[Noisebridge-discuss] KISS solution to Access control & Safety

Jonathan Lassoff jof at thejof.com
Wed Feb 8 20:02:14 UTC 2012


On Wed, Feb 8, 2012 at 11:58 AM, Alexander Mayer <amayer at alum.mit.edu> wrote:
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/KISS_principle
> KISS is an acronym for the design principle articulated by Kelly Johnson, Keep it simple, Stupid!
> (Kelly Johnson is one of the greatest engineers that ever lived.)
>
> KISS SOLUTION:
> Put a ruggedized keypad at the gate downstairs (not a lock, just a keypad input device linked to a computer in the space.)
>
> Each authorized person in Noisebridge can have there own private, easily-remembered code of not less than 7 digits (e.g., a parent's phone number) in the access database (e.g., MySQL).
>
> When someone at the outside gate enters a code that is in the database, a unique indicator goes off in the Noisebridge space; this immediately tells everyone that the person who wants to come in is pre-authorized to be buzzed in.
>
> If someone only hits the buzzer (i.e., doorbell), it immediately tells everyone that an unknown person is requesting access to the space; someone needs to make the effort to go downstairs and check them out before letting them in.
>
> Additionally, the linked database will conveniently track space usage statistics, which is useful.

I like this line of thinking, though is it really "simple" compared a key? :p

> Physical keys to the space should be distributed very judiciously! Note: If a key-holder loses their key, they must personally pay for replacing the lock and all keys possessed by other persons, otherwise over time there will be no security because there will be keys in random hands.

I think this goes a little too far, IMHO, considering just how easy it
is to pick the lock.

--j



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