Credentials - Proximity Cards

Proximity Card Readers for Basic Access Needs

Although proximity cards are widely being used across organizations for access needs, a movement to more secure credentials is currently on the rise. Why? While both proximity cards and smart cards use RFID technology for access, proximity cards are not as secure as smart cards, hold lower memory and can be easily hacked for account takeover.

Credential Types used for Card Readers

Pyramid Proximity

Offers simple proximity-based access control solutions with reliable, low-frequency RFID technology.

HID Proximity

Basic access control cards using low-frequency RFID technology, offering cost-effective, simple security.

Printable PVC Cards

Customizable, durable cards used for printing access credentials, ID cards, and other personalized solutions.

Indala Proximity

HID’s advanced proximity card line with enhanced security features like card data encryption and mutual authentication, providing a more secure alternative to standard proximity cards.

HID Contactless

A suite of high-frequency (13.56 MHz) smart cards and readers offering secure, encrypted communication for access control and data transfer applications.

What Kind of Credential<br>Do I Have?

Proximity and Smart Cards are two common types of access control credentials, but they vary significantly in their underlying technology and security features.

Proximity Cards

Simple, physical cards that use basic RFID technology to send an ID number to a proximity card reader. They are primarily read-only, making them more vulnerable to cloning and less secure overall.

Smart Cards

Equipped with a microprocessor or chip, these cards offer advanced functionality such as encryption, secure logins, and multi-factor authentication, providing enhanced security for users.

To determine your card type, look for a visible chip or advanced features like PIN entry or encryption. If these are present, it's likely a smart card, while proximity cards are typically plain and limited to basic, short-range access. One type of proximity card, however, the HID access card, does have several common markings showcasing manufacturer, memory, size, and more.

Learn more

Smart Cards FAQs

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.

Make the Move to Secure Today

As threats to identity systems increase over time, outdated or unsecure credential management practices can unintentionally expose organizations to unauthorized access and costly consequences. Transitioning to secure, modern authentication solutions safeguards valuable information, builds trust, and strengthens overall organizational resilience. Make the move to more secure logical access today  with rf IDEAS.

Looking for more secure authentication?

Consult with one of our experts about migration paths today.