ASSA ABLOY supplies security technology for Stuttgart library

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The central library is the first public building to be completed in the new Europaviertel (Europe Quarter) currently under development in Stuttgart. This cube-shaped 20,000-square-metre building is thus state-of-the-art in terms of both architecture and security technology.

Library security system

The Korean architect Eun Young Yi designed the building envelope to feature a double façade with glass bricks and entrances on all four sides, creating the new central library as an inspirational centre of knowledge and culture. ASSA ABLOY was awarded the contract for fitting the library with a security system. Specifications stated that the building entrances were to be equipped with electronic components that could be centrally managed and could integrate interior doors using mechatronic systems where required.

The new central library in Stuttgart is housed over a total of eleven floors. On the inside, architect Young Yi has created bright, wide spaces linked by numerous walkways. The centre of the building features a brightly lit atrium four storeys high with a skylight made of glass bricks, above which there is a funnel-shaped gallery space. The highest security level in the interior has been provided for the management, administration and data processing departments, for which the CLIQ® locking system has been used.

Complete control over keys

Each battery-powered CLIQ® key features an integrated chip for the key and locking cylinder, thus making them unique. Keys can be programmed individually for each user.

“System operators thus have control over their keys. CLIQ® excels thanks to its high flexibility when a key is lost or users require changes. Key access authorisations can be removed individually by reprogramming locking cylinders,” explains Andreas Wagener, Managing Director Sales and Marketing at ASSA ABLOY Germany. Access authorisations can also be enabled on a time-limited basis for external service providers such as tradesmen and cleaners.

Since opening, 500,000 books, films, sound storage media, newspapers, magazines, sheets of music, graphics and software packages are available to library visitors. The opening week saw performances and readings from the likes of philosopher Wilhelm Schmid and writer Hatice Akyün. There are also two regular guided tours – one based on the architecture and the other on the library itself. Security is hardly noticeable for visitors during tours, but is highly important for those who run the library.

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Andreas Wagener ASSA ABLOY

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According to the report, logins are less secure when accessing services in the cloud where they aren't protected by enterprise firewalls and security systems. Moreover, breaches were most commonly identified in organisations using cloud computing or where staff use personal devices (known as BYOD). According to the survey, 61% of UK organisations use cloud-based services. The figure is higher in banking and finance (74%), IT and communications (81%) and education (75%). Additionally, 45% of businesses have BYOD. This indicates a precarious situation. The majority of businesses hold personal data on users electronically and may be placing users at risk if their IT environments are not adequately protected. Hackers have developed a wide range of tools to crack passwords, and these are readily available within a couple of clicks on a search engine Hacking methodology In a recent exposé on LifeHacker, Internet standards expert John Pozadzides revealed multiple methods hackers use to bypass even the most secure passwords. According to John’s revelations, 20% of passwords are simple enough to guess using easily accessible information. But that doesn’t leave the remaining 80% safe. Hackers have developed a wide range of tools to crack passwords, and these are readily available within a couple of clicks on a search engine. Brute force attacks are one of the easiest methods, but criminals also use increasingly sophisticated phishing campaigns to fool users into handing over their passwords. Users expect organisations to protect their passwords and keep intruders out of their accounts Once a threat actor has access to one password, they can easily gain access to multiple accounts. 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If a login process is confusing, staff may be tempted to help themselves access the information they need by slipping out of secure habits. They may write their passwords down, share them with other members of staff, and may be more susceptible to social engineering attacks. So how do organisations strike the right balance? For many, Identity and Access Management solutions help to deliver secure access across the entire estate. It’s important though that these enable simplicity for the organisation, as well as users. Organisations need an IAM solution that will adapt to both of these factors, providing them with the ability to apply tough access policies when and where they are needed and prioritising swift access where it’s safe to do so Flexible IAM While IAM is highly recommended, organisations should seek solutions that offer the flexibility to define their own balance between a seamless end-user journey and the need for a high level of identity assurance. 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ASSA ABLOY supplies security technology for Stuttgart library

Library security system

Complete control over keys

People mentioned in this article

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