CML CML Access Control & Electromechanical Systems 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'Wiegand' refer to in access control systems?
- A type of electromagnetic lock
- A communication protocol used between card readers and access control panels (Correct answer)
- A brand of proximity card
- A door contact standard
Correct answer: A communication protocol used between card readers and access control panels
Wiegand is a widely-used serial data protocol that transmits card data (typically 26-bit format) from a reader to an access control panel.
Question 2: Which type of credential provides the HIGHEST security against cloning attacks in modern access control?
- 125 kHz proximity (prox) cards
- Magnetic stripe cards
- 13.56 MHz smart cards with mutual authentication (e.g., MIFARE DESFire) (Correct answer)
- Wiegand cards
Correct answer: 13.56 MHz smart cards with mutual authentication (e.g., MIFARE DESFire)
13.56 MHz smart cards using encrypted mutual authentication are significantly harder to clone than older 125 kHz proximity cards, which can be copied with inexpensive readers.
Question 3: A 'request to exit' (REX) device in an access-controlled door is used to:
- Grant entry from the outside secured side
- Signal the access control system that an authorized user is exiting, preventing a door-forced alarm (Correct answer)
- Automatically lock the door after exit
- Control the door's hold-open time
Correct answer: Signal the access control system that an authorized user is exiting, preventing a door-forced alarm
A REX device signals the panel that egress is intentional, which suppresses the door-forced alarm that would otherwise trigger when the door opens from the secured side.
Question 4: What is 'tailgating' (also called 'piggybacking') in physical security?
- Mounting access control hardware on the door's tail end
- An unauthorized person following an authorized person through an access-controlled door without using their own credential (Correct answer)
- Running multiple card readers off one controller
- Wiring REX sensors in series
Correct answer: An unauthorized person following an authorized person through an access-controlled door without using their own credential
Tailgating is a social engineering vulnerability where an unauthorized individual gains access by following closely behind a credential holder through a secured door.
Question 5: When a CML installs an electric strike on a hollow metal door frame, which step is critical to prevent premature failure?
- Using only adhesive to secure the strike in the frame cutout
- Ensuring the strike is rated for the door's swing direction (LH, RH, LHR, RHR) and properly mounting with the supplied fasteners (Correct answer)
- Wiring the strike in a normally-open configuration by default
- Avoiding any silicone sealant near the strike
Correct answer: Ensuring the strike is rated for the door's swing direction (LH, RH, LHR, RHR) and properly mounting with the supplied fasteners
Installing an electric strike with the wrong handing or using incorrect fasteners can cause misalignment, mechanical failure, and void the product warranty.
Question 6: Which ANSI grade of cylindrical lockset is recommended for commercial high-traffic exterior access-controlled doors?
- ANSI Grade 3
- ANSI Grade 2
- ANSI Grade 1 (Correct answer)
- No ANSI rating is required for electrified hardware
Correct answer: ANSI Grade 1
ANSI Grade 1 is the highest commercial-grade rating and is required for high-traffic exterior doors to ensure durability and security under demanding conditions.
CML CML Access Control & Electromechanical Systems 2
What does 'Wiegand' refer to in access control systems?