Is your access control system leaving access control security gaps that hackers or insiders can exploit? It’s a question worth seriously considering. A recent industry report found over 60% of organizations experienced a physical security breach last year. The ripple effects of weak access systems can cost a mid‑sized company an average of $450,000 per incident.
In this blog you’ll learn how to identify these gaps, understand their consequences, and implement fixes, so you can protect your people, data, and reputation.
What are “Access Control Security Gaps”?
Access control security gaps refer to weaknesses or oversights in your system that can allow unauthorized entry or misuse. Common culprits include:
- Outdated or unrevoked credentials
- Unmonitored access points or endpoints
- “Shadow users” accounts forgotten after employment ends
3 Types of Gaps at a Glance
- Forgotten credentials unused badge still active
- Untracked access points door controllers left online after rearrangements
- Unauthorized internal roles former staff retaining digital rights
These are small issues that can cause big problems if left unchecked.
Real-World Consequences of Overlooked Gaps
Last year, a retail business faced a breach because former contractor badges weren’t revoked. That led to unauthorized access to back-office systems and customer data. The result? A $3.5M loss in trust and damages. According to IBM, average breach costs are hitting $4.4M worldwide this year so far.
Physical access failures alone contribute to around 10% of breaches with costs often tied to identity management security failures.
A security expert recently noted:
“Physical access controls are often overlooked until it’s too late.”
Top 5 Hidden Vulnerabilities in Modern Access Control
1. Unrevoked Credentials
What it is: Old keycards remain active.
Impact: Unauthorized entry, audit failures.
Spot-check: When did you last audit active accounts?
2. Tailgating & Piggybacking
What it is: Someone follows an authorized user through a door.
Impact: Breach of restricted zones, compliance violations.
Spot-check: Do you have anti-tailgate measures in place?
3. Shadow Users or Dormant Accounts
What it is: Former employees or contractors still have access.
Impact: Insider threats, untracked access.
Spot-check: Are orphan accounts reviewed monthly?
4. Unsecured Endpoints or Controllers
What it is: Unmonitored access panels or networked controllers.
Impact: Remote hacking, unauthorized data access.
Spot-check: Are all endpoints included in your asset inventory?
5. Weak Identity Management & MFA Gaps
What it is: Single-factor authentication only.
Impact: Credential theft, phishing-related breaches.
Spot-check: Do you enforce multi-factor authentication for all access?
Audit Toolkit: How to Identify Your Security Gaps
You can use this checklist to audit your access control system:
- Revoke credentials immediately after off-boarding
- Conduct quarterly reviews of active user list
- Monitor tailgating attempts and install anti-passback controls
- Scan all endpoints for unauthorized devices
- Enable multi-factor authentication for administrators
Best Practices to Close Those Gaps
People
- Train staff to never prop doors or hold doors open
- Automate off-boarding, manual removal often fails
Process
- Schedule regular access reviews
- Use zero-trust principles, grant access only as needed
Technology
- Implement MFA and biometric controls
- Monitor access logs continuously and integrate alerts with SIEM tools
Tip: Automate identity revocation. It avoids human error and ensures timely deactivation.
Measuring Success: KPIs & Continuous Improvement
Track the following metrics to measure your system’s health:
- Time-to-revoke credential after account change
- Count of orphaned or dormant accounts
- Unauthorized access attempts logged
A monthly dashboard should highlight these KPIs. Host a quick “health check” review meeting to evaluate trends and identify improvements.
Preparing for the Next Generation of Access
Access control is evolving fast. Trends like AI-enhanced monitoring and biometric advances are reshaping identity and entry management. The HID 2024 trend report shows nearly 39% of organizations are adopting mobile credentials, and AI is playing an increasing role in access control analytics.To stay ahead, pilot one technological upgrade each quarter and follow standards.
You’ve now learned how to identify, assess, and remediate access control security gaps. If you’d like help auditing your facility or implementing proactive fixes, a trusted access control installation company can guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Common vulnerabilities include unrevoked credentials, shadow user accounts, unsecured endpoints, and weak multi-factor authentication, which collectively account for up to 78% of breaches involving physical access.
It’s recommended to conduct access control audits at least quarterly, including credential reviews, endpoint mapping, and policy assessments in line with standards.
Robust identity management, such as role-based and attribute-based access control, combined with automated off‑boarding and MFA reduces the risks of insider misuse and external breaches.