HID has long been synonymous with robust access control, its solutions woven into the very fabric of secure architectures worldwide. This pervasive presence demands an evolutionary approach to innovation, building upon established foundations rather than reinventing the wheel. Yet, at The Security Event in Birmingham in late April 2026, HID unveiled solutions that promise not just evolution, but a tangible leap forward in flexibility, compliance, and overall security.
Following the event, asmag secured an exclusive interview with Jaroslav Barton, Product Marketing Director at HID. Barton offered a deep dive into the company’s showcased innovations, including the revolutionary HID M1 Transparent Gateway, a bold stride in Converged Credentials, and strategic updates to its popular Signo lineup of access control readers.
M1 Transparent Gateway: Encryption in a Safe Location
The HID M1 represents a paradigm shift in data security for access control. This sophisticated security module seamlessly integrates between existing OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) controllers and readers. Its core function is to centralize all cryptographic operations within a secured location, rather than distributing them to individual readers. This creates a “transparent architecture,” ensuring that all data transmitted from the door reader into the building remains fully encrypted.
“The main purpose of a transparent architecture is to ensure companies are in compliance with strict legal regulations in their jurisdiction,” Barton explained. He highlighted the HID M1’s particular relevance for the French market, where new, stringent regulations have recently been introduced.
Barton further elaborated on the distinction: “Transparent architecture stands in contrast to standard architectures, where the reader needs to contain cryptography keys which can be potentially vulnerable if they are not stored securely. HID M1 can add transparent architecture to any OSDP controller.”
A key advantage of the M1 is its non-disruptive implementation. “With the M1, organizations who want to upgrade to a transparent architecture don’t have to replace any readers or controllers, even if their controllers have no encryption functionalities,” Barton stated. Positioned typically in a physically secure area inside the building, the HID M1 efficiently manages cryptography workloads for up to eight readers. Powered by a robust NVIDIA chip, it guarantees swift access control decisions, even during simultaneous access events across multiple readers.
“By adding the HID M1 to an access control system, the other parts remain unaffected,” Barton explained, emphasizing its flexibility. “Organizations can, for example, only create a transparent architecture for readers at the building perimeter, while they keep a standard architecture for readers inside the building.”
Converged Credentials for Secure, Passwordless Access
Access control has ascended in prominence within the security landscape, especially as smart buildings become more prevalent. As Barton aptly put it, “access control and integrated access control data can play a key role in enabling smart buildings to truly act smart.”
He stressed the dual imperative: “It is important not just to enable smart solutions, but to do so efficiently and secure them against physical and cyberthreats.”
Beyond the M1, another groundbreaking innovation showcased was HID converged credentials. This robust platform unifies physical and logical access into a single, phishing-resistant credential environment, designed for enterprise-level security.
With Converged Credentials, organizations gain the ability to secure their facilities and streamline the management of employee identities and credentials through a single, cohesive platform. Supporting both FIDO2 and PKI standards, this solution empowers employees to access buildings and log into their workstations using the same contactless RFID smart card or FIDO2 security token, eliminating the need for vulnerable passwords.
“Physical security threats and threats against IT systems have previously been addressed separately, but as systems converge, this has become more complicated and less efficient on the operational level. Organizations that have multiple credential systems in place may struggle to keep the oversight,” Barton noted. “Moreover, passwords that used to be standard in IT security have become increasingly vulnerable to cyberthreats such as phishing.”
“With converged credentials, users only need one smart card or token to verify their identity whenever they access an enterprise system. They use it to open the door, log into their computer and access network resources,” Barton elaborated. “It is easier both for them and the organization, as it seeks to ensure the same security standard for all systems.”
“It also allows organizations to integrate systems and thereby create an additional layer of security,” Barton explained, painting a vivid scenario: “Imagine the following situation: A user accesses a workstation in the morning, using their smart card. The system can check in real time whether the same user has previously entered the building and used the elevator, and it can flag unusual network access attempts, for example when there’s no log of the user entering the building.”
Expanding the Signo Lineup
While innovating for the future, HID remains steadfast in its commitment to its core product offerings. The Security Event also highlighted significant enhancements to its popular Signo reader lineup.
“We expanded the Signo portfolio this year, including different types of mechanical keypads suitable for harsh outdoor environments. We also showcased readers with a glass front for indoor environments where users have specific aesthetic needs,” Barton shared.
He also mentioned a strategic collaboration: “At The Security Event, we exhibited for the second time together with Third Millennium, a Wales-based access control reader company that was recently acquired by HID.” New offerings from Third Millennium include anti-ligature readers with exceptionally flat profiles, allowing for flush, secure installation against walls.
Partner Commitment
As a company owned by ASSA ABLOY, HID operates not as a direct provider to the end-user market but empowers its global network of partners, including its parent company, to integrate its technology into comprehensive access control systems.
“We offer products, solutions, and platforms that help our partners provide complete access control solutions to customers through their respective integrator networks,” Barton explained. He highlighted a recent enhancement to HID’s support structure for physical products, with a new regional team taking over from HID’s global support in the European market, ensuring more localized and responsive service.
HID’s dedication to open integration remains a cornerstone of its strategy. The company actively supports partners whose solutions leverage HID technology, stating, “We provide APIs and SDKs to our partners to help them create end user-focused solutions.”
Looking Ahead: Market Trends
Looking to the horizon, HID emphasizes continuity and the continuous integration of new technologies driven by evolving market needs.
“In Europe specifically, we see the migration from physical to mobile credentials, even though the market for card-based solutions will remain the largest segment,” Barton revealed. “Meanwhile, biometrics are also gaining in importance. We see biometrics adoption in simplified access control environments as a standalone method and—more importantly for HID—as a secondary or additional authentication method in higher-security environments.” These insights underscore HID’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of secure access.