As organizations move toward digital transformation, mobile credentials are setting new standards in secure, convenient access. Yet myths about complexity, security, and reliability persist, often rooted in misunderstandings of the technology. In this post, we’re tackling the top 10 myths surrounding mobile credentials to separate fact from fiction. For a deeper dive into real-world examples and actionable insights, be sure to download our comprehensive white paper.
Cost and Implementation
Myth #1: Implementing mobile credentials is expensive and requires a complete overhaul of existing systems.
Reality: While there are initial costs, mobile credentials frequently lead to long-term savings by reducing the need for physical card replacements and ongoing maintenance. Many modern access systems support mobile credentials, making it possible to upgrade without a complete system overhaul. This misconception often arises because upfront costs are seen as recurring, whereas mobile credentials, in the long run, reduce dependency on physical cards, cutting reissuance and maintenance costs.
Furthermore, some providers offer flexible, budget-friendly programs that ease the transition. For example, certain manufacturers have backward-compatible readers that support both physical and mobile credentials, allowing organizations to phase in mobile credentials without immediately discarding existing hardware.
Quick Fact: According to recent studies, up to 32% of organizations see cost savings as a significant advantage of mobile credentials. Download our white paper for more insights.
Myth #5: A smooth transition to mobile credentials is unrealistically difficult.
Reality: Implementing mobile credentials doesn’t have to be disruptive. Many organizations find that a phased transition is highly effective, allowing different departments or teams to adopt mobile credentials at their own pace. This gradual approach minimizes disruption and enables organizations to fine-tune their processes, address challenges, and adjust according to feedback.
A dual-credential approach—where employees can use either physical or mobile credentials—supports user comfort during the change. This kind of phased implementation provides flexibility, making it easier to spread costs over time and fit the project within operational budgets.
Real-World Example: Vodafone’s headquarters used a phased approach to introduce mobile credentials with minimal disruption. For a more detailed example, download the full white paper.
Employee Adoption and Ease of Use
Myth #2: It’s hard to get employees to adopt mobile credentials.
Reality: Employees are often more adaptable than expected, especially when it involves using something they’re already carrying—their smartphones. Mobile credentials leverage familiar technology, making the switch feel like a natural extension of smartphone functionality. When compared to traditional cards, mobile credentials reduce the hassle of misplaced cards and offer streamlined, reliable access.
Moreover, digital wallets and apps make the experience of managing credentials intuitive and user-friendly. Employees can access credentials at any time and avoid the need to carry an additional card, a convenience that most people welcome.
Real-World Example: Employees at a European research center quickly adopted mobile credentials, citing the convenience of smartphone-based access. Read the white paper to see more on how employee preferences support adoption.
Myth #3: You can only have one mobile credential per wallet card.
Reality: Contrary to this myth, mobile credential technology allows multiple credentials to be stored within a single digital wallet. This flexibility is crucial for employees who need access to various locations or buildings. Multiple credentials can be updated and managed remotely without the hassle of reissuing physical cards.
For organizations with multi-site operations, this feature provides a significant advantage, ensuring employees have access to multiple areas without carrying multiple physical cards.
Quick Fact: For example, HID Seos technology supports multiple secure identities on one device, offering flexibility for various applications beyond physical access.
Myth #4: Your digital credential won’t work if your phone’s battery is dead.
Reality: With advancements in NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, many smartphones today have a “power reserve” feature that enables mobile credentials to work even when the phone’s battery appears drained. Apple’s “Express Mode” and similar features on some Android devices allow users to access secure areas for several hours after a phone’s battery is low. Unlike Bluetooth, NFC doesn’t require the phone to be powered on to function, which ensures users can rely on mobile credentials even in low-battery situations.
This feature can be particularly valuable in environments where employees may not have immediate access to a charger, such as hospitals, manufacturing sites, and large corporate campuses.
Quick Fact: Apple’s Express Mode and similar features enable NFC to function for up to five hours after the battery is depleted.
Myth #8: Mobile credentials won’t work in areas with poor cell service or Wi-Fi.
Reality: Mobile credentials are designed to work offline by using NFC or Bluetooth technology, which do not rely on cellular or Wi-Fi connections for daily access. Credentials are securely stored on the phone, so daily use is unaffected by connectivity issues. Internet access is only necessary for initial setup or periodic updates, making mobile credentials highly reliable in low-connectivity environments.
This feature is particularly advantageous in remote work sites or secure facilities, where access must be maintained independently of network availability.
Real-World Example: A hospitality chain successfully adopted mobile credentials in remote locations with limited network coverage. Download our white paper to explore other real-world solutions for low-connectivity environments.
Security and Compliance
Myth #6: Mobile credentials compromise security on personal devices.
Reality: Mobile credentials are built with security in mind. Digital credentials are stored within secure elements on the smartphone, such as the Secure Enclave on iPhones, and are protected by advanced encryption and biometric authentication. The credentials remain isolated from other data on the phone, making unauthorized access extremely difficult.
Furthermore, organizations have the ability to control and revoke access remotely, ensuring security even if a device is lost or stolen. This myth often overlooks the multiple layers of protection provided by smartphones, which make mobile credentials more secure than traditional cards.
Real-World Example: Boeing leverages the built-in security features of smartphones in its mobile credential system, using multi-factor authentication that combines mobile credentials with biometric verification for enhanced security.
Myth #9: Mobile credentials can’t keep up with stringent industry regulations.
Reality: Mobile credentials are designed to comply with regulatory standards across industries. They enable granular access control, encrypted communication, and detailed audit trails. In healthcare, mobile credentials can align with HIPAA requirements by restricting access to sensitive areas and records. In the finance sector, they meet PCI DSS standards, securing both physical and logical access.
Organizations concerned with regulatory compliance find that mobile credentials are a valuable tool for monitoring access, maintaining privacy, and upholding industry standards.
Quick Fact: NIST recognizes mobile credentials as a valid multi-factor authentication method for high-security environments, underscoring their role in regulatory compliance.
Future Viability
Myth #10: Mobile credentials are just a fad, not a long-term solution.
Reality: Market data and industry trends indicate that mobile credentials are here to stay. The global market for mobile credentials is forecasted to grow significantly, with adoption rates steadily rising as more organizations recognize the security, convenience, and cost benefits. Far from being a trend, mobile credentials are shaping the future of access control by offering a sustainable, strategic alternative to traditional cards.
With growing adoption in education, corporate, and government settings, mobile credentials are rapidly becoming the new standard for secure access. Their benefits in convenience, security, and operational efficiency make them a lasting solution for access control.
Real-World Example: Over 100 universities in the U.S., including the University of Alabama and Duke University, have implemented mobile credentials for student IDs, indicating a major shift toward mobile credentials in the education sector.
Conclusion
Each of these myths reflects common hesitations, yet the reality tells a different story. Mobile credentials provide a secure, cost-effective, and convenient solution for today’s access control needs. Moving beyond misconceptions, organizations can make informed decisions that improve security, reduce costs, and create a streamlined experience for users.
If you’re ready to dive deeper into real-world examples, further insights, and a full breakdown of each myth, download our comprehensive white paper to get the complete story on mobile credentialing.
