Access Control is among the most important security mechanisms to put in place in order to secure applications, and XACML is the de-facto standard for defining access control policies. Due to the complexity of the XACML language, it is important to perform efficient testing to identify potential security flaws and bugs.

A network access control list (ACL) is an optional layer of security for your VPC that acts as a firewall for controlling traffic in and out of one or more subnets. You might set up network ACLs with rules similar to your security groups in order to add an additional layer of security to your VPC.

The Basics of Security Door Access Control Systems. ... Door access control is a matter of who, where, and when. An Access Control System determines who is allowed to enter or exit, where they are allowed to exit or enter, and when they are allowed to enter or exit.

Easy NAC uses ARP to restrict access to the network by default. ARP enforcement is an out-of-band enforcement method that’s part of the Internet Protocol v4. Because this protocol is part of the IP protocol, network changes are not required. For subnets where IPv6 traffic needs to be enforced, one of Easy NAC’s alternate enforcement methods should be used.   

Components

A magnetic lock, often referred to as a mag lock, consists of an electromagnet and an armature plate. 

The magnet is mounted inside of the door opening, which prevents tampering, while the plate is installed on the face of the door. 

When the magnet is connected to an electrical source, it produces a strong magnetic attraction that holds the magnet tight to the plate, 

effectively locking the door. The lock is typically powered using either the building's electrical system or a separate battery pack. 

Because a mag lock can only be used with DC12V or DC24V power, a converter unit must be added when relying on building power. 

These locks are said to be 'fail-safe,' meaning that once the power off, the door will remain unlocked, allowing occupants to exit safely.

Electromagnetic Theory

Maglocks are based on the science of electromagnetism. Based on the principles of electromagnetism, 

when a current is run through a loop of wire, or solenoid, a magnetic force will be produced. This magnetic force is of sufficient strength to prevent the door from opening under a specified amount of pressure. To increase the strength of the magnetic force, 

multiple solenoids may be used, or they may be placed around a core made of iron. 

The magnetic effect of the solenoids not only produces its only force but also amplifies the natural magnetism of the iron. 

Maglocks are rated based on the amount of force they are able to withstand without failing. For example, 

a 1,200 pound Mag Lock can withstand 1,200 pounds of force while still keeping the building secure.

Operations

One of the biggest advantages of using a mag lock is that it can't be picked or tampered with like a traditional lock cylinder. 

No keys are used, as the lock is generally tied into an electrical security system. These systems rely on one of four basic methods to operate the lock. 

They are often connected to a buzzer, which must be manually released by someone inside the building before the door will open. 

A mag lock may also be used with a keypad system, where occupants enter a numerical code to activate the lock and open the door. 

In many commercial settings, card readers are used with these locks, making it easy to deactivate a card in the event an employee is

terminated or loses his/her key card. Finally, in high-security situations, the maglock may be activated by scanners that read fingerprints, 

retinas, or facial features of an occupant before they are permitted to enter.

Magnetic locks and electric strikes are electrical hardware devices used to maintain the security of a door opening. 

Both of these devices can be activated by a range of tools, including passcodes, biometric readers, keycards or buzzers. 

When comparing magnetic locks to electric strikes, consider factors such as intended function, security needs, 

safety egress and cost to help you choose between the two.

Features

A magnetic lock, or mag lock, consists of a large magnet that is installed along the top of a door frame. A metal plate, 

or armature plate, is fastened to the door so it lines up with the magnet. When electrical power is supplied to the magnet,

it creates a magnetic charge that keeps the magnet tightly pressed to the metal plate. This keeps the door securely locked until power is removed or interrupted.

An electric strike must be used along with some other form of locking device, such as a lockset or exit device (panic bar). 

Electrical power is supplied to the strike, which holds the lock bolt in place, keeping the door locked until the strike is activated by a buzzer, keycard or other device.

Function

With a magnetic lock, the door is always locked from both sides of the opening. This makes mag locks a very secure option for 

areas that require high levels of security. Users must activate the lock with a keycard or other device when leaving and when entering. 

A handle or latchset is used to operate the door, but typically has no locking function.

Electric strikes provide security only for the exterior side of the door. Occupants can freely exit at anytime from inside the building 

simply by turning the knob or handle, or by depressing the pad on the exit device. From the outside, the door can only be 

unlocked with a keycard or other activating device, which signals the strike to release the lock bolt.

Considerations

All electrical hardware can be described as either 'fail-safe' or 'fail-secure.' Fail-safe hardware stays locked when 

power to the hardware is cut, keeping the building secure. Fail-secure hardware unlocks once power is cut, 

allowing for safe egress of occupants. A magnetic lock is always fail-safe, and unlocks automatically if power is cut.

Electric strikes can typically be set to either of these two options using an integral switch. All fire-rated doors must be equipped 

with fail-safe hardware for safe egress at all times.

Benefits

Because a magnetic lock is installed on the face of the door and frame, it can be installed relatively easily by most contractors. 

It is one of the most effective types of hardware for securing both sides of a door, and provides a great door of force to keep the door secure.

Electric strikes are usually more affordable than magnetic locks, making them a good choice for building managers on a budget. 

It is also easier in general to meet fire and life safety codes with an electric strike than with a mag lock. 

An electric strike is much less likely to delay egress because it can be easily operated from the inside of the building.

Drawbacks

Magnetic locks are among the more expensive types of door hardware. They are also fairly easy for burglars to beat, 

because they will no longer keep the door locked if the power is cut. Finally, these locks pose a potential safety hazard in terms of slowing egress during an emergency.

Because of the complexity of powering and installing electric strikes, they typically require skilled installers. These strikes must be chosen carefully based on the type of lock they will be used with. If the wrong strike is chosen, the lock bolt won't fit securely inside.

Easy NAC is compatible with all network equipment and endpoint devices. Because it does not require changing or reconfiguring network equipment or endpoints, Easy NAC works with enterprise and consumer-grade network equipment, and all types of endpoints. 

Magnetic locks possess a number of advantages over conventional locks and electric strikes. For example, 

their durability and quick operation can make them valuable in a high-traffic office environment where electronic authentication is necessary.

Advantages

1-1:Remote operation: Magnetic locks can be turned on and off remotely by adjusting the power source.

1-2:Easy to install: Magnetic locks are generally easier to install than other locks since there are no interconnecting parts.

1-3: Quick to operate: Magnetic locks unlock instantly when the power is cut, allowing for quick release in comparison to other locks.

1-4: Sturdy: Magnetic locks may also suffer less damage from multiple blows than do conventional locks. 

       If a magnetic lock is forced open with a crowbar, it will often do little or no damage to the door or lock. There are no moving parts in an electromagnetic lock to break.

Disadvantages

1-1: Requires a constant power source in order to be secure.

1-2: Can de-energize in the event of a power outage, disabling security.

1-3: Expensive in comparison to mechanical locks.

1-4: Requires additional hardware for safe operation.

Easy NAC provides layer 2 visibility, protection, and access control on the subnets that it connects to. Easy NAC supports direct connections, VLAN trunks, or connect to provide access to all locations