HID access control cards: The ones you need to know about
By James Kelly on February 2nd, 2019
Smartcard Store sells tens of thousands of HID-made access control products every year. They are considered the gold standard of the industry thanks to a constantly evolving range of products that deliver optimum security.
With iCLASS, Prox and Indala being just a few of HID’s product offering, we’ve decided to put together a guide that’ll give you a rundown of the most popular choices outlining the key differences and what this means for your security.
If you’re considering upgrading your access control cards soon, or you’re a complete newbie to the sector, then this one’s for you.
But first... How do HID technology cards work?
Understanding the technical differences of access control cards is complicated at the best of times, so before we look at HID’s products, here’s a very quick reminder of how access control technology works.
HID cards contain a RFID (radio frequency identification) chip which is encoded with information. This information is transmitted via an internal transmitter when in the proximity of a card reader. If the encoded information is recognised by the access control system, the card reader will grant the card holder access. The cards transmit the radio waves on one of two bands: 125kHz (considered to be low-frequency) or 13.56MHz (considered to be high-frequency at around 100 times that of 125kHz).
While the principles of their operation are very similar, high-frequency 13.56MHz cards are considerably more secure than those that operate at 125kHz – something to keep in mind as we guide you through the products below.
1. HID iCLASS
HID’s iCLASS is the go-to access control card these days and several different variations are now available. They might look the same as the Prox cards that have been around for much longer, but as a technology offer a much more secure option thanks to their 13.56MHz frequency and multi-factor encryption. That means they are much less susceptible to interference and hacking than 125kHz cards.
The standard iCLASS card comprises of nine products itself, but the popular choice remains the standard PVC CR80 iCLASS smart card (product number HID2000).
All iCLASS cards can be ordered to include other, older technologies including Prox. This makes them ideal for those looking to upgrade, or introduce new technologies over time by carrying out a credential migration.
iCLASS SE is a newer generation, which can be considered a more powerful card. It’s capable of storing more data and also features a more advanced SIO (Secure Identity Object) which ups the level of encryption again. Like other iCLASS cards, you can order to feature other technology including MIFARE, Prox and magstripe.
iCLASS Seos is the latest generation of the family, which introduces the concept of dual-identity. Dual-identity capabilities mean that a single credential can be used for access control and IT systems. Because it is software-based, Seos can provide new forms of identity, including use on a mobile phone. This makes it the most advanced credential offering currently available from HID and is suited to use beyond simply physical access. It can be tailored for large-scale businesses, educational establishments, government facilities and more.
2. HID Proximity
Unlike iCLASS cards, Prox operates at 125kHz and is a much older technology. It’s not the most secure option because 125kHz cards send signals that are completely unencrypted.
However, despite HID describing it as an “entry-level” option for physical access control, it remains an extremely popular product. You could argue this is down to a lack of understanding about the higher risks of 125kHz cards compared to more modern 13.56MHz options, but it also relates to cost issues and business needs.
Prox cards will always be less expensive than iCLASS, and for many businesses and organisations that deem themselves as a ‘low-risk’, Prox cards meet their requirements despite the age of the technology. A range of eight HID proximity products are available, with the HID Proximity 1386 being a popular choice.
3. HID Indala
Indala is another 125kHz card considered to be a legacy product. However, just like its older Prox sibling, it remains a staple of the access control world and, while it will never offer the same high-frequency security as iCLASS can, it does provide a step up thanks to a credential technology known as ‘FlexSecur’.
This delivers an added level of security when Indala cards are processed by a reader thanks to site-specific encryption. But that’s not the only difference: Indala cards were created with heavy, rugged usage in mind. The Indala range can be considered the ‘Heavy Duty’ card of the HID range owing to the tougher materials they are made from. They allow the card to withstand harsh outdoor environments where other card options might become damaged.
4. So which HID security card is best?
If you don’t currently have an access control system in place, the best and most secure choice would undoubtedly be a newer iCLASS product. Operating at a higher frequency makes them much more secure than 125kHz Prox cards.
If you’re looking to upgrade your system, the various options for combining iCLASS with older technologies will mean you can upgrade your credential system over time by migrating at your own pace.
Upgrading to iCLASS would also help to future-proof your system too. That said, we still supply a range of Proximity and Indala products should you simply need a new batch of cards or aren’t considering upgrading at this time. If you’re unsure which you need or need expert guidance, give our friendly staff a call on the number below.
Prefer to Talk?
Our team have more than 25 years of industry knowledge and are happy to help. We're available Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm.