BY PAUL GROSSMAN,
ACCESS CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL
Most vehicles are now equipped with a short-range device that learns the operating frequency of a remote control system used on garage doors and parking gates. These devices were intended to be a convenience for accessing a private home garage door with a built-in transmitting device in the vehicle. In multi-parking facilities, however, the device becomes a "code grabber", which can result in unauthorized access and theft of service.
Office and residential high-rise building owners, cooperatives and management companies should be aware that every overhead door or parking gate, equipped with a remote control system, can be violated. Even rolling code technology, designated to stop code theft and code grabbing, can be compromised by these built-in transmitters. Example: A vehicle purchased in the year 2000 will most likely have a built-in remote transmitter. The vehicle owner desires access to a parking facility but does not have valid authorization. If the vehicle owner can obtain a valid hand-held remote for the building garage/lot (either through a friend who parks in the garage/lot or by other means), unauthorized access will be the result. By holding the hand-held unit next to the vehicle’s built-in unit, and depressing the buttons on both, the built-in remote learns the code and that remote will now open the door or gate. This is all done in a matter of seconds.
Though they provided a convenience feature for private homeowners, the car manufacturers failed to address the impact on multi-parking security. What can parking facility managers do to protect themselves?
There is a solution. We’ve been in the parking control business for nearly 40 years and have successfully served our clients by creatively reacting to changes. The car manufacturers are clearly not concerned, but we are, and have designed a system similar to E-Z Pass as the solution for multi-occupant parking control that will not allow vehicle built-in code copying.
The system offers both increased security at the facility and efficient convenience for management administration. Instead of a push button remote control, the credential is an active tag placed on the windshield of a vehicle with a read-range of 6 — 8 feet, hands free. A primary advantage of an RFID system is its non-compatibility with built-in vehicle remotes. Additionally, the tag cost is less than a hand-held remote and tags are Velcro-backed for simple installation.
For more information contact the author at 1-800-223-1189, e-mail Access at Sales@WeControlAccess.com or visit the company website, www.WeControlAccess.com.