Cyberattacks have long been among the greatest risks facing banks and financial service providers. The increasing digitalisation of sensitive processes, networked infrastructures and the changing geopolitical landscape mean that security must now be considered holistically. Rising regulatory requirements are therefore shifting the focus not only to IT systems but also to the physical security of buildings, data centres and logistics hubs. This also includes IT companies that provide services to banks. This is precisely where a project by Ratiodata SE comes in: the company has equipped its new logistics and repair centre in Koblenz with modern locking technology from ASSA ABLOY.
With over 1,500 employees, Ratiodata is one of Germany’s leading system integrators and service providers for banking technology, self-service infrastructures and document digitisation. As a partner to numerous banks and organisations with stringent regulatory requirements, the company operates critical infrastructure whose protection extends far beyond traditional IT security. To realise strategic growth potential, Ratiodata built a new logistics and repair centre in Koblenz, in the immediate vicinity of its previous site in Mülheim-Kärlich. The modern building combines expanded repair capacities, innovative storage and conveyor technology, office space and a staff canteen.
Operational resilience requires new security concepts
With the new building came the need for a modern access control system. The mechanical locking system previously in use was to be replaced by an electronic solution for reasons of security and flexibility. A key factor behind this is the growing threat of cyberattacks on the financial sector, which is also being addressed through regulation. With the NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive) and, in particular, the sector-specific DORA Regulation (Digital Operational Resilience Act), the European Union requires financial institutions and their service providers to implement comprehensive measures to ensure operational resilience. This explicitly includes the physical security of buildings and data centres as a supporting factor for IT security.
From mechanical to electronic locking systems
Against this backdrop, Ratiodata opted for the eCLIQ digital locking system from ASSA ABLOY’s IKON brand. The experienced ASSA ABLOY partner Alfred Horn GmbH & Co. KG from Neuwied was commissioned with the planning, consultancy, delivery and installation.
Around 100 electronic lock cylinders and 100 programmable keys were installed. The fully electronic system features AES encryption, is certified to the latest VdS and DIN standards, and offers high protection against tampering and sophisticated attacks. Thanks to its compact construction, robust design and durable components, eCLIQ is suitable for the design of locking systems of any scale and in all types of premises.
A flexible solution for complex infrastructures
As the cylinders are powered via a standard battery in the key that is easy to replace, no structural work or additional cabling was required to switch to eCLIQ. This makes the locking system particularly suitable for utility, industrial and infrastructure companies with large-scale sites and extensive property portfolios. Thanks to the extensive CLIQ® product range, which comprises over 60 variants including switch cylinders, padlocks and furniture locks, a wide variety of areas can be secured – from entrance gates and offices to server rooms and filing cabinets.
Manage access rights efficiently and securely with eCLIQ
Another decisive factor for Ratiodata was that eCLIQ also impresses with its high flexibility when it comes to managing access authorisations. User-specific roles and rights can be quickly and precisely adapted, time-limited or revoked immediately if necessary. Lost keys can be deactivated straight away without the need to replace cylinders. Control is handled via the web-based CLIQ® Web Manager, which enables decentralised management of even complex access structures and integrates seamlessly into existing processes.
“With the eCLIQ locking system, we are relying on a system that combines very high security standards with modern, flexible management. The solution fits our requirements perfectly and helps us to manage access authorisations efficiently and in a future-proof manner,” confirms Michael Wagner, Ratiodata SE.
