Anti-passback

Anti-passback is a security mechanism in access control systems that ensures that access authorizations can only be used in the correct order. It prevents a user with an access card or transponder from gaining access to an area several times in succession or illegally. This mechanism is an essential component of modern access control, especially in sensitive areas.

The anti-passback mechanism requires that an access card or key chip is used in a defined entry and exit cycle. For example, a card must first be registered when entering a certain area before it can be used again to leave the same area. Otherwise, access will be denied. This is especially true for systems that implement access control at doors to ensure that only authorized movement patterns are allowed.

Areas of application and advantages of anti-passback

Anti-passback is used in various areas, including access control in companies and public buildings, parking space management, such as in parking garages, as well as in working time recording, especially in sensitive areas, to prevent tampering.

The mechanism offers several advantages: It increases security by preventing misuse, for example by passing on access cards to unauthorized persons. It also enables precise control over access movements in security-critical zones and improves the traceability of movement data, which contributes to increased transparency. In combination with access control at doors, anti-passback ensures that access rights can only be used within the defined rules.

Example of anti-passback access control:

An employee enters an office building with their access card and access is registered. If he tries to give this card to a colleague who wants to gain unauthorized access, the colleague is denied access because the card is already "in the building" within the system.

Anti-Passback ensures that employees must use their access media, for example cards, transponders or biometric data, in a clearly defined sequence, such as "clocking in" when starting work and "clocking out" when leaving the workplace. Double registration for the same action (e.g. clocking in twice in succession) is prevented. This prevents employees from artificially extending their own working hours.

Anti-passback can be integrated as a feature in Krutec time and attendance systems to ensure that the recorded times and movements are tamper-proof. The combination with efficient access control ensures optimum security and transparency.