How to Prevent Cannabis Theft Using Two-Factor Authentication

When it comes to building security, letting the right people in is equally as important as keeping the wrong people out. Access control systems are often employed by cannabis businesses to easily separate those who have are authorized from those who are not and often employ two-factor authentication.

In its simplest form, an access control system grants access to those who have identified themselves with the proper credentials. Since there are a variety of ways to verify both identity and credentials, employing more than one authentication factor ensures that only the right people are granted access. This process, known as two-factor authentication, increases facility security and aids in preventing theft.

What is Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is a method by which an access control user’s claimed identity is confirmed. This verification process makes use of two distinct authentication factors to determine that a user is who they claim to be. An authentication factor can be what a person knows, what a person has, or who a person is. For example, a password, access card, and a user’s fingerprint, respectively. When compared to a single-factor authentication system, two-factor authentication provides an additional layer of security that makes fooling an access control system even more difficult.

Perhaps the most common example of two-factor authentication can be seen when an individual attempts to withdraw funds at an ATM. The first authentication factor is what the individual has, their bank card or mobile device, followed by the second authentication factor of what they know, their accompanying PIN code. If an ATM were to employ only a single-factor authentication system, wherein a person only had to present a bank card to gain access, it is reasonable to assume thefts of bank cards and funds would increase.

Importance of Two-Factor Authentication

Employing two-factor authentication in access control is important because only individuals with the proper permissions should be allowed access to highly secure areas. Places within a cannabis facility like cannabis grow rooms, secure storage areas, and vaults all require additional security. There is no better way to ensure that those attempting to access such rooms have been given access than via two-factor authentication. Otherwise, intruders with a stolen access card or someone who saw an authorized user enter a PIN code could gain access to secure areas.

As modern access control systems become more intelligent, so do the individuals that attempt to work around the system. Two-factor authentication ensures that even if one authentication factor is available to a perpetrator, it is impossible to gain access without a second method. Access control is not only required by many state and local cannabis regulations, but is also a key part of deterring and preventing theft. Using two-factor authentication takes theft prevention one step further by requiring a user to confirm both access and identity.

Differences in Access Control Devices

The most basic access control systems will have at least one-factor authentication as a standard, with access cards being among the most common. Many access control systems can be upgraded to include additional authentication factors, offer two-factor authentication as an option, or even come with two-factor authentication as the operating standard. Differences in quality, cost, and functionality all impact the effectiveness of each system.

When selecting an access control system for two-factor authentication, first consider which two authentication factors will used. Systems that make use of biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial authentication, are not easily hacked, but may come with security concerns. Conversely, access cards can be costly to replace and a hassle to manage but are among the most common of credentials. As a result, access control manufacturers offer a variety of products to mix and match authentication factors for entire systems or select locations. Cannabis businesses wishing to take advantage of the additional security provided by two-factor authentication should have no issue finding a product that meets their unique needs.

How Can Sapphire Risk Help?

Tony Gallo and the team of application writers and consultants at Sapphire Risk Advisory Group have written hundreds of access control system plans and standard operating procedures for cannabis business applications. Follow us on social media to stay up to date with more security best practices and cannabis industry updates!