What is Anti Passback System (APB) in Access Control?

A Anti Passback System (APB) is used to make sure that access cards are used appropriately. Cardholders must swipe out of a designated area in order to reenter it according to this system. Employees must swipe their cards to enter and exit an office building that has an anti-passback system installed at the main door.

The card can only be used to re-enter the building if the exit procedure has been completed and the exit time has been recorded.

By preventing card swapping and tailgating, this method successfully restricts entry to restricted areas to those who are permitted. Anti passback system give an extra degree of security to prevent unwanted entry, making them especially crucial in high-security settings like data centers, parking lots, and labs.

How does Anti Passback System works?

The anti-passback system controls access by requiring that access cards be used in a specific sequence.

For each swipe at an “in” reader, the card must be swiped at the “out” reader before it can be used at the “in” reader again. This process works smoothly in scenarios like a parking lot, where a driver swipes their card at the “in” reader to enter and at the “out” reader to exit.

As long as the sequence follows an “in – out – in – out” pattern, the system functions correctly.

However, if a driver swipes their card to enter and then hands it to a friend, the card will be blocked from use because it would create an “in – in” sequence, violating the anti-passback rules, and access will be denied.

The anti passback system minimizes the possibility of unwanted access. It prohibits the reuse of access cards. The system ensures that cards are only valid after the user has left the area.

Anti Passback System have the following main benefits in access control

  1. Enhanced Security: The anti passback system prevents the same card from being used to re-enter the same or another area without a proper exit. This effectively stops unauthorized individuals from gaining access by borrowing someone else’s card. As a result, it improves overall security.

  2. Prevention of Card Misuse: The system stops people from using access cards inappropriately, such as by passing or lending them to others. This helps to reduce the risk of card misuse and unauthorized access.

  3. Monitoring and Tracking: The system records entry and exit times, which is useful for auditing, monitoring, and tracking. It helps in understanding who entered or exited which areas at what times, aiding in responding to unusual activities.

  4. Reduction of Security Vulnerabilities: The system prevents unauthorized access to sensitive areas. This helps reduce security vulnerabilities from lost, stolen, or misused cards.

  5. Increased Management Efficiency: The automated nature of anti passback reduces the need for manual monitoring. This improvement enhances the efficiency of managing and maintaining the access control system.

  6. Enhanced Compliance: For organizations that need to meet specific security and compliance standards, an anti passback system helps. It ensures adherence to these standards. It helps avoid compliance issues that could arise from access control failures.

Implementing an anti passback system allows organizations to effectively manage and control access to restricted areas. This enhances overall security and minimizes potential risks.

Anti Tailgating VS Anti Passback

Although they address different security concerns, Anti Tailgating and Anti Passback are both methods used in access control systems. They manage and restrict entry to secure locations.

Anti Tailgating :

  • Definition: Technology designed to stop illegal users from tailgating authorized users into regions that are off-limits. Tailgating is the practice of entering a building through an access control point by surreptitiously entering behind a legitimate user.
  • Measures: Usually, sensors, cameras, or other technology incorporated into access control systems are used to handle this. For example, after a user enters, the access control system can temporarily keep the door closed. This prevents others from entering immediately.

Anti Passback :

  • Definition: Access cards and credentials cannot be loaned to unauthorized users by means of anti-passback technology. When someone lends their access card to another individual, it’s known as passback. The recipient can then enter using the borrowed card.
  • Measures: This often involves tracking entry and exit times and locations. The system enforces regulations to prevent using the same card from different locations or more than once. For example, the system might require a card used to enter a building to be used for exiting before re-entry. Alternatively, the system might restrict the card’s use to specific areas only.

Anti-Tailgating aims to stop illegal entry by preventing unauthorized individuals from following authorized workers. On the other hand, Anti-Passback addresses the issue of card sharing or misuse. Both methods are essential for enhancing security.

What is Soft Anti Passback?

A typical security feature in access control systems is Soft Anti Passback. It guards against unwanted access or the misuse of login credentials. It is a more adaptable and user-friendly anti-passback system than the conventional ones. This is an explanation of how it functions:

Traditional Anti Passback

In a Traditional Anti Passback System, a credential (such as a keycard) used to enter a secure area must be used to leave the area before re-entering it.

This prevents someone from using their credential to enter the secure area. It also stops them from allowing another person to enter without leaving the area themselves.

Soft Anti Passback

This method offers greater flexibility and leniency. Unlike classic anti-passback, it usually involves a system that monitors credential movement within the access control system without enforcing rigid rules. As an illustration:

  • Grace Periods: You can specify the length of time or the number of re-entries allowed before the system enforces anti passback regulations.

  • Partial Checks: Only in specific situations or regions will the system look for passback violations.

  • User Notifications: When a possible passback violation occurs, the system may alert users. It may also notify security staff. Instead of simply refusing access, these alerts provide additional information.

Soft Anti Passback balances security and user convenience. It reduces the chance of unwanted access. At the same time, it accommodates the needs and habits of authorized users.


If you are considering adding an anti passback systems to your home or office, contact HIK Technology now.

Located conveniently in Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia, we offer the expertise and skills to enhance your security with state of the art anti passback solutions at an affordable price. We will assist you with all your access control needs, ensuring your facility is secure and well-managed.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top