Time-based Access Control: How It Works and Why It Improves Security

Your team members might clock out at the end of the day, but security threats don’t. Staying on top of the who, what, and when of access permissions can feel never-ending, but the alternative (indefinite access) leaves you exposed.

A stolen credential, a malicious insider, or a simple mistake can have serious consequences. Without a system that automatically controls access, based on approved time windows, you’re exposed to unnecessary risk. This is where time-based access control (TBAC) comes in.

TBAC automatically restricts access to your physical and digital resources based on pre-defined schedules. This article explains what TBAC is, how it works, and why it's so important for your security. We’ll cover features, benefits, use cases, and best practices.

What is time-based access control?

Time-based access control (TBAC) grants or restricts an account holder's access to a resource based on a factor(s) like the day of the week, time of day, or a window of time.

TBAC automatically grants permissions when they’re needed and revokes them when they expire.

A simple way of thinking about a TBAC system is to imagine a key to your office that only works during business hours or for a contractor’s two-week project. When time’s up, the key automatically deactivates.

How time-based access control works

TBAC is a gamechanger because of two factors: automation and precision. Estimates put the percentage of data breaches due to human error at anything between 74% and a staggering 95%. TBAC removes human error from access management by following a simple workflow:

• Access schedules and permissions: Administrators configure access schedules in the central access control system. These schedules can be based on specific hours, days of the week, or even calendar dates. For example, your standard business hours or cleaning crew access.
• Approval and integration: These time-based permissions are then integrated with an account holder's identity and assigned role – or an emergency access policy. The system automatically activates an account holder’s permissions during the approved time windows. This ensures that their credential (e.g. keycard, fob, or mobile ID) only grants them access when the policy allows it.
• Automatic revocation: When the pre-defined period ends, the system automatically revokes access rights.
• Real-time monitoring: Every access event, whether granted or denied, is logged. This continuous monitoring provides a detailed, auditable trail of all access activity for security and compliance.

Time-based vs. task-based and role-based access control

TBAC is most effective as a component of a layered security strategy that includes other access control models. In the same way that TBAC grants access based on a schedule, Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) grants access based on an account holder's role or job function. Similarly, Resource/Task-Based Access Control (RTBAC or Just-in-Time (JIT)), grants temporary access for a specific task or a short, defined duration.

An optimized security system combines these models. For example, you might use RBAC to grant a server administrator access to the data center, with TBAC restricting that access to standard business hours. Or, you could use JIT access to grant a contractor entry to a secure facility for a specific window of time to complete a task.

By layering access control models, you create a system that is both maximally secure and flexible.

Key features of a time-based access control system

An effective TBAC should do a few things well, so that you can manage schedules in a simple yet secure way. Look for a system that is:

• Customizable. A robust system allows for highly customized schedules, including recurring rules for daily operations, weekly shifts, or annual holidays. You should be able to create granular policies for different groups of account holders.
• Integrated. The system should seamlessly integrate with all your access points, as well as digital systems and applications.
• Allowing for temporary controls. A powerful TBAC should easily provision and manage temporary access for visitors, vendors, and contractors. You’ll find you regularly need to grant access for a specific duration, then automatically revoke it when the period expires.
• Alerts. The system should generate instant alerts when an unauthorized access attempt occurs.
• Audit logs. An effective TBAC system provides a detailed, timestamped record of every access event for audits, investigations, and compliance.

Benefits of time-based access control

Implementing a TBAC has significant operational and security advantages for any organization. There will be specific ways in which you’ll benefit, based on your personnel, industry, and ways of working, but most organizations consistently report the following benefits.

Reducing unauthorized access

By automatically restricting access to approved time windows, TBAC eliminates the risk of an account holder accessing sensitive areas or systems when they are not supposed to, such as on weekends, holidays, or late at night.

Minimizing insider threat

TBAC aligns with the security principle of least privilege. By ensuring that account holders only have access for as long as they need, you reduce the possibility of an insider threat or a compromised credential causing damage.

Supporting shift-based operations

TBAC is ideal for organizations with shift-based workforces, such as manufacturing plants or healthcare facilities. It automatically lets account holders on a particular shift into the relevant zone, improving operational efficiency and accountability.

Improving compliance

Many organizations need to prove they have tight control over access to sensitive data and critical infrastructure. TBAC provides audit trails and demonstrates the alignment between access control and security policy.

Automating temporary access

TBAC automates the process of granting temporary access, which eliminates the administrative burden and potential human error of manually provisioning and deprovisioning access for short-term contractors or vendors.

Common use cases for time-based access control

TBAC is incredibly versatile. You’ll find this tool used across a wide range of industries and environments, being applied in multiple ways within a single organization.

Office buildings

A common use case for TBAC is to restrict access to an office building after hours, on weekends, or national holidays. This way only authorized personnel can enter the building during these times.

Schools and universities

Schools and universities can use TBAC to restrict access to dormitories, libraries, and laboratories based on student IDs and access hours, protecting campus safety.

Manufacturing plants

A manufacturing plant can use TBAC to grant access to specific production areas on a particular shift for maximum operational efficiency and accountability.

Data centers

A data center can use TBAC to restrict access to a server room on weekends or holidays, crucial for data security and compliance.

Event venues

An event venue can use TBAC to provide time-limited passes to a specific area of the venue, such as a backstage area or a VIP lounge.

Challenges of managing time-based access control

While TBAC offers significant benefits, there are times and scenarios in which it can present issues. None of these should put you off investigating TBAC for your organization, but you should always be aware of the limitations and risks of any tool – that way, you can build-in mitigations from the start.

• Complexity: As the number of account holders and access points grows, managing schedules can become complex. You need a central management system that can handle granular policies and give a clear view of all schedules.
• Emergencies: In an emergency, you may need to grant access outside of an approved time window. The system must be able to handle these exceptions without compromising security.
• Disruption: A misconfigured schedule can prevent legitimate access, disrupting operations. Systems must provide a clear view of all schedules and allow for easy configuration and testing.
• Integration: Integrating TBAC with older systems may need expensive upgrades. Ideally, your chosen TBAC will integrate with your existing systems.

How Acre Security delivers secure time-based access control solutions

Acre Security understands the need for secure, schedule-driven access. We focus on simplifying time-based access with powerful platforms that are built to handle both granular policies and large-scale employee rosters and access points.

Our access control solutions seamlessly integrate with your existing systems, new and old. Your TBAC system is scalable and flexible to your unique needs, and everything can be managed from a single, user-friendly platform.

We have a team of experts on hand to help you with implementation and maintenance. It’s our job and our pleasure to help you build a system that protects your organization.

Call time on risky unlimited access

Simply controlling who has access is no longer enough. The next-generation approach is to also control when that access is granted. Time-based access control provides a smart, automated layer of defense that removes manual effort and human error from access management.

TBAC strengthens your security, mitigates against insider threats, and streamlines operations in busy environments. It’s an essential part of a layered strategy that will keep your security protocols always working, even when you're not.

Ready to strengthen your defenses? Contact us today.