ZBeta has unveiled its inaugural technological analysis known as Public Key Open Credential (PKOC), which provides a detailed exploration of one of the key emerging credential standards in the physical security sector.
This assessment, developed by ZBeta LabZ, delves into PKOC, an open credential system utilising asymmetric/public key encryption created by the PSIA, and its potential impact on the future of physical access control.
Innovations in physical access control
PKOC's framework aims to enhance interoperability and improve credential integrity by shifting away from traditionally proprietary ecosystems. The document discusses practical aspects of adopting this standard, including transition challenges, infrastructure readiness, the evolution of mobile credentials, and PKOC's comparison with other emerging initiatives such as Aliro.
PKOC's framework aims to enhance interoperability and improve credential integrity
“As organisations continue modernising access control infrastructure and accelerating the adoption of mobile credentials, it becomes increasingly important to understand how credential technologies — and the security models behind them — are evolving,” stated Zack Brunette, CEO of ZBeta. “Our exploration is intended to help security leaders evaluate the broader shift occurring within the industry and consider the strategic implications of interoperability standards as part of long-term planning.”
Enhancing security industry dialogue
This initiative is part of ZBeta and LabZ's ongoing ambition to elevate discussions within the security industry and provide valuable technical insights. The launch of the LabZ Tech Perspective series represents a significant move towards nurturing thought leadership, concentrating on technologies, trends, and strategic challenges influencing the future of physical security.
Providing independent analysis and expert guidance, this series aims to highlight significant developments affecting the industry and assist security leaders in gaining a deeper understanding of the advancements and choices shaping next-generation security strategies. The tech perspective is now available and will be featured in a discussion during an ASIS Webinar on 16th June 2026.
ZBeta, a pioneer in delivering comprehensive physical security consulting services, announces the availability of its first tech perspective, Public Key Open Credential (PKOC), an in-depth examination of one of the physical security industry’s most important emerging credential standards.
The tech perspective, created by ZBeta LabZ, examines how PKOC — an open credential standard based on asymmetric/public key encryption and developed by PSIA — could influence the future of physical access control.
Physical access control
By moving away from the proprietary ecosystems that have historically defined the market, PKOC’s framework is intended to improve interoperability and strengthen credential integrity to deliver greater flexibility in how access control platforms are managed. The research document also explores the practical realities surrounding adoption, including migration considerations, infrastructure readiness, mobile credential evolution, and how PKOC compares with other emerging interoperability initiatives such as Aliro.
“As organisations continue modernising access control infrastructure and accelerating the adoption of mobile credentials, it becomes increasingly important to understand how credential technologies — and the security models behind them — are evolving,” said Zack Brunette, CEO, ZBeta. “Our exploration is intended to help security leaders evaluate the broader shift occurring within the industry and consider the strategic implications of interoperability standards as part of long-term planning.”
Security industry conversations
Part of ZBeta and LabZ’s ongoing effort to elevate security industry conversations and provide technical insight, this also marks the launch of the LabZ Tech Perspective series — a premier thought leadership initiative focused on the technologies, trends, and strategic challenges shaping the future of physical security.
Through independent analysis, technical expertise, and forward-looking guidance, the series will explore significant developments impacting the market and help security leaders better understand the innovations and decisions defining next-generation security programs. The tech perspective is now available now. This research will also be discussed during an ASIS Webinar on June 16, 2026.
