Starting January 19, a mobile access pass was added as a new method for entering campus buildings at GIST. To learn why the mobile access pass was introduced and how it exactly functions, GIST News spoke with the Safety Team.
Improving Vulnerabilities with an Integrated Security System
The existing GIST ID card (also known as the “student ID card”) has been issued in the form of an IC card, following a contract with Woori Bank, GIST’s primary partner bank. However, the previous access-control card readers did not read the IC chip information directly for access; instead, they read only the general unique identification number of the card, where this structure is vulnerable to card duplication.
Later on, the mobile access pass began being reviewed after the student council submitted civil complaints requesting mobile access functionality in March of 2022 and 2023. It was introduced after the student council members hoped to improve both convenience and security. With this technology, anti-hacking functions and encryption solutions have been applied, making duplication difficult and compensating for the shortcomings of the existing IC card system.
GIST’s original access-control system was a product from a small-to-medium business that had been installed and operated since the institute’s founding. Because hardware and software upgrades were not continuously carried out, there were operational difficulties. To improve this situation, GIST began initiating the introduction of an integrated security-guard system in May of 2024, where it eventually came into effect on January 1, 2026. Moreover, the mobile access pass is part of this system.
With the introduction of the integrated security-guard system, access-control operations that were previously performed directly by GIST are now carried out by “S1 Corporation”, a professional unmanned security service provider. This is expected to strengthen security, improve work efficiency, and reduce budget costs. Major components of the integrated system include building an integrated security control room and installing new access-control systems, CCTVs, emergency bells in outdoor areas and women’s restrooms, leak detectors, wiretap detectors, and hidden camera detectors. With the introduction of the mobile access pass, GIST’s security efficiency has increased further, where administrative efficiency has also improved.
How to Use the Mobile Access Pass and Its Technical Features
Currently, when entering buildings, dormitories, and laboratories, users may choose to use either the student ID card or the mobile access pass. In the case of the mobile access pass, if situations such as losing your phone or having replaced your original device occur, the pass can be reissued or deleted without visiting the integrated security control room. This improves user convenience and simplifies administrative procedures.
S1’s mobile card is also app-based where Android devices utilize NFC USIM for access authentication, while iPhone devices utilize Bluetooth. It does not provide any “payment functionality” and can only be used on S1’s devices.
The basic issuance and operation system for the mobile access pass is as follows: the issuance process is carried out on the server of the external integrated security service provider (S1 Corporation), where the card information is transmitted to the user’s phone and the GIST access-control server. GIST then uses this card information to identify members and control overall access.
A mobile access pass is a security card that enables safe entry and exit using only a smartphone and without the need for a physical card. As long as you have your smartphone, you can access facilities anytime and anywhere. It operates through short-range wireless communication between the access-card reader and the smartphone (via NFC for Android devices and Bluetooth for iPhone devices). For Androids, it works without launching the app: turn on the phone screen by pressing the power button or the home button at the bottom center, then bring the NFC antenna area on the back of the phone close to the reader. For iPhones, you must first tap the mobile card you want to use in the app or widget. Then, as the card becomes available for 10 seconds, you must bring your phone close to the reader.
The mobile access pass can only be used on smartphones. For Android devices, it requires Android 8.0 or higher and an NFC USIM. If the device does not have an NFC USIM, the mobile access pass will not work even if it is installed. For iOS devices, it requires iOS 17.0 or higher and a device that supports Bluetooth. If the install button is enabled when you search for “S1 Mobile Card App” in the Google Play Store, the following device supports the mobile card.
Restrictions on Using Existing Student ID Cards and Related Complaints
Currently, unless the student ID card goes through a re-registration process, it cannot be used simultaneously with the mobile access pass. This is because the new S1 access-control system has a security solution applied to prevent the use of duplicated cards. To have the existing student ID recognized by S1’s access-control readers, re-registration is required, where an encoding process re-applies a security key value to the existing card. Therefore, cards that have not been encoded are not recognized, making simultaneous use impossible.
After the mobile access pass was introduced, some complaints were raised, such as the mobile access pass “not working well”. In response, the Safety Team commented that it is difficult to provide a perfectly accurate explanation as each person’s mobile device differs with varying settings (such as the NFC’s location, whether NFC or Bluetooth is enabled or disabled, etc.). However, they also noted that there tend to be more complaints from iPhone users than Android users, which may be attributed to iPhone security policies. They added that they are producing a separate user guide for iPhone users, and that other issues can be resolved by contacting the integrated security control room (2110, 2109) or directly visiting.
Previously, in addition to the institute-wide main server, there were about 10 separate servers operated by individual facilities. However, under the new integrated system, only one integrated server is operated. Although past access information was reflected as much as possible, some parts could not be linked. Additionally, most shared areas of buildings are accessible to all members. If you can no longer access a place you previously could, you can apply through ZEUS via “Security” → “출입 통제 신청 (Apply for Authorization)”.
If you have missed the mobile access pass registration period or have any access-control related complaints, apply online through the “Security” menu in ZEUS. Through this menu, users can apply at any time for a mobile card or access authorization, request a temporary card, submit complaints, and more.
The Safety Team has stated that, for international students, they are providing guidance with official notices and text messages in English. However, as S1’s mobile access pass is a Korea-only service, foreigners whose Play Store or App Store account is set to an overseas country may be prohibited from downloading the app. In this case, the issue can be resolved by simply changing the account’s country/region of use or creating a new Korea-based account.
The introduction of the mobile access pass is a measure that aims to improve both convenience and security. When the integrated security-guard system is established, our members’ understanding and active use will be important.
Translated by Yoonseo Huh