What Are "Anti-Passback Systems?"
In its simplest form, “anti-passback” is a feature that can be used to prevent users from passing cardholder credentials to an unauthorized person for improper access and misuse of a given access control system. In their most common application, anti-passback access control systems are designed to detect and prevent an individual from gaining access to your facility through dedicated exits. Basically, these dedicated lanes are programmed to let people leave but not enter a facility, specifically in places where security is paramount – like your local airport. In fact, airports are one of the foremost instances of anti-passback technologies. As they use them to enforce the flow of passengers exiting from the departures/arrivals area to the baggage claim or terminal exits.
How do Anti-Passback Systems Work?
Anti-passback access control systems use motion and presence sensors to detect persons loitering in areas that should be vacated. When activated, sensors transmit signals to the Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) which employs pre-programmed ladder logic to respond to the event. Upon detection, the PLC then locks the door into the facility and simultaneously signals security personnel of the attempted breach. Anti-passback systems can also activate annunciators that can give directions to leave the area and go through the approved entrance area to enter the facility.
These anti-passback entrances allow for detection and prevention, which are critical functionalities for any access control system. The Department of Homeland Security requires these functionalities to be approved as an Anti-terrorism Technology (ATT). Anti-passback detection and prevention are just two of the security features that are included in Isotec’s patented Safety Entrances®.
Types of Anti-Passback Systems
Hard Anti-Passback
When the anti passback rule is violated, the cardholder will be denied access.
Soft Anti-Passback
A cardholder can still access the entrance even if they violate an anti-passback rule, but administrators of the system will receive an alert and the associated cardholder.
Area Anti-Passback
Until a card is used at an ‘in’ reader at the entrance to the building, the card will not work at any readers inside the building.
Timed Anti-Passback
Once a card has been used to enter an area, it cannot be used at the same reader again for a specific period of time.
Custom Built Anti-Passback Access Control Systems
Since facility anti-passback system requirements and dimensions vary from site-to-site, Isotec’s Safety Entrances® and integrated technologies are site-specific in design and configured to meet a facility’s required scenario of operations. This includes various market verticals such as airports, courthouses, police stations, military installations, and commercial facilities.
Our site-specific designs, engineering, and scenarios of operation ensure that we deploy risk-appropriate safety and security for your facility. Additionally, our custom security entrances use complex mantrap, Exit Lane Breach Control (ELBC), and anti-passback control system technology to prevent people from entering facilities through unsecured points of egress.
Examples of anti-passback systems
Anti-passback systems are commonly used in parking facilities, office entrances – specifically employee entrances, and and other high traffic buildings.
