--- title: "RFID Cards, Fobs & PIN Access Control Explained | Qyvea Kenya" url: https://qyvea.co.ke/rfid-cards-and-pin-access-kenya description: "RFID card and PIN access control explained: 125kHz proximity vs 13.56MHz smart cards, key fobs, PIN keypads, security differences and when to use each." updated: 2026-10-17 --- > Markdown copy of https://qyvea.co.ke/rfid-cards-and-pin-access-kenya for AI assistants. Prices and stock change; check the live page. 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The person who left last month may still be able to walk in. Read on: it takes a few minutes and could save you a lot more than that. **In this guide you will see:** - 125kHz proximity: cheap, common, easy to clone. - 13.56MHz smart cards: better security when set up with encryption. - PIN: convenient but easily shared; change codes regularly. Quick answer RFID cards and fobs carry an ID that a reader picks up at short range. Older 125kHz proximity cards are simple and cheap but easy to copy; 13.56MHz smart cards (such as MIFARE types) can be more secure when configured properly. PIN keypads need no hardware but codes get shared, so they work best as a second factor or for temporary access. [Photo: Jakub Zerdzicki / Unsplash](https://unsplash.com/photos/36K2PZYNfcM) Why this matters now ## Every day with uncontrolled doors is a day you cannot say who was inside. ### If you wait - Keys copied and never returned - A leaver who still holds access - No record of who entered the store room ### What you get - Cards, fingerprints or faces set by door and by hour - Remove a person in one click - A log of every entry [Rosslare AC G44 Reader](/products/rosslare-ac-g44-reader-22147 "Rosslare AC G44 Reader")[ZKTeco ZK LMB -2805](/products/zkteco-zk-lmb-2805-maglock-2637 "ZKTeco ZK LMB -2805 MAGLOCK")[Dahua DH-ARD312 access controller](/products/dahua-dh-ard312-access-controller-13950 "Dahua DH-ARD312 access controller") [Get my free quote on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/254113301244?text=Hi%20Qyvea%2C%20I%20read%20your%20guide%3A%20RFID%20Cards%2C%20Fobs%20%26%20PIN%20Access%20Explained.%20I%20want%20access%20control%20sorted.%20Can%20you%20help%3F)Reply usually within 30 minutes. Free site survey in Nairobi and nearby counties. Real products, live prices, in stock now ## Key takeaways - 125kHz proximity: cheap, common, easy to clone. - 13.56MHz smart cards: better security when set up with encryption. - PIN: convenient but easily shared; change codes regularly. - Card + PIN or card + biometric raises security for sensitive doors. ## The credential types | Type | How it works | Security note | | --- | --- | --- | | 125kHz proximity card/fob | Reader reads a fixed ID number | Easy to copy with cheap tools | | 13.56MHz smart card (e.g. MIFARE) | Card can store encrypted data | More secure if encryption is actually used | | PIN keypad | User types a code | Codes get shared or watched | | Card + PIN | Both needed | Stronger: a lost card alone won't open the door | ## Where each fits **Main office doors**: Card or biometric, with logs **Server room / store**: Card + PIN or biometric **Staff gates**: Card or biometric with schedules **Temporary contractors**: PIN or temporary card, auto-expiring **Visitors**: QR or temporary PIN ## Good practice - Disable lost cards immediately in the software - Don't use one shared PIN for everyone - Change PINs when staff leave - Use smart cards for new installations where copying is a concern - Keep a record of which card belongs to whom ## Frequently asked questions Can RFID cards be copied? Older 125kHz proximity cards can be copied easily. Smart cards with encryption are much harder to copy. Is PIN access secure? On its own it's convenient but weak, because codes get shared. Combined with a card or biometric it's much stronger. Can one reader take cards and PINs? Yes, many readers combine a card reader and keypad, and can require both. ## Why customers choose Qyvea **Genuine brands**: Manufacturer warranty on what we sell, so you are not gambling on the box. **One team, start to finish**: The people who advise you also install and support it. **Fast answers**: WhatsApp replies usually within 30 minutes, and delivery within 24 hours in Nairobi. **Easy to buy**: Pay by M-Pesa, bank transfer or card. Free delivery in Nairobi on orders over KES 5,000. **Risk taken off you**: 7-day returns and exchanges on products, and a workmanship warranty on installations. **Customers say so**: Rated 4.6/5 from 57 Google reviews. **Your next step takes one minute:** send us a photo of the place on WhatsApp and we will tell you what it needs. ## Related articles [Access Control · Technology Explained Access Control Explained: How Door Access Systems Work Reader, controller, lock, exit device and software: how a door decides who gets in, and what happens when the power fails. 3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-explained-kenya)[Access Control · Guide Access Control Planning Guide Which doors to control, which credentials to use, and why. 3 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-planning-guide-kenya)[Estates & Integration · Guide Estate Access Control System Resident access control for estates and gated communities in Kenya: biometric, card, PIN and mobile credentials, one resident database, schedules… 2 min read**READ FULL ARTICLE →**](https://qyvea.co.ke/estate-access-control-system-kenya) ### Related services [Access Control](https://qyvea.co.ke/door-access-control-kenya)[Access Control Repair](https://qyvea.co.ke/access-control-system-repair-kenya) ### Related products [ZKTeco F22 fingerprint reader](https://qyvea.co.ke/zkteco-f22-fingerprint-reader-kenya) ### Related projects [Biometric access control installation](https://qyvea.co.ke/projects#biometric-case-study) [← Previous**My Customers Crowd the Counter and Walk Out. How Do I Manage the Queue?**](https://qyvea.co.ke/queue-system-for-pharmacies-supermarkets-and-service-centres-kenya)[Next →**: Turnstile Gate Dimensions and Space Planning**](https://qyvea.co.ke/turnstile-gate-dimensions-kenya) ## Need this system installed? Talk to Qyvea. We design, install and maintain it. Chat with us — 30 min response --- **Qyvea Limited** · Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya (delivery only, no walk-in pickup) · serving all 47 counties Phone/WhatsApp: [+254 113 301 244](https://wa.me/254113301244) · Email: info@qyvea.co.ke · Shop: [qyvea.co.ke/products](https://qyvea.co.ke/products) · Facts: [qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts](https://qyvea.co.ke/qyvea-facts)