HID has introduced the HID M1 Transparent Gateway, a security module designed to enhance compliance with physical access control solutions (PACS).
This innovative gateway is positioned between Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) controllers and readers, and is responsible for executing all cryptographic operations in a secure environment. This set-up negates the need to overhaul existing infrastructure to meet regulatory standards for transparent architecture compliance.
Advancing physical access control compliance
High-security sites across Europe are increasingly required to adhere to regulations that mandate transparent architecture, which ensures cryptographic operations are conducted in secure, rather than vulnerable, locations.
Notably, France’s ANSSI CSPN certification already demands this security framework, and other countries are considering similar mandates. Prior to the HID M1, organisations had limited choices, having to either build new systems or risk non-compliance.
Seamless architecture integration
The HID M1 facilitates transparent architecture compliance by performing cryptographic tasks
“Security teams shouldn’t have to choose between compliance and protecting their existing investments,” commented Jos Beernink, HID’s VP of Europe for PACS. "The HID M1 Transparent Gateway changes this. Organisations can now meet the most stringent transparent architecture requirements while continuing to use their current controllers, PACS software, and credentials. It’s compliance without compromise.”
The HID M1 facilitates transparent architecture compliance by performing cryptographic tasks between existing OSDP controllers and readers. This set-up allows these systems to maintain their current operations while managing up to eight Signo™ readers per node, using a dedicated key module for encryption managed by the organisation.
Benefits of the HID M1 transparent gateway
The HID M1 offers several key advantages, ensuring cryptographic operations are removed from perimeter readers, therefore meeting standards such as ANSSI CSPN. Organisations benefit from centralised control of encryption keys via the HID Linq Key Manager. The gateway is designed to be adaptable, working with any OSDP controller, thereby offering robust flexibility.
Additionally, the system allows for selective deployment, enabling organisations to secure only critical entry points incrementally. This door-by-door upgrade path aligns with budget considerations and security priorities, retaining existing PACS software and hardware investments. The HID M1 integrates smoothly without impacting current operations, with no requirement for software adaptations, guaranteeing zero downtime during implementation.
Future-ready design
The inclusion of an AI-capable processor in the HID M1 ensures readiness for future intelligent security applications, with regular software updates available to address evolving threats and compliance needs.
This forward-compatible architecture is now available through select partners across Europe.
HID, a worldwide pioneer in trusted identity and physical access control solutions (PACS), announces the HID M1 Transparent Gateway — a security module that sits between existing OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) controllers and readers to perform all cryptographic operations in a secured location.
As a first-of-its-kind solution, it enables organisations to achieve transparent architecture compliance without the need to replace their existing physical access control infrastructure.
Physical access control infrastructure
High-security facilities across Europe increasingly face regulatory mandates requiring transparent architecture — a framework where cryptographic operations occur in physically secured locations rather than at vulnerable perimeter readers. France's ANSSI (Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d'information) CSPN certification already requires this approach, with similar frameworks under consideration in other countries.
Until now, organisations had limited options: deploy entirely new transparent architecture systems from the ground up or forgo opportunities in markets where these requirements apply.
Architecture cryptographic operations
"Security teams shouldn't have to choose between compliance and protecting their existing investments," said Jos Beernink, HID’s VP of Europe for PACS. "The HID M1 Transparent Gateway changes this. Organisations can now meet the most stringent transparent architecture requirements while continuing to use their current controllers, PACS software, and credentials. It's compliance without compromise.”
The HID M1 sits between existing OSDP controllers and readers, handling all transparent architecture cryptographic operations independently. From the PACS software's perspective, the controller continues communicating exactly as before. Each main node supports up to eight transparent HID Signo™ readers, with a dedicated key module storing encryption keys under sovereign organisational control.
Eliminating cryptographic operations
Benefits include:
- Compliance with complete control: The HID M1 eliminates cryptographic operations at perimeter readers, meeting transparent architecture standards such as France’s ANSSI CSPN. Organisations maintain exclusive control over encryption keys through centralised administration via HID Linq Key Manager. The HID M1 is controller-agnostic, working with any OSDP controller.
- Flexible, door-by-door deployment: Unlike solutions requiring systemwide transformation, the HID M1 enables incremental upgrades. Organisations can secure only the entry points that require transparent architecture, scaling based on security priorities and budget while preserving existing controller and PACS investments.
- Zero operational disruption: The HID M1 integrates seamlessly with existing PACS and does not require software changes. Current MIFARE DESFire cards and HID Signo readers continue functioning. Existing workflows, maintenance agreements, and staff training remain unchanged, meaning deployment requires zero downtime.
- Future-ready architecture: An AI-capable processor enables future intelligent security capabilities, while software updates keep the system current as threats and compliance requirements evolve. The HID M1 Transparent Gateway is available from selected partners in Europe now.
