High-tech access control system improves efficiency, reduces IT costs for Tennessee-based credit union

NORTH CANTON, Ohio, Nov. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- An integrated physical and logical security solution from Diebold, Incorporated (NYSE: DBD) enables Ascend Federal Credit Union to enhance security, improve efficiency, reduce information technology (IT) costs and simplify access management at its corporate headquarters in Tullahoma, Tenn. The complete solution integrates physical and logical access control via smart card technology. It also includes managed access control and an Internet Protocol (IP) surveillance solution.

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"We turned to Diebold with the goal of improving efficiency and simplifying access management," said Missy Cleveland, assistant vice president, Ascend Federal Credit Union. "Diebold's solutions have helped us to achieve those goals while realizing additional benefits, such as increased asset protection and reduced help desk costs."

By working with Passlogix, a sign-on, provisioning and authentication solutions provider, Ascend deployed a smart card solution that allowed the credit union to migrate from traditional key and password controls to a single, secure card that permits access to both physical assets and computer applications. It utilizes the v-GO(®) SSO((TM)) Enterprise Single Sign-On (ESSO) solution, which is a part of Passlogix's Access Accelerator Suite. The ESSO and authentication password management solution allow users to log into a computer system just once using a single, highly secure credential. The smart card has helped Ascend virtually eliminate the need to enter passwords. This represents a time and cost savings for the credit union's IT staff, as help desk calls for password-related support have the potential to drain valuable IT resources.

"Integrating physical and logical access controls opens up several opportunities to streamline operations, enhance security and reduce duplicative efforts and costs," said Bradley J. Stephenson, vice president, Diebold Security division. "In the case of Ascend Federal Credit Union, the institution was able to consolidate access control management to a single computer server. That means one less system to manage and update, which frees up time and resources to address other security needs."

In the near future, Ascend plans to utilize Diebold's Managed Access Control solution to grant authorized personnel access to specific areas of branch locations with the option to define access by specific dates and times. Credit union security managers control access permissions and supervise the cardholder database using a secure Web site or by working directly with Diebold's Event Monitoring Center. Additionally, Diebold's Managed Access Control solution eliminates the need for Ascend to invest in front-end servers and software traditionally required by physical access control systems. This managed service also meets Ascend's disaster recovery and business continuity needs without requiring additional equipment or manpower investments.

Diebold is also providing Ascend with a pure-IP surveillance system enabling remote, web-based viewing and analysis in real time. In addition, the IP surveillance system helps Ascend quickly digitize and transmit video images, intrusion detection information, access control data and various reports.

While Diebold's solutions decreased Ascend's password requirements, the credit union chose to keep some password controls in place. To minimize help desk calls, Diebold installed a self-service password reset (SSPR) tool, which allows employees to reset passwords by answering specific personal questions.

About Diebold

Diebold, Incorporated is a global leader in providing integrated self-service delivery and security systems and services. Diebold employs more than 17,000 associates with representation in nearly 90 countries worldwide and is headquartered in Canton, Ohio, USA. Diebold is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol 'DBD.' For more information, visit the company's Web site at www.diebold.com, or visit www.diebold.com/150 to learn more about Diebold's 150-year history.

SOURCE Diebold, Incorporated

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