--- title: The Risks of Proximity Cards for Access Control description: Proximity cards lack the security that you can achieve with other access control solutions. Discover why proximity cards are unsecured and outdated. image: https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/Blog%20Header%20Images/PACS/Proximity%20Cards-%20Unsecure.png --- 🚚 Free Standard Shipping on All Orders [![JOB Logo and Tag JPG HIGH RES](https://info.jobrien.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JOB%20Logo%20and%20Tag%20JPG%20HIGH%20RES.jpg?width=267&height=57&name=JOB%20Logo%20and%20Tag%20JPG%20HIGH%20RES.jpg "JOB Logo and Tag JPG HIGH RES")](https://www.jobrien.com/) - [ID Card Printers](https://www.jobrien.com/id-card-printers) - [ID Card Printer Supplies](https://www.jobrien.com/id-card-printer-supplies) - [ID Badge Accessories](https://www.jobrien.com/id-badge-accessories) - [Software](https://www.jobrien.com/software) - [Access Control](https://www.jobrien.com/access-control) - [Visitor Management](https://www.jobrien.com/visitor-management) - [Capture Devices](https://www.jobrien.com/capture-devices) - [Workspace Solutions](https://www.jobrien.com/workspace-solutions) - [Learn](https://landing.jobrien.com/learning-center) Go [![jobrien-security-logo-2017](https://info.jobrien.com/hs-fs/hubfs/May%202019/jobrien-security-logo-2017.png?width=267&name=jobrien-security-logo-2017.png "jobrien-security-logo-2017")](https://prod.jobrien.com/) - [ID Card Printers](https://www.jobrien.com/id-card-printers) - [ID Card Printer Supplies](https://www.jobrien.com/id-card-printer-supplies) - [ID Badge Accessories](https://www.jobrien.com/id-badge-accessories) - [Software](https://www.jobrien.com/software) - [Access Control](https://www.jobrien.com/access-control) - [Visitor Management](https://www.jobrien.com/visitor-management) - [Capture Devices](https://www.jobrien.com/capture-devices) - [Workspace Solutions](https://www.jobrien.com/workspace-solutions) - [Learn](https://landing.jobrien.com/learning-center) - [Blog](https://info.jobrien.com/) - [Solutions](https://landing.jobrien.com/services) - [Videos](https://landing.jobrien.com/videos) - [Guides](https://landing.jobrien.com/buying-guides) ### Top Categories - [Case Study (2)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/case-study) - [Document Scanners (3)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/document-scanners) - [ID Badge Accessories (12)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-badge-accessories) - [ID Card Printer (29)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-card-printer) - [Label Printers (1)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/label-printers) - [Mobile Access (12)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/mobile-access) - [News (8)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/news) - [Physical Access Control (27)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) - [Technical Support (4)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/technical-support) - [Visitor Management (15)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/visitor-management) See all ### Top Categories - [Case Study (2)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/case-study) - [Document Scanners (3)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/document-scanners) - [ID Badge Accessories (12)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-badge-accessories) - [ID Card Printer (29)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-card-printer) - [Label Printers (1)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/label-printers) - [Mobile Access (12)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/mobile-access) - [News (8)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/news) - [Physical Access Control (27)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) - [Technical Support (4)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/technical-support) - [Visitor Management (15)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/visitor-management) See all ## Popular Posts ### [Beginners Guide to Access Card Formatting](https://info.jobrien.com/beginners-guide-to-access-card-formatting) [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 3 MIN READ ### [4 Ways to Display Your ID Card in Your Facility](https://info.jobrien.com/4-ways-to-attach-an-id-card-to-yourself) [ID Badge Accessories](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-badge-accessories) 4 MIN READ ### [How Fake ID Scanners Work: Thales Scanners Explained](https://info.jobrien.com/how-fake-id-scanners-work-thales-scanners-explained) [Document Scanners](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/document-scanners) 3 MIN READ ## SECURITY TIPS STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX ### We’ll never share your info, EVER. ### Subscribe Here! ### Top Categories - [Case Study (2)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/case-study) - [Document Scanners (3)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/document-scanners) - [ID Badge Accessories (12)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-badge-accessories) - [ID Card Printer (29)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/id-card-printer) - [Label Printers (1)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/label-printers) - [Mobile Access (12)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/mobile-access) - [News (8)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/news) - [Physical Access Control (27)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) - [Technical Support (4)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/technical-support) - [Visitor Management (15)](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/visitor-management) See all # The Risks of Proximity Cards for Access Control [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) By [The J. O'Brien Experts](https://info.jobrien.com/author/the-j-obrien-experts) June 26, 2023 [![Proximity Cards- Unsecure](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/Blog%20Header%20Images/PACS/Proximity%20Cards-%20Unsecure.png)](##) ### Proximity cards have served their purpose. Wave the contactless card and gain access. It’s an easy way to provide a layer of security to access control. Or is it? #### A Lack of Security Proximity cards lack the security that you can achieve with other access control solutions. The low-frequency (125Khz) of the technology leaves a gaping hole for hackers and identity thieves to steal unencrypted information. All they need is an inexpensive card reader/writer to steal the credentials and create a duplicate card. Your identity and access codes become available to anyone in close proximity to the proximity card. Your security system is then tracking an intruder under the guise of an authorized employee or visitor. You don’t “see” who’s accessing your facility, so your security is compromised. #### A New Generation of Cards We’re now in the second generation of contactless smart cards, a technology that has evolved from proximity cards. The low frequency of the early proximity cards has risen to a standard of 13.56 MHz. Today’s contactless smart cards also store more data than proximity cards and with much higher security protocols. #### Benefits of Contactless Smart Cards - **Authentication** is built into the card’s chip, preventing unauthorized access to any data stored there. - **Secure data storage** is covered by the smart card’s operating system, keeping the data on the card, which prevents a hacker from using the card to get into a database. - **Encryption** can be managed in a variety of ways, including secure key storage, digital signing, and hashing. - **Biometrics** are enabled with smart card technology—requiring a thumbprint or other unique identifier for a single sign-on—and the biometrics are stored on the card, not the reader. - **Secure card communication** overcomes the problem of proximity cards because smart cards send and receive data in a secure manner that protects the information. #### Migrating to Smart Cards Your access control cards and ID badges should provide a higher level of protection than proximity cards can offer. You have the option of transitioning to the newer technology by moving to upgraded readers that will accommodate the legacy proximity cards while also reading smart cards. You can then migrate to the production of smart cards for access control without entirely rebadging your population. Conversely, you can replace the current badges and then replace the existing readers over time. [J. O’Brien](http://www.jobrien.com/) specializes in access control cards and ID badges. We can guide you through the solution that will deliver the best results within your budget. Take a look at our overview of the [30-year progression of access control](https://info.jobrien.com/progression-of-access-control), and download the executive brief, [“Two Paths to Upgrade Your Access Control Technology”](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Whitepapers/HID/Two%20Paths%20Two%20Paths%20to%20Upgrade%20Your%20Access%20Control%20Technology%20Executive%20Brief.pdf) to learn more about the constraints of proximity cards and the potential of smart cards. [Then talk to us](http://www.jobrien.com/jobrien-company/contact-jobrien-company.html) to migrate toward a more secure access control solution.   ### About Author ![Default Author Image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/476360/Blog%20Template/Images/default-author-thumbnail.jpg) The J. O'Brien Experts - - - - [Previous Post](https://info.jobrien.com/swiftcolor-scc4000d-id-card-printer-review) [Next Post](https://info.jobrien.com/the-importance-of-rfid-blocking-badge-holders) ### Related Posts [![Proximity Cards- Unsecure](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/Blog%20Header%20Images/PACS/Proximity%20Cards-%20Unsecure.png)](https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated) ## [DCID Explained: Free HID Signo Customization That Future-Proofs Access](https://info.jobrien.com/dcid-explained-hid-signo) [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 2 MIN READ ## DCID Explained: Free HID Signo Customization That Future-Proofs Access ### Proximity cards have served their purpose. Wave the contactless card and gain access. It’s an easy way to provide a layer of... [Read Article](https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated) [![Proximity Cards- Unsecure](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/Blog%20Header%20Images/PACS/Proximity%20Cards-%20Unsecure.png)](https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated) ## [Don’t Get Flipped! How the Flipper Zero Cracked PROX](https://info.jobrien.com/dont-get-flipped) [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 2 MIN READ ## Don’t Get Flipped! How the Flipper Zero Cracked PROX ### Proximity cards have served their purpose. Wave the contactless card and gain access. It’s an easy way to provide a layer of... [Read Article](https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated) [![Proximity Cards- Unsecure](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/Blog%20Header%20Images/PACS/Proximity%20Cards-%20Unsecure.png)](https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated) ## [History of PROX: How We Got Here, and Why It’s Time to Move Forward](https://info.jobrien.com/history-of-prox) [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 2 MIN READ ## History of PROX: How We Got Here, and Why It’s Time to Move Forward ### Proximity cards have served their purpose. Wave the contactless card and gain access. It’s an easy way to provide a layer of... [Read Article](https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated) ### Related posts [![](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/DCID%20Signo%20Blog%20Pic.jpg)](https://info.jobrien.com/dcid-explained-hid-signo) ## DCID Explained: Free HID Signo Customization That Future-Proofs Access [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 3 MIN READ ## [DCID Explained: Free HID Signo Customization That Future-Proofs Access](https://info.jobrien.com/dcid-explained-hid-signo) ## DCID Explained: Free HID Signo Customization That Future-Proofs Access If you are investing in HID Signo readers, there is a... [Read Article](https://info.jobrien.com/dcid-explained-hid-signo) [![](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/flipper%20zero%20blog%20post.jpg)](https://info.jobrien.com/dont-get-flipped) ## Don’t Get Flipped! How the Flipper Zero Cracked PROX [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 3 MIN READ ## [Don’t Get Flipped! How the Flipper Zero Cracked PROX](https://info.jobrien.com/dont-get-flipped) If your facility still uses 125 kHz PROX cards, there is a pocket device you should know about. It is called **Flipper Zero**.... [Read Article](https://info.jobrien.com/dont-get-flipped) [![](https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/ChatGPT%20Image%20Aug%2013%2c%202025%2c%2011_40_59%20AM.png)](https://info.jobrien.com/history-of-prox) ## History of PROX: How We Got Here, and Why It’s Time to Move Forward [Physical Access Control](https://info.jobrien.com/topic/physical-access-control) 3 MIN READ ## [History of PROX: How We Got Here, and Why It’s Time to Move Forward](https://info.jobrien.com/history-of-prox) If you’ve ever tapped a plastic **PROX card** against a wall-mounted reader to enter an office, campus, or secure facility, you’ve... [Read Article](https://info.jobrien.com/history-of-prox) [![JOB Logo and Tag JPG HIGH RES](https://info.jobrien.com/hs-fs/hubfs/JOB%20Logo%20and%20Tag%20JPG%20HIGH%20RES.jpg?width=267&height=57&name=JOB%20Logo%20and%20Tag%20JPG%20HIGH%20RES.jpg "JOB Logo and Tag JPG HIGH RES")](https://www.jobrien.com/) - - - - #### Here to Help - [FAQs](https://www.jobrien.com/faq) - [Shipping Terms](https://www.jobrien.com/shipping-terms) #### After The Sale - [Returns & Exchanges](https://www.jobrien.com/returns-exchanges) - [Warranty & Repair](https://www.jobrien.com/warranty-repair) #### About Us - [Who We Are](https://www.jobrien.com/who-we-are) - [Our Security Partners](https://www.jobrien.com/jobrien-security-partners) - [Contact Us](https://www.jobrien.com/contact) #### Legal - [Privacy & Cookies](https://www.jobrien.com/privacy-policy) - [Terms & Conditions](https://www.jobrien.com/terms-conditions) © 2026 J. O'Brien Company, Inc. 40 Commerce Street, Springfield, NJ 07081 USA All rights reserved. [Chat with us](https://www.livechatinc.com/chat-with/8535941/), powered by [LiveChat](https://www.livechatinc.com/?welcome) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The J. O'Brien Experts", "url" : "https://info.jobrien.com/author/the-j-obrien-experts" }, "dateModified" : "2023-06-26T14:34:57.370Z", "datePublished" : "2018-02-21T21:18:41.000Z", "headline" : "The Risks of Proximity Cards for Access Control", "image" : [ "https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/Blog/Blog%20Images/Blog%20Header%20Images/PACS/Proximity%20Cards-%20Unsecure.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://info.jobrien.com/proximity-cards-are-unsecure-and-outdated", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://info.jobrien.com/hubfs/JOBrien%20Logo%20and%20Tagline-1.png" }, "name" : "J. O'Brien Company Inc" } } ```