The Importance of Encoding Cards for Security: A Guide for the DS Card Printer
In an increasingly digital world, the importance of physical security measures should not be underestimated. For businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, government and a variety of other organisations, access control is a vital component for security of their premises.
One effective way to enhance access control and safeguard your premises is by encoding cards. In this blog, we'll explore the significance of card encoding for security and how you can achieve it with the DS Card Printer Sigma Range from Entrust, offered by Card Monster, a trusted card solution supplier.
What is Card Encoding?
Card encoding is electronically embedding data or information onto a physical technology card. This card is mainly used for access control, identification, and data storage.
Encoding involves writing digital information onto a card's components, such as a magnetic stripe, smart chip, or contactless card. This allows the card to serve a specific function with compatible card readers or systems.
The primary components involved in card encoding:
There are three main types of encoding for cards:
- Magnetic stripe.
- Smart cards
- Contactless cards.
Magnetic Stripe Encoding
Magnetic stripe encoding is one of the most common methods used for card encoding. A magnetic stripe, typically located on the back of the card, contains a series of magnetised particles that represent and store data. This stripe is divided into three tracks, each capable of storing different types of information, such as cardholder details or access permissions.
Magnetic stripe encoding is widely used in applications like credit and debit cards, hotel cards, access control cards, and loyalty cards.
Data is recorded on the stripe (black or brown) on the back of the plastic card. Resistance to damage caused by external magnetic fields varies depending on the type of card chosen:
- HiCo (High Coercivity) cards for a high level of resistance. These cards are less susceptible to data corruption or erasure when exposed to strong magnetic forces. HiCo cards are often used in applications where data integrity and security are of high importance, such as in access control systems, credit cards, and sensitive identification badges.
- LoCo (Low Coercivity) cards for low levels of resistance – these cards have the advantage of being less expensive. However, these cards are more vulnerable to data corruption.
The choice between HiCo and LoCo cards depends on the specific needs of the company. If you want something more secure, get the HiCo cards, if you want something less expensive, get the LoCo cards.
Smart Card Encoding
Smart cards, also known as chip cards or integrated circuit cards, feature a microprocessor chip embedded within the card. This chip can store and process information securely.
Smart card encoding involves writing data onto the chip, which can include cardholder details, digital certificates, and encryption keys. Smart cards are commonly used in secure access control systems and identification cards.
Contactless Card Encoding
Contactless card encoding is a technology that allows data to be transferred between a card and a reader without physical contact.
These cards use radio frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) technology to exchange information. Contactless cards are often used for access control, public transportation and contactless payments.
What is the process of card encoding:
Card Design: Before encoding, the card is designed to include any necessary graphics, branding elements, and variable data such as cardholder names and photographs. We use Canva to design our cards. With VDP.
Data Input: The required data is input into an encoding system. Your card printer would have the module inserted for this. Most card printers are bought standard from the factory with this encryption technology. The DS2 needs to be bought like this. However, the DS3 can be bought without this module, and added later.
Encoding Configuration: The encoding system is configured to specify what data is to be encoded onto the card and in which format. This may include setting encryption keys or specifying access permissions. You will be able to do this on the system side with access to the database of the cards.
Card Printing and Encoding: The card printer then prints the card and encodes the data according to the configuration.
For magnetic stripe encoding, this involves writing data to the magnetic stripe. For smart card encoding, data is written to the embedded microprocessor chip.
Quality Control: After encoding, the cards are typically subject to quality control checks to ensure that the encoded data is accurate and that the cards are functioning correctly.
Card encoding is essential for various applications, particularly in security and access control, as it allows organisations to manage and restrict access to their premises, systems, or information.
It also enables the efficient use of identification and authentication in a wide range of industries, from finance and healthcare to transportation and government services. By encoding cards, organisations can enhance security, streamline processes, and ensure the smooth functioning of their operations.
Why Use Data Encoding?
Increased Storage Capacity
Data encoding is a valuable tool for expanding the storage capacity of cards without increasing their physical size.
Regardless of the card's compact format, encoding allows for the storage of a large amount of data.
Whether it's employee IDs, access control cards, or membership badges, the small surface area of the card allows the volume of information that can be securely stored within.
Easy Updates
One of the key benefits of data encoding is the ease with which information on cards can be updated. Magnetic stripes and microprocessor chips can be reprogrammed, enabling the addition, deletion, or modification of data as needed.
This flexibility ensures that cards remain relevant and effective over time. Without encoding, many cards would become obsolete as information or access permissions change, but with encoding, they can be adapted to evolving requirements.
Enhanced Card Security
Data encoded on cards offers an extra layer of security. The encoded data becomes invisible to the naked eye, and specialised devices are required to read this information.
Encryption makes it difficult for unauthorised individuals to alter the data stored on the card. Strong encryption measures make it challenging for potential security breaches.
Process Automation
Specialised devices, such as card readers and access control systems, can automatically read encoded cards, allowing authorised individuals access to designated areas.
This automation not only improves operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of human error that may occur with manual data entry or verification.
In summary, data encoding offers numerous advantages, ranging from expanded data storage capacity to improved security and process automation. It enables cards to evolve and adapt to changing needs, ensuring their continued relevance and effectiveness.
The Role of Card Encoding in Security
Card encoding plays an important role in modern security systems. These encoded cards, often in the form of access control cards, ID badges, or smart cards, serve as the keys to secure facilities. Here's why card encoding is crucial for maintaining the safety of your organisation:
Access Control: Card encoding allows you to restrict access to specific areas within your facility. Only authorised personnel with encoded cards can enter designated zones, ensuring that sensitive information, equipment, and spaces remain protected.
Enhanced Identity Verification: Encoded cards can carry essential information, including the cardholder's name, photograph, and employee ID number. This makes it easier to verify the identity of individuals entering your premises. Security guards are able to easily identify who is supposed to be there and who is not.
Real-time Monitoring: With encoded cards, you can log and monitor the movements of cardholders. This enables you to track who entered specific areas and when, aiding in investigations if a security breach occurs
Adaptability: Card encoding systems can be customised to suit the specific needs of your organisation. You can define who has access to which areas and update these permissions as necessary.
How to Encode Cards with the DS Card Printer Sigma Range from Entrust
To achieve the benefits of card encoding for security, you need reliable card printing equipment.
The DS Card Printer Sigma Range from Entrust is an excellent choice, known for its quality and versatility. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to encode cards using this printer:
Step 1: Choose Your Card Design
Before encoding your cards, design them according to your organisation's branding and security requirements. You can include elements like company logos, employee photos, and variable data (such as name, poition, email address etc.) Check out our video on how to design your card with canva.
Step 2: Select Card Encoding Options
The DS Card Printer Sigma Range supports various encoding options, including magnetic stripe encoding, smart card encoding, and contactless card encoding. Choose the method that best suits your needs.
Know that the DS2 card printer comes standard. You will not be able to upgrade from a simplex to a duplex card printer. You will also not be able to add modules as it comes standard from the factory. Meaning that you will have to buy the card printer again if you want different modules. If you’d like to change from a magnetic stripe encoder to a smart card encoder, you’d have to buy a new card printer machine with that mechanism.
However, with the DS3 card printer you will be able to upgrade the card printer from a simplex to a duplex and you will be able to add modules like smart card encoding or magnetic stripe encoding onto the card printer. Meaning that you do not have to buy a new card printer again. Making it a more affordable option in the long-run.
Please read our blog on: What’s the Difference Between Entrust Sigma DS2 and Entrust Sigma DS3 Printer? For more information on this.
Step 3: Print and Encode Cards
Load your card stock into the DS Card Printer Sigma Range and configure your encoding settings using the printer's user-friendly software. I.e. Once you’ve installed the drivers on your printer, you can go through the steps of encryption with magstripe or smart cards. Once the settings are in place, the printer will print the cards and encode them simultaneously. Pages 43-47 of the printer installation guide will help you with setting up your encryption on your DS card printer.
Step 4: Test and Validate
After encoding, test the cards to ensure they work correctly with your access control system. Ensure that cardholders can access authorised areas and troubleshoot any issues if they arise.
Card Monster: Your Partner in Card Security
Card Monster is a reputable card solution supplier committed to helping organisations enhance their security measures. We provide top-quality card printing equipment, including the DS Card Printer Sigma Range from Entrust, to enable you to encode cards and secure your premises effectively.
Our mission is to prevent unauthorised individuals from entering your company and ensure that your access control system operates flawlessly.
Conclusion
In today's security-conscious world, encoding cards is an essential practice to protect your organisation's assets and data.
The DS Card Printer Sigma Range from Entrust, offered by Card Monster, is an outstanding tool for achieving this level of security. By embracing card encoding, you can effectively control access to your premises, monitor personnel movements, and bolster the overall safety of your organisation.
Don't compromise on security—partner with Card Monster to secure your company today! Contact us now.