Identification, Infosecurity

Queensland Police rolls out building access ID cards

By Kelly Ng | 24 February 2010

Queensland Police Service (QPS) is the first police force in Australia to issue employees with new electronic ID cards which integrate access to the premise and network resources, the Police Media and Public Affairs Branch told Asian Security Review.

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Previously, employees keyed in user-IDs and passwords to log-on to the network. As user-ids and passwords can be easily guessed or cracked, QPS decided to deploy smart card technology which it believes to be more secure.

Users now need to insert their card into a contact reader or place their card on a proximity reader and enter a PIN to access network resources. Network administrators are more confident of the identity of the user because credentials cannot be shared or compromised without having both the ID card and PIN.

Looking ahead, QPS is looking to leverage this new ID card for other applications, such as digital signatures and encryption, remote access to QPS systems, and paperless management of accoutrements.

One of the biggest challenges QPS faces is maintaining the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its information resources. It faces increasing pressure to exchange information with its partners and the need to support employees who are working on the field. There is also strong demand to use web 2.0 technologies to support investigations and operations. These changes demand greater vigilance and cost-effective measures to protect infrastructure.

The smart card goes further by providing building access to the Police Headquarters. Officers at the state agency no longer need to carry separate photo identification cards and building access cards. The card replaces out-of-date proximity card technologies currently used for building access in other QPS buildings and will eventually replace most other card-based physical access systems.

“Queensland police is at the forefront of law enforcement to protect life and property, and it is pertinent that their internal systems are also highly safeguarded from threats that could compromise their duty to the public. This digital security solution will not only heighten security but also optimise identity management processes within the Service,” said Tan Teck Lee, President, Gemalto Asia, which provided the smart card technology.