The Pros and Cons of Using Mobile Credentials at Schools

Why schools should keep using ID card solutions

• By Andrew Schonzeit
• August 01, 2024

Mobile credentials, or the use of smartphones or other mobile devices to access secure areas, are increasingly considered as an alternative to traditional keycards and ID badges in schools. However, while mobile credentials offer several advantages, such as convenience and cost savings, there are also potential drawbacks to their use. To help aid schools in improving safety measures, let us explore the pros and cons of using mobile credentials for school safety and explain why it is important to always have multiple options in place.

Pros:

1. Convenience. One of the biggest advantages of using mobile credentials is the convenience they offer. With mobile credentials, students, staff, and visitors can use their smartphones or other mobile devices to access secure areas instead of carrying around a keycard or access badge.
2. Cost savings. Another potential benefit of mobile credentials is cost savings. Traditional keycards and access badges can be expensive to purchase and replace, whereas mobile credentials can be issued and revoked remotely, eliminating the need for physical cards altogether.
3. Supply shortages. As we have experienced in recent years due to COVID and a global change in supply and demand. The logistical need of physical access cards has also been impacted, and the shortages have been noticeable across all industries requiring physical access cards. Mobile credentials assist with this issue, by removing the need to have physical cards as the primary source of access.
4. Enhanced security. Mobile credentials can also enhance security by providing additional layers of authentication. For example, some mobile credential solutions use biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to ensure that only authorized individuals can access secure areas.
5. Contactless technology. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, contactless technology has become increasingly important to reduce the spread of germs. Mobile credentials allow for touchless access to secure areas, which can help keep students, staff, and visitors safe.
6. Time and attendance. It can also be used for time and attendance tracking. Employees can clock in and out of work using their smartphones, eliminating the need for traditional timecards or biometric scanners.
7. Campus safety. It can be used to enhance campus safety. Students and faculty can use their smartphones as digital IDs to gain access to buildings, classrooms, and other restricted areas. It also allows for quick and easy lockdown in the event of an emergency.

Cons:

1. Device compatibility. One potential drawback of mobile credentials is device compatibility. Not all smartphones or mobile devices may be compatible with the mobile credential solution being used, which can limit accessibility for some individuals.
2. Security risks. While mobile credentials can enhance security, they also pose potential security risks. For example, if a mobile device is lost or stolen, the mobile credential could be compromised. Additionally, if users do not secure their devices with strong passwords or biometric authentication, unauthorized individuals could gain access to secure areas.
3. Reliance on technology. Mobile credentials rely heavily on technology, which can be prone to malfunctions or system outages. If the mobile credential solution were to experience technical difficulties, it could prevent individuals from accessing secure areas, causing disruptions and delays.
4. Privacy concerns. There may also be privacy concerns with the use of mobile credentials. Some individuals may be uncomfortable with the idea of using their personal mobile devices to access secure areas, particularly if the mobile credential solution requires the collection of personal data.

Mobile credentials offer several potential benefits for school safety and physical security, including convenience, cost savings, enhanced security and contactless technology. However, there are also potential drawbacks, such as device compatibility issues, security risks, reliance on technology, and privacy concerns.

Although mobile credentialing offers great benefits the need for physical access cards will still play an important and valuable role in managing access control. Implementing both physical ID Cards and mobile credentials at schools allows administrators the ability to not rely on only one solution to keep students safe and secure.

The decision to use mobile credentials in schools should be based on a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits, and should involve input from all stakeholders, including students, staff, and administrators.