AI-driven innovations aim to address the growing need for adaptable, efficient, and secure access control.
Advancements in technology have brought new challenges to securing access control systems, particularly as mobile-based solutions become more prevalent.
Traditional methods often struggle to meet the dual demands of robust security and seamless user experiences. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changing solution, offering enhanced authentication, real-time threat detection, and the ability to analyze user behavior patterns.
AI-driven innovations aim to address the growing need for adaptable, efficient, and secure systems in a world where access control must balance usability with heightened security requirements. By leveraging the latest AI capabilities, organizations can create solutions that not only safeguard against threats but also improve convenience for end users.
Advanced authentication: a cornerstone of AI-driven security
Authentication methods have seen remarkable improvements with the integration of AI, particularly in biometrics. Hanchul Kim, CEO of Suprema, emphasized the significant role AI plays in this domain.
“Suprema’s deep learning-based AI algorithms have significantly improved the performance of facial authentication and fingerprint recognition,” Kim said.
These advancements are embedded in Suprema’s edge devices equipped with Neural Processing Units (NPUs), enabling accurate and rapid biometric authentication.
Kim highlighted how AI enhances Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) by combining mobile access with biometrics.
“AI-powered facial authentication and fingerprint recognition deliver an exceptional level of security while maintaining a seamless and user-friendly experience,” Kim added.
Suprema offers one of the broadest ranges of MFA methods, including mobile access, QR codes, barcodes, RFID cards, and PINs, ensuring a tailored approach to various security needs.
Exploring this further, Steve Bell, Chief Technology Officer at Gallagher Security, emphasized the importance of cryptographic authentication as the foundation for secure credentials.
“The strongest security for a credential is a strong cryptographic authentication where the outcome of the authentication is pass or fail,” Bell explained.
He noted that while AI-enhanced biometrics provide probabilistic authentication, they are most effective when used alongside cryptographic methods in two- or three-factor authentication processes.
Intelligent threat detection and behavioral analysis
Beyond authentication, AI’s capabilities in threat detection and user behavior analysis have become pivotal in modern access control systems.
Sanjit Bardhan, Vice President and Head of Mobile at HID, elaborated on how AI continuously monitors access events and device usage patterns to identify potential threats.
“AI and machine learning algorithms can help flag unusual access patterns and detect credential misuse or cloning by analyzing deviations in user behavior,” Bardhan said.
AI’s ability to perform contextual analysis further strengthens adaptive security mechanisms. For instance, if a user attempts to access a system from an unfamiliar location, AI might prompt additional verification steps such as biometrics or a one-time password.
Bardhan noted, “AI-driven analytics can also help identify vulnerabilities in access control systems before they can be exploited.”
Ecosystem integration: the Suprema model
Suprema exemplifies how AI-powered solutions can create an integrated security ecosystem. The company’s BioStar 2 platform combines AI with robust access control management and video analytics.
According to Kim, “BioStar 2 VMS specializes in AI-powered video analytics, providing an intelligent platform for real-time access and video monitoring.” This platform is complemented by Suprema’s Q-Vision Pro, an AI module designed for facial recognition and behavior analysis, which received the 2025 Best of Innovation Award at CES.
Kim attributed Suprema’s success to its dedicated R&D center, which ensures seamless integration of AI algorithms, platforms, edge devices, and mobile solutions. “This integration delivers unparalleled security and user convenience,” he said.
Continuous learning and adaptability
AI’s dynamic nature allows it to continuously adapt to new threats and scenarios. Bardhan highlighted this advantage, noting that AI-driven systems become more efficient over time.
“AI can continuously learn from new access scenarios to enhance security policies and protocols,” Bardhan explained.
This capability enables systems to distinguish between legitimate and malicious access attempts with increasing accuracy.
This adaptability is particularly beneficial in addressing evolving security challenges. AI can dynamically adjust security requirements based on real-time analysis, ensuring systems remain resilient against new forms of attacks.
“By combining these capabilities, AI significantly boosts the robustness, intelligence, and adaptability of mobile-based access control systems,” Bardhan said.
The role of AI in balancing security and convenience
One of the most significant challenges in access control is achieving a balance between security and user convenience. AI bridges this gap by streamlining authentication processes without compromising security.
For instance, Suprema’s AI-powered facial authentication and fingerprint recognition technologies are designed to provide a seamless experience for users while maintaining robust security standards.
Gallagher’s Bell pointed out that AI-enhanced biometrics are particularly effective in environments where absolute security is not required.
“Biometrics provide sufficient certainty of authentication in many cases where the highest level of security is not necessary,” Bell noted. This flexibility makes AI-driven solutions suitable for a wide range of applications, from high-security facilities to everyday access control scenarios.
Regulatory considerations and privacy challenges
As AI continues to evolve, regulatory compliance and privacy concerns remain critical issues for the industry. Biometric data, while highly effective for authentication, is also sensitive and subject to strict data protection regulations in many regions.
Companies must ensure that AI-powered access control systems comply with standards such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe and similar frameworks globally.
Bell emphasized the importance of adhering to these regulations, noting that “It’s crucial that biometric systems are designed with privacy in mind, ensuring data is stored and processed securely.” AI can play a role here as well, with advanced encryption methods and anonymization techniques safeguarding user data.
Future Trends in AI-driven access control
Looking ahead, the integration of AI with other emerging technologies is expected to drive further innovation in access control. For instance, the combination of AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) can enable more sophisticated and interconnected security systems.
Devices can communicate in real time, sharing insights to enhance threat detection and response. Suprema’s Kim highlighted the potential for AI to be integrated into standalone devices such as ATMs, where modules like the Q-Vision Pro can enhance both security and convenience.
Another promising area is the use of AI in predictive analytics. By analyzing historical data, AI can forecast potential security incidents and proactively implement countermeasures. This approach can significantly reduce the risk of breaches and improve overall system efficiency.
The path forward
While the benefits of AI in access control are clear, the industry faces several challenges on the path to fully harnessing its potential. These include improving the reliability of probabilistic biometric systems, addressing ethical concerns surrounding AI decision-making, and ensuring seamless integration with existing security frameworks.
Despite these hurdles, the future of AI-driven access control is bright. As technology continues to advance, AI's role in reshaping access control systems is expected to expand, offering new opportunities for innovation and enhanced security.
By addressing current limitations and focusing on user-centric solutions, the industry can create systems that are both robust and adaptable, meeting the demands of a rapidly changing world.