Key takeaways
- Verkada’s Access Control system is comprised of a cloud-based platform that works seamlessly with various proprietary hardware, like door controllers, readers, and security cameras.
- Verkada pricing includes recurring licensing fees, and hardware comes with a 10-year warranty.
- In 2021, Verkada experienced a security breach that exposed customers’ live camera feeds, causing the company to enhance their cybersecurity protocols.
- Verkada supports a wide range of credentials managed through Verkada Command, a centralized dashboard allowing you to monitor your system across a single asset or multiple buildings.
Verkada is a prominent brand in the access control and security industry. Their proprietary solutions are popular amongst commercial and multifamily properties, but is Verkada’s cloud-based access control the right choice for you?
Well, you’ll learn everything you need in our in-depth Verkada Access Control review. You’ll find a deep dive into Verkada’s Access Control features, pros and cons, and potential alternatives to consider.
This post covers the following:
- About Verkada
- Verkada’s cloud platform
- Overview of Verkada Access Control
- Verkada Acess Control review
- FAQs
- Verkada vs. ButterflyMX
About Verkada
Verkada was founded in 2012. What started as a video security camera provider has become the manufacturer of many product lines that work seamlessly with a software-first approach. Verkada products and services work together to minimize their customers’ security risks and maximize cost reduction.
The Verkada Access Control system is dedicated to simplifying building entry with easy-to-use cloud-based solutions for every door throughout your property.
Verkada’s cloud platform
Verkada offers cloud-based access control solutions for single and multi-door enterprise-class properties. Their hardware connects directly to Verkada Command, a cloud-based software platform that enables you to manage and monitor activity throughout your property from a single dashboard.
Verkada Command offers the following features:
- Customized access settings. Manage access permissions through various integrations, create new access levels or door schedules, or edit access groups at scale through a centralized access platform.
- Security camera integration. Pair Verkada Security Cameras alongside your access control system to monitor door access events.
- Real-time insights. View a floor plan of your building that gives you real-time insights into the property’s activity, such as door openings or camera footage.
- Credential management. Create employee badges within Verkada Command or integrate with your own system to automate credential management.
- Lockdowns. Click a single button to activate a security lockdown for greater security across your facility. Lockdowns can be activated for a single door, area, or property-wide.
Overview of Verkada Access Control
Verkada’s Access Control offers a solution for managing building access through a combination of cloud-based software and proprietary hardware. Their Access Control hardware consists of many parts, all of which you’ll learn about below.
Here is a breakdown of Verkada’s Access Control:
Door Controllers
Verkada offers five different door controller models designed for different use cases:
Door Readers
When it comes to access control readers, Verkada offers two different models: the sleek AD34 and the keypad AD64.
Let’s break down how Verkada’s readers differ.
AD34 Door Reader:
- Sleek and modern design
- IP65 and IK08 ratings for weather and impact resistance, respectively
- Compatible with NFC and proxy cards
- Works with Apple Wallet
- May be configured to allow access via Bluetooth or hand wave
- Available in single-gang or mullion form factors
- Built-in LED lights give feedback for access granted, denied, and lockdowns
AD64 Door Reader:
- Robust and modern design with built-in keypad
- IP65 and IK08 ratings
- Compatible with proxy cards and NFC access control credentials
- Supports Apple and Android NFC devices
- May be configured to allow access via Bluetooth or hand wave
- Keypad supports 6- to 14-digit PIN codes
- LED feedback for granted or revoked access and lockdown states
Wireless Locks
Verkada integrates with several series of smart locks for several key areas where traditional access control is unsuitable, such as apartments, classrooms, cabinets, and storage areas.
The wireless lock brands and series supported by Verkada include:
ASSA ABLOY
- Aerio Series
- IP Series
Schlage
- AD Series
- Engage Series
- Control Series
Credentials
Verkada’s Access Control system has several types of credentials to meet the demands of your property.
Choose from the following:
- Proximity cards. Continue using your existing badge system by integrating it with Verkada’s Access Control.
- DESFire EV3 Credentials. Verkada’s card and fob system helps protect your organization’s data with encrypted physical credentials.
- Mobile NFC. Empower employees or residents to use their phones as a traditional badge by using mobile NFC technology. This way, users can grant themselves access using Apple Wallet or Android NFC.
- Bluetooth. Use the Verkada Pass app to grant touchless and remote entry into the property or even initiate lockdowns from the same interface.
- Mobile app. Take advantage of the Verkada Pass and Command Mobile apps to unlock doors throughout the property for yourself or your guests.
- License Plate Recognition (LPR). If you have either of Verkada’s CB52 or CB62 Security Cameras, you can use license plate recognition as a vehicle access control method.
Watch how ButterflyMX works:
Verkada Access Control review
Navigate this Verkada Access Control review:
Features
- Unlimited scaling. Growth is inevitable in a thriving property, but your operation won’t outgrow Verkada’s unlimited doors, credentials, and buildings available through its centralized management platform.
- Remote administration. Property managers and building owners who are on the move can manage their systems remotely using Verkada’s cloud-based OS.
- Bluetooth accessibility. With Verkada’s access control system, your smartphone becomes your credential to increase security and convenience.
- Emergency lockdown. Guard against life-threatening security breaches with Verkada’s cloud-based lockdown. Employees, families, students, and faculty remain safe with a single tap by administrators.
- View real-time access control events. Security is enhanced by the ability to detect tailgating and other real-time entry events.
- Proactive alerts. Verkada’s system allows users to establish rules for receiving texts and email alerts to detect entry events as they happen.
Verkada pricing
Here are all the MSRP prices we’ve found that are associated with Verkada’s Access Control:
Important note: The prices listed above are subject to change. For the most up-to-date pricing, contact Verkada directly.
Pros & cons
Pros:
- The hardware comes with a 10-year warranty.
- A centralized cloud platform enables you to manage multiple access points or properties from a single location.
- Verkada enables you to view real-time insights into your property’s access with a floor plan feature.
- Supports multiple types of credentials with multiple options ranging from physical to smartphones.
- The emergency lockdown feature provides a quick and efficient method of responding to potential security threats.
- Verkada allows you to integrate access control and surveillance systems seamlessly.
Cons:
- Potentially limited third-party software and hardware integrations.
- Some users have reported that the search features in the interface could be improved.
- Supported smart lock integrations may seem limited to some.
- Verkada faced a notable security breach in 2021, raising some concerns about data privacy and potential system vulnerabilities in the future.
FAQs
- What happened to Verkada?
- What is the lawsuit against Verkada?
- Does Verkada do access control?
- Who is Verkada’s biggest competitor?
- How many customers does Verkada have?
What happened to Verkada?
In March 2021, Verkada experienced a security breach where a hacking group gained unauthorized access to its internal systems.
The hackers exploited an administrator account to access live video feeds and archived footage from Verkada cameras deployed across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and enterprise. The breach exposed vulnerabilities in Verkada’s system and led to criticism regarding its cybersecurity practices.
What is the lawsuit against Verkada?
Verkada faced legal and reputational challenges stemming from a 2021 security breach where hackers gained unauthorized access to over 150,000 cameras, exposing live footage from schools, hospitals, and businesses.
Following the breach, Verkada became subject to lawsuits and increased scrutiny regarding its security protocols and data privacy measures. The lawsuits primarily focused on concerns about insufficient cybersecurity safeguards and the misuse of video surveillance data.
Does Verkada do access control?
Yes, Verkada provides a cloud-based access control system designed for commercial and multifamily buildings.
Who is Verkada’s biggest competitor?
Verkada’s biggest competitors include these major access control companies:
- ButterflyMX
- Avigilon
- Kisi
How many customers does Verkada have?
As of recent estimates, Verkada serves over 28,000 customers globally. Its clients range from small businesses to large enterprises, including commercial offices, schools, hospitals, and government organizations.
Verkada vs. ButterflyMX
Both Verkada and ButterflyMX offer cloud-based access control systems, but they differ in many areas, such as flexibility and features.
Verkada’s strengths lie in video surveillance and integration with access control systems, allowing you to monitor your property and revive live updates from a centralized dashboard. Additionally, Verkada’s 10-year hardware warranty adds great value for long-term reliability.
However, Verkada’s Access Control may lack the flexibility your property requires.
Alternatively, ButterflyMX offers a more versatile and user-friendly access control experience designed specifically for multifamily and commercial buildings of all sizes. Known for our modern, mobile-first approach, ButterflyMX supports a wide range of credentials and integrates seamlessly with numerous third-party hardware and software.
Most importantly, ButterflyMX offers a property-wide access control solution, meaning you can manage access to any part of your property from a single dashboard. Our Access Control enables you to manage your property from the front door and elevators to amenity spaces, individual apartments, garages, and beyond.
Disclaimer: ButterflyMX provides these blog posts to help our customers and potential customers make the right business decisions for them. Our blog posts are based on the information we have available to us at the time of writing.