The increasing digitalisation of physical access systems is fundamentally changing the security architecture of companies, public institutions and critical infrastructures. Access control is no longer organised exclusively on a mechanical or local basis, but is now part of networked IT and cloud ecosystems. Against this backdrop, cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important. Salto Systems is addressing this development with a consistent security approach for smart access solutions that combines technical, organisational and regulatory requirements.

Convergence of physical security and IT security

Modern access control systems are now closely linked to networks, identity management, cloud services and mobile devices. This creates new areas of vulnerability that go far beyond traditional physical security risks. Compromised access data, insecure interfaces or inadequately protected cloud infrastructures can have a direct impact on the physical protection of buildings and people.

Salto Systems emphasises that security in this environment is only effective if physical access control and cyber security are considered as an integrated overall system. Isolated security measures are no longer sufficient.

Regulatory pressure in Europe is increasing

In Europe in particular, new legal frameworks are tightening the requirements for operators and providers of digital security systems:

NIS2 Directive

The NIS2 Directive significantly expands the circle of regulated companies and, for the first time, obliges many organisations to:

• systematic risk management,
• technical and organisational protective measures,
• reporting obligations in the event of security incidents,
• and greater responsibility on the part of management.

Digital access and security systems are increasingly coming into focus as they are part of business-critical infrastructure.

GDPR

At the same time, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) places high demands on the handling of personal data, for example in:

• access logs,
• user identities,
• mobile access solutions,
• cloud-based system management.

Salto emphasises that secure smart access systems must take data protection and IT security into account by design in order to minimise compliance risks.

Salto Systems: Security as an integral part of product strategy

Salto pursues a security-by-design approach in which cyber security plays a central role from product development to operation. This includes, among other things:

• consistent application of recognised security standards,
• regular security audits and certifications,
• transparent security advisories on vulnerabilities and updates,
• and continuous development of protection mechanisms throughout the entire product life cycle.

This approach is designed to ensure that smart access solutions are not only functional and scalable, but also resilient to current and future threats.

Significance for critical infrastructures and companies

Particularly in areas related to critical infrastructure, such as data centres, healthcare, educational institutions, industry or public administration, the secure operation of access systems is critical to business and security. Failure or misuse can not only disrupt operations, but also entail compliance, liability and reputational risks.

Salto therefore positions cybersecurity as the basis for trust in digital access solutions. Only when systems are reliably protected can advantages such as:

• mobile and keyless access,
• centralised management,
• scalability,
• and integration into existing IT and security landscapes be exploited in the long term.

Cybersecurity as an enabler for smart access

Salto makes it clear that cybersecurity must be understood not as an obstacle, but as an enabler for innovation. Secure architectures are what make it possible to use modern functions such as cloud management, remote administration or integration into identity and access management platforms.

In a time of growing threats and increasing regulatory requirements, cybersecurity is thus becoming a decisive quality feature of modern access control systems.

The Salto article emphasises that cybersecurity is now inextricably linked to physical security. For operators, integrators and security managers, this means that access control should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of a comprehensive security and compliance strategy.

This article is based on the following publication: https://saltosystems.com/en/blog/why-cybersecurity-matters-now-more-ever-saltos-commitment-secure-smart-access/