Firewalls and antivirus software are powerful and necessary tools used by campus IT professionals to prevent and remediate data breaches. Major data breaches have financial fallout that include hefty fines, potential lawsuits, plus software, firewall, and reputation recovery. Firewalls and antivirus software alone are often not enough to protect against data breaches.

A master security plan is paramount in protecting computer hardware, server rooms, and data. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, so timing is good to discover how adding electronic key control such as the Morse Watchmans  KeyWatcher Touch to a master security plan can protect public and private institutions from data breaches. The KeyWatcher Touch’s robust software and design provides the following reasons why campus cyber security can be further safeguarded from theft:

Keeps Server Rooms Safe — Campuses host and share a wealth of sensitive data including financial records, personal records, health records, and employment and payroll records. While network security helps to deter the most determined hackers, key control prevents physical security break-ins to server rooms and prevents theft of computer hardware.

Allows Tracking of Key Usage — Campus server rooms are often spread throughout multiple buildings or sites within a facility. Electronic key control provides the ability to centralize and manage who has access to server rooms by authorizing and assigning specific keys to specific people making it easy to track them. This means that only authorized users have access to only their specific segments of server space.

Provides Dual or Triple Authentication — For highly confidential data and server cages, dual or triple user authentication can be programmed on the KeyWatcher Touch. When multiple users are required to sign a key out and back in again, it prevents single users from giving the sensitive key to an unauthorized person.

Enforces Strict Access Control — Users are required to enter a secure PIN code to gain access to the KeyWatcher Touch. For even greater security, biometric options are available, such as the fingerprint reader. For touchless biometric access control, facial recognition is another option for the KeyWatcher system. Users are granted access to server cage keys only if the credentials are entered correctly or are recognized by the system.

Maintains Full Accountability — Audit reports can be generated on demand. Data center administrators on campus can see who has accessed certain keys and server cages instantly. A special notes feature allows users to provide details about why the server cage was accessed and for what purpose. This creates adherence to security directives so there is more likelihood that users are in the cages for the right reasons at the right times.

Integrates with Existing Security Systems — The KeyWatcher Touch can be integrated with leading access control systems so administrators can get an even bigger picture of actual time security. Integration of key control and access control systems allow for immediate automatic tracking.

Physical Keys Cannot Be Hacked — Cybercriminals cannot hack physical keys. Only authorized users can access physical keys within the key control system. Campus security and facilities administrators can instantly and easily assign and remove users, track key usage, locate keys, set reminders, schedule automatic reports, and set up email and text notifications when keys are overdue.

Morse Watchmans is the original developer and global leader of electronic key control. The KeyWatcher Touch and other Morse Watchmans products are distributed by authorized representatives around the world. All products are 100% made in the USA.

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