into smartphones.

80% of American universities are already adopting or planning to implement mobile credentials, and the trend is rapidly expanding across all sectors. Mobile credentials offer several security advantages: smartphones require biometric authentication (FaceID or fingerprint) to unlock, credentials can be instantly provisioned or revoked remotely, and the encryption built into modern smartphones exceeds that of most physical cards.

The "Something You Have" becomes your phone—something people are far less likely to lose or leave unattended compared to an access card.

What to Look for When Choosing an Access Control Company

When evaluating access control installation in NYC, ask potential contractors about their security engineering background. A qualified access control installer in NYC should hold security-specific certifications, not just electrical licensing. Now that you understand the vulnerabilities, here's how to choose a company that will actually secure your facility:

#1: Security Assessment Before Installation

This is non-negotiable. A legitimate security engineering company should conduct a thorough security assessment before recommending any hardware. They should ask probing questions:

• What are you protecting, and from whom?

• What's the consequence of unauthorized access to different areas?

• What are your most valuable assets, and where are they located?

• What are your insider threat concerns?

• What compliance requirements do you face?

• How do employees, visitors, and contractors currently access the building?

Only after understanding your threat landscape can they recommend appropriate credential technology and system architecture.

At Connextivity, we begin every project with a comprehensive security assessment. We don't start with a product catalog—we start with understanding your security needs.

#2: Industry Certifications & Licensing That Matter

Look beyond basic electrical licensing. Seek companies with security-specific credentials:

Certified Protection Professional (CPP): This is the "gold standard" security certification, demonstrating expertise in security assessments, threat analysis, risk management, and security program design. CPPs understand security as a discipline, not just a product installation.

Certified Security Project Manager (CSPM): This specialized certification proves capability in managing complex security projects from assessment through design, installation, and commissioning.

Manufacturer Certifications: Look for deep product knowledge certifications like Axis Certified Professional, which demonstrate technical expertise with specific security technologies.

NYS Department of State Licensing: In New York, this licensing is required for security and fire alarm installation—it's not optional.

These certifications represent security engineering knowledge that goes far beyond installation skills. Anyone can mount a card reader; understanding which reader, which credential technology, and why requires genuine security expertise.

Our team at Connextivity holds CPP and CSPM certifications alongside our New York State licensing and Axis professional certifications. This combination of security knowledge and technical capability is what sets security engineering firms apart from basic installers.

#3: Engineering Mindset, Not Just Installation Capability

The company you choose should demonstrate sophisticated understanding of:

• Credential technology trade-offs across the security spectrum from Prox to iClass to SEOS to DESFire to mobile

• Multi-factor authentication strategies for different security zones within your facility

• System integration with video surveillance (for visual verification), intrusion detection, visitor management, and building management systems

• Physical security design including proper reader placement to prevent tailgating

• Network security architecture for access control systems (yes, physical security systems have cybersecurity implications)

• Migration paths for evolving from legacy systems to modern solutions without complete replacement

A security engineering firm should ask you detailed questions about your operations, not just show you equipment catalogs. They should be able to explain the pros and cons of different approaches specific to your threat environment.

#4: End-to-End Capability

Look for companies that can handle the complete project lifecycle:

• Initial security assessment and risk analysis

• System design and security engineering

• Equipment specification and procurement

• Professional installation by licensed technicians

• System commissioning and rigorous testing

• User training and comprehensive documentation

• Ongoing support and periodic security audits

• Future upgrades and system evolution

This end-to-end capability ensures accountability. When one company handles assessment, design, installation, and commissioning, there's no finger-pointing if something doesn't work correctly. At Connextivity, we own the entire process from initial assessment through long-term support.

#5: Technology-Agnostic Recommendations

Be wary of companies that only offer one manufacturer's products or push the same solution for every client. The best security engineers select the right tool for the job, not the job for their preferred tool.

They should be able to explain why they're recommending specific technologies for your particular security needs, complete with trade-offs and alternatives.

Red Flags to Watch For

Run away from companies that:

• Push specific products without conducting a security assessment

• Can't explain why they're recommending particular credential technology

• Don't ask detailed questions about your security objectives and threat landscape

• Provide quotes that skip assessment or design phases—just equipment lists and labor

• Dismiss legacy system vulnerabilities with "Nobody's going to clone your cards"

• Make promises that sound too good to be true on pricing (quality security engineering requires expertise, and expertise costs money)

The Future of Physical Access Control

Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and your choice of access control partner today will impact your facility's security for the next 5-10 years. Here's where the industry is heading:

Mobile Credentials Are Rapidly Expanding: Smartphones are replacing physical cards entirely across all sectors. The security advantages are compelling—biometric unlock, instant provisioning and revocation, elimination of lost cards, and enhanced convenience for users.

Cloud-Based Management Becoming Standard: 92% of businesses already operate systems via the cloud. Cloud-based access control allows centralized management of multiple properties, real-time monitoring, faster incident response, and easier software updates without disrupting operations.

AI and Machine Learning Integration: Artificial intelligence is beginning to enhance physical security by detecting anomalous access patterns, integrating with video analytics to identify tailgating, providing predictive maintenance alerts, and enabling automated threat responses like area lockdowns.

Multi-Factor Authentication Becoming Essential: MFA is becoming standard as physical security threats become more sophisticated. Layered security combining credentials with PINs, biometrics, or mobile authentication is increasingly the norm for sensitive facilities.

Biometric Integration Expanding: Biometric technologies such as fingerprint, facial recognition, and iris scans are being integrated to confirm user identity. Privacy concerns are diminishing as the technology becomes commonplace in smartphones and improves in accuracy.

The right access control partner can help you navigate this evolution strategically. Poor initial implementation makes future upgrades costly and complicated, while thoughtful security engineering today creates a foundation that can evolve with emerging threats and technologies.

As Axis Certified Professionals with ongoing manufacturer training, Connextivity stays current with emerging technologies. We design systems that can evolve with your needs without requiring complete replacement.

The Cost of Choosing the Wrong Partner

Choosing an installer instead of a security engineering firm leads to false confidence, reactive upgrades, liability exposure, and unnecessary disruption.

Many organizations now spend multiples of what proper security would have cost initially—simply to correct early decisions made without assessment.

Is Your Current Access Control Adequate?

Ask yourself:

• Was a security assessment conducted before installation?

• Are legacy protocols fully disabled?

• Could a former employee access your building today?

• Is your system designed to evolve as threats change?

Uncertainty here is risk.

The Connextivity Difference

At Connextivity, we approach every project as security engineers first. Whether you need a complete commercial door entry system, an office door entry system upgrade, or are transitioning from vulnerable key fob security systems to modern keyless card entry systems, our team provides comprehensive security solutions.

We serve organizations throughout New York City with access control systems designed for your specific security needs—from basic door security systems for offices to sophisticated multi-site deployments with advanced authentication.

Our team of Certified Protection Professionals (CPP) and Certified Security Project Managers (CSPM) leads comprehensive security assessments before we ever recommend a single piece of hardware. As New York State licensed installers and Axis Certified Professionals, we combine deep security expertise with technical installation excellence.

Our end-to-end approach includes:

• Thorough security assessments and vulnerability analysis

• Security engineering and system design

• Professional installation by licensed, certified technicians

• Complete system commissioning and testing

• Comprehensive user training and documentation

• Ongoing support and periodic security audits

• Strategic planning for system evolution

We don't just install access control systems—we engineer physical security solutions that actually protect your facility from unauthorized access. For a comprehensive overview of access control technologies and solutions available in NYC, explore our complete access control solutions guide.

If you’re unsure whether your current access control system was engineered for real-world threats—or simply installed to function—it’s worth taking a closer look.

A focused security assessment can clarify where your facility is protected, where exposure exists, and what improvements actually matter.

If you want an objective, engineering-led review of your access control posture, let’s have a thoughtful conversation about your environment and risk profile.

Clarity now is far less costly than remediation later.