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Breakdown of the Most Common ID Card Security Features

 

ID card security features

There are many different security features that organizations consider when issuing an ID card to their employees. Depending on the application, some ID card security features can be implemented at the user level while others are manufactured in advance and embedded into the surface of the ID cards or applied on top. In many cases when thinking about security, larger organizations are looking for ways to improve automation with more reliable authentication of who is getting access to their facilities.

Automation allows IT to create workflows that bring greater efficiency through contactless solutions. With a frictionless environment, this saves time and improves security with enterprise identification management systems. Whether from barcodes or RFID technologies, automation reduces human errors from data entry and increases productivity for employees while unauthorized visitors are forced to go through additional screening processes.

Implementing an ID badge policy is important for any organization that manages an onsite workforce. Improved visibility and awareness of who’s on your team this allows security personnel to do their job and focus on protection.

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Barcodes

One of the most widely used forms of encoded ID cards is easy to create, as the information in a barcode can be encoded onto an ID card during the regular ID card printing process. In addition to linear barcodes, two-dimensional barcodes, especially QR codes have become very popular for security and automation. In most cases, barcodes are known to provide minimal security unless it is matched with a second form of authentication to ensure the user is authorized for access.

Photo/Picture

If your cards don’t already include the user’s photo, consider adding them. Photographs are one of the most basic security features that you can add to your ID card because they offer an easy way to quickly confirm a person’s identity. While photos help reduce the possibility of fraud, they are not foolproof. However, when combined with a database where the photo is verified as a match for the cardholder this can take security to the next level with a simple barcode, QR code, or RFID with HID prox iclass or Mifare technologies. A simple swipe or tap of these technologies can instantly bring up the user record with matching photos on file to compare with the person in front of you or the ID that has been presented for access. With more and more applications relying on 2FA and MFA, knowing what the person looks like can be an important step for verifying the authorized card holder.

Magnetic Stripe

Magstripe cards are PVC ID Badges containing a band of magnetic material embedded in the resin on the back of the card. Magnetic stripe ID cards store updatable information on a magstripe, which is read when the card is swiped through a magnetic stripe card reader. Most magstripe badges these days use high coercivity (Hico) but there are a number of applications that rely on low coercivity (lo-co) cards. Few applications rely on mag stripes these days because they are easy to copy which makes them a popular target for fraud.

Proximity/RFID/Smart Card

Radiofrequency transmit/receive electronics (integrated circuit technology) to transfer data. This data transmits securely from a distance, usually just 1-2 inches away for standard read range, but it is considered contactless technology. When considering id card security features, keep in mind that proximity cards are unique in that they do not have to be swiped through a physical reader like mag stripes, so they are a convenient solution for secure door access control, as well as for use with time and attendance applications. When in use, a card reader sends out a field that activates the antenna coil which lies within a proximity card and charges the capacitor. Card information is then transmitted via this antenna coil to the card reader and if the information is found to be accurate access is granted, be it door entry or a monetary purchase. This process is used with low-frequency 125Khz technology like HID prox or Mifare, in addition to more secure high frequency 13.56Mhz technology which relies on smart chips for encrypted data on HID iclass Seos and Mifare DesFire EV2 cards. Not all of these credentials are recommended ID badges for secure access control so be sure you are using technology that meets compliance for your industry.

Fluorescent Overlay

This allows you to apply highly secure, durable protection to identification cards for low-volume applications. In this process, the cards run through a single printing cycle without the added cost associated with a lamination module. Some key security features include reduced risk of counterfeiting, increased durability of printed info, unparalleled flexibility to change the image on a per card basis, and improved efficiency when issuing a variety of card types. This visual component is not visible to the untrained eye unless the badge is held under a UV blacklight and can be a good entry-level security feature

Hologram

Commonly used for visual security and authentication on a variety of official identification cards that provide value for the cardholder. Holograms can be embedded into the surface of a card or applied on top of a printed ID badge. Holograms are formed by rainbow transmissions on surface relief patterns in plastic film, incorporating a reflective aluminum coating that provides light to reconstruct a holographic image. Holograms are virtually impossible to copy because of their unique visual effects. They cannot be replicated by computer scanning/alteration or with color copiers or standard printing equipment, making them a highly secure defense against the threat of fraud or theft by counterfeiters. Custom holograms, as a surface overlay or embedded into the card, are considered to be the most secure for any application that expects this feature to improve actual security.

Microtext

Considered one of the most difficult features to reproduce, micro text printing is commonly used in passports and currencies. When used for ID badges, micro text appears on high-security cards and can appear on both the front and back. Upon initial inspection, micro text appears as a thin line on an ID badge, but when inspected using a microscope or magnifying glass, the lines are actually repeating text. Some applications simply print: authentic, genuine, or valid in a string, but this can also be a customized message for your organization. Unlike most add-on security features, micro text printing requires industrial equipment to produce, which limits this option to pre-printed cards or high-end equipment with this capability for onsite issuance.

Laser Engraving

Laser engraving is a highly secure method of monochrome card personalization that etches features into the card body itself. Most people are familiar with this security feature from a driver’s license, green card, or financial card. This provides tamper-proof and highly durable personalization, making forgery and manipulation virtually impossible. Attempts to alter engraved information will result in visually evident card damage. Laser engraving is highly sought after for high-volume applications as the cost per print is fairly low even though the upfront cost for equipment is significantly higher compared to traditional full-color ID badge printing.

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