Cloned Access Cards: A Hidden Threat in Office Buildings and How to Combat It

HOW THE ATTACK WORKS

1. Exploiting internal relationships: Former employees leverage their connections with service personnel—who usually have wide-ranging access—to temporarily obtain access cards.

2. Using cloning technology: With a smartphone app and low-cost devices, access card data can be cloned within seconds.

3. Returning the original card: After copying, the card is returned to avoid raising suspicion.

4. Gaps in deactivation: In some buildings, management doesn't deactivate returned cards promptly, or the system lacks real-time validation. Even if the original card is deactivated, the cloned version may still work.

WHY THIS THREAT IS SERIOUS

• Hard to detect: Since cloned cards mimic legitimate ones, access logs show them as authorized entries.

• Abuse of trusted roles: Service units often enjoy broad access with minimal oversight.

• Ongoing vulnerability: Cloned cards can be kept and used at any time, long after their creation.

SECURITY SOLUTIONS FOR BUSINESSES AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT

1. Real-time credential validation
   Ensure your access control system checks each scan against an up-to-date database in real time. Any deactivated card, or its clone, should be denied access immediately.

2. Use encrypted smart cards or dynamic mobile credentials
   Replace magnetic stripe cards with encrypted smart cards or use mobile credentials that refresh dynamically (OTP, rotating QR codes).

3. Monitor and analyze access logs
   Deploy software to detect anomalies like off-hours access, use of deactivated credentials, or duplicate entries from multiple devices.

4. Restrict service provider access
   Limit access areas and times for third-party vendors. Issue single-use or short-duration credentials that auto-expire.

5. Train building management staff
   Train staff to:

   • Immediately deactivate returned cards.

   • Recognize suspicious return behaviors.

   • Report anomalies to security or tenant companies.

6. Conduct regular security audits
   Perform biannual security checks to identify weaknesses, including penetration testing to simulate real-world attacks.

7. Use write-once access cards
   Adopt RFID or smart cards that only allow data to be written once, preventing unauthorized overwriting or duplication.

8. Quarterly card recall and master card rotation
   Collect and replace all access cards every quarter, and issue a new master key system while revoking all prior permissions to eliminate hidden risks.

9. Implement multi-factor authentication
   In sensitive zones, combine card access with biometrics or photo ID verification for an additional layer of security.

CONCLUSION

Cloning access cards presents a real and evolving threat, but it is preventable. By adopting multi-layered security protocols and staying proactive, both businesses and building managers can significantly reduce risk. In an era where every card is potentially cloneable, robust preparation is the key to avoiding undetectable breaches.