While a retail membership card may not need to be very secure, an access card into a police department requires high security. Depending on the level of security necessary and the implementation of your security features, a specialized ID card printer may be required to secure your ID card printer, cards, and supplies.
Secure Your Card Printer
When printing secure ID cards, it’s important to secure the system that creates the cards. Several printer models are available with advanced printer security features to deter theft and unauthorized access.
Password protection is an easy way to safeguard your ID card printer. When activated, users must enter the secure code in order to use the printer. Some ID software programs can also be password protected, further securing your card printing program. To secure the printer to its workstation, some printers are set up to support a Kensington lock.
Your card supplies, such as ribbon, film, and cards, are another important item to protect. Replacing stolen supplies can be costly, especially expensive proximity or smart cards. Plus, if your printer supplies get into the wrong hands, you’re at a greater risk of fraudulent duplication. Some printers are equipped with locking mechanisms to protect cards and supplies. In addition to using these built-in system features, it’s also important to keep your card printer and supplies in a safe, secure area. Store your supplies in a locked cabinet and keep the number of authorized users to a minimum.
Secure Your Cards with Visual Security
A variety of visual security features can be added to cards. Some features can be implemented regardless of the type of printer you own, such as peel-and-stick HoloMark Seals that can be applied by hand. Other security features, such as a holographic overlaminate, require a laminating printer.
Note: Some card printers offer an option for a color ribbon with a fluorescent ink panel allowing you to strengthen the security of your card with ultraviolet (UV) fluorescent printing. Fluorescent ink can be seen only under UV light, which makes it easy to validate the authenticity of the card and prevents card forgery.
Secure Your Cards with Encoding Technology
Data features, such as barcodes, magnetic stripes, contactless smart cards, and more, add versatility and security, allowing badges to serve as more than just visual identification. Encoding technology has advanced over the years and a variety of advanced encoding options are now available on basic printers. Most card printers can print barcodes, but more advanced encoding features, such as smart card encoding, are only equipped on more advanced printer models.
Even if you plan to use badges only for visual identification now, consider possible future applications. You may not have the need or the budget for a card system that includes magnetic stripe or smart card encoding today, but you may in the next couple of years. Several printer manufacturers offer in-field upgrades to magnetic stripe encoding, smart card encoding, and card lamination.