HID: Access Control Considerations for SMBs in the Middle East

Small businesses face unique challenges in balancing tight budgets with the need for robust security, and mobile access control offers an effective, cost-efficient solution to help build a strong security foundation.

By: Sam Cherif, Senior Director & Regional Business Head of the Middle East at HID

News headlines are often dominated by major cyberattacks and security breaches targeting large corporations. These breaches often lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions. But the reality is, cyber threats and security breaches don’t discriminate by company size. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), which form the backbone of economies worldwide, including the GCC and Middle East region, are equally vulnerable.

Despite their significant contribution, many small businesses in the region struggle to implement effective security measures due to budget constraints and limited IT resources.

In the UAE alone, SMBs account for more than 94% of the total number of companies and contribute over 50% to the GDP. In Saudi Arabia, the government’s Vision 2030 initiative actively supports the growth of SMBs as key players in economic diversification. Yet, despite their significant contribution, many small businesses in the region struggle to implement effective security measures due to budget constraints and limited IT resources Financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions can cripple an SMB’s operations and potentially force closure.  This is why prioritizing robust security is crucial for SMBs.

As the first line of defense in physical security, mobile access control is the “low-hanging fruit” for SMBs to establish a strong security foundation and build upon it with additional measures.  By implementing a well-designed system, SMBs gain significant security benefits without breaking the bank.  It’s a crucial first step in building a robust security posture, allowing them to focus their limited resources on additional security measures like data encryption and employee training – all of which are becoming increasingly important in the region, especially for regulated industries such as Finance, Healthcare, and more.

Why Mobile Access for SMBs?

SMBs need a secure solution to protect their assets and employees, but factors like budget, time for installation, and ease of management are also crucial.

While traditional physical access control systems using cards or key fobs offer a baseline level of security, they can be expensive to manage over time. Lost or stolen badges require replacements, and deactivating compromised cards can be a logistical hassle.

Mobile access control offers a compelling alternative for SMBs.  Given the near-ubiquitous presence of smartphones, leveraging mobile devices for access control presents a convenient and potentially budget-friendly option in the long run.  While the upfront cost of a mobile access system might be slightly higher than a basic card system, it offers significant cost savings over time.

Employees can use their smartphones with pre-loaded credentials (through secure apps) to gain access to buildings and restricted areas. Additionally, mobile access eliminates the need for physical badges, simplifying management and reducing associated costs like replacements and deactivation. Lost or stolen phones can be easily deactivated remotely, ensuring security without the need for replacement cards.

What’s more, the growing popularity of trusted ecosystems of cloud-connected access control devices, applications, and trusted mobile identities has made mobile access easier to adopt than ever. This has, in turn, enabled myriad new services to be securely accessed through mobile phones and other smart devices.

Why mobile access is the future 

Using a smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch to gain entry into buildings or restricted areas isn’t just convenient for the user. Building managers and security staff can provision and revoke credentials over the air, further limiting physical contact and improving access control administration with a digital, cloud-based platform, for example.

As a result, companies are increasingly executing access with mobile devices as a mechanism for the authentication and identity verification of their employees and visitors. Mobile access doesn’t just eliminate reliance on physical cards or badges; it supports multiple security protocols and adds layers of security on top of basic card encryption, making it substantially more secure than traditional physical access control.

One of the most exciting advancements in mobile access is the concept of multi-application solutions, where a single platform can handle multiple security and operational tasks. This is particularly valuable for small businesses looking to streamline business processes while maintaining a high level of security.

Here are some key considerations for SMBs when evaluating access control systems.

Budget

Traditional access control systems can be expensive, with upfront costs for hardware, software, and installation. Explore options that offer a good balance of features and affordability.

Consider systems with scalable features – you can start with basic functionalities and expand later as your business grows.

Time for installation

SMBs often have limited resources and can’t afford lengthy downtime during installation. Look for systems that are simple to install, possibly even offering pre-configured systems or cloud-based solutions, which can significantly reduce installation time.

Ease of use and management

A complex access control system can be a burden for small businesses with limited IT staff. Prioritize user-friendly solutions with intuitive interfaces for managing user access and credentials. Cloud-based systems can offer remote management capabilities, further simplifying access control tasks.

Robust securityWhile cost and ease of use are important, security remains the core function of access control. Look for readers that are easy to install using a simple terminal and Wiegand connection. It is a more secure and cost-effective alternative to CSN-based credentials, which can be easily cloned and compromised. These readers should be compatible with all standard PACS systems, meaning SMBs have complete flexibility over the type of credential they use – traditional pre-programmed PVC cards, key fobs, or even the latest mobile access – and the access controller of their choice.

Additionally, look for systems that offer features like secure credential technology and robust access logging for audit trails. Consider integrating your access control system with your security cameras or alarms for a layered security approach.

Additional and important considerations

Scalability is a key factor, so it’s important to choose a system that can grow with your business as you add employees or need to secure additional access points. Another important aspect is integration with existing systems. If you already have security cameras or other relevant infrastructure, consider whether the access control system can work with them to provide a more unified security solution. Finally, reliable technical support is essential for resolving any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

By carefully considering budget, security, scalability, and ease of management, SMBs in the Middle East can implement an effective access control system that meets their security needs without excessive costs or operational complexity.

With the rise of smart cities, digital identity solutions, and cloud-connected security ecosystems, mobile access control is no longer just a trend—it is the future of workplace security.

Investing in the right security infrastructure today will not only protect your business but also enhance its reputation, aligning with the region’s digital transformation efforts and future-proofing your operations.