Safetrust Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Safetrust is demonstrating Aliro card and mobile credentials working side by side at Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2026, along with live Access Control Emulation (ACE), the Neural Adapter, and Badgeless Access powered by facial authentication. The company is exhibiting at booth 3545 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, September 14 – 16.  Safetrust will also present a featured education session during the event: One Credential, Any Reader: How the Aliro Standard Ends Vendor Lock-In, presented by Jason Hart, CTO and Co-Founder, Safetrust on Tuesday, September 15 from 2:45 – 3:45 PM ET in Room B308/B309. About Aliro Aliro, the open credential and reader-communication standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance, reached its 1.0 specification and certification program earlier this year. It gives enterprises a non-proprietary foundation for credentials, locks, and access systems across the Safetrust, Apple®, Google®, and Samsung® wallet ecosystems. The buyer value is interoperability: credentials from one supplier can work with readers from another. Last week Safetrust introduced the Aliro 1.0 Migration Card, a physical badge that lets enterprises move from proprietary access technologies to Aliro without replacing existing readers. Organisations issue and control the certificates themselves. One identity can work across Aliro-compatible readers from multiple vendors. At GSX, Safetrust is showing Aliro physical badges and mobile credentials provisioned from an organisation’s own digital certificates and working across multiple vendors. Neural Sensors and the Neural Adapter will show how Aliro can extend both new deployments and existing legacy readers without rewiring doors or replacing hardware. Why It matters Security and identity teams: Aliro replaces shared-secret, hardware-bound credentials with certificate-based mutual authentication, the same model already used across enterprise IT. IT and procurement: Non-proprietary, commodity credentials issued across multiple vendors lower identity costs and remove single-vendor lock-in, with no rip-and-replace required. Multi-tenant and campus operators: Each tenant can issue credentials from its own certificate authority, reducing re-badging while landlords retain control of shared infrastructure. Future-proofing: Since Aliro operates at the protocol layer, it supports crypto agility and post-quantum readiness (aligned with FIPS 203 and FIPS 204) without replacing hardware. "Aliro changed the conversation from 'what if' to 'what now," said Jason Hart, CTO and Co-founder, Safetrust. "We’re showing an open, certificate-based standard in production: one credential across card and mobile, working across vendors, with no proprietary lock-in." What you’ll see at booth 3545 Aliro Card and Mobile: The Aliro Migration Card and mobile wallet credentials operating side by side, provisioned with an organisation’s own digital certificates across vendors. Access Control Emulation (ACE): Virtualises iSTAR® and Mercury™ controllers on Neural devices, enrolling over IP with no changes to the existing access control system and eliminating the need for panels, IDF closets, and power supplies. Controllers can be patched over the air. Neural Adapter: Adds Aliro, MIFARE DESFire, and mobile wallet support to existing OSDP readers without rewiring doors or replacing hardware. Includes tamper detection and remote firmware updates. Badgeless Access: Facial authentication with liveness detection on the Neural Sensor's camera, radar, and LiDAR array. A single Neural device can serve as an Aliro-ready reader, an emulated controller, and an AI vision sensor, all managed through the Safetrust Cloud platform. "Running credentials, controller emulation, and vision as edge applications on one device lets organisations manage physical access under the same IT governance as the rest of their network," said Daniel Bailin, VP of Product Management, Safetrust.

Safetrust today introduced the Safetrust Aliro 1.0 Migration Credential, a physical credential designed to help enterprises move from proprietary access technologies to the open Aliro standard without replacing their existing reader infrastructure. Enterprises can issue, manage, and update the credential themselves, while one organisation-controlled identity can operate across Aliro-compatible readers from multiple vendors. Organisation-controlled digital trust Traditional credentials often rely on proprietary keys controlled by an access control vendor. Aliro credentials instead use digital certificates the organisation issues and controls. As with the certificates that secure websites and enterprise IT systems, the organisation determines which identities are trusted, where they can be used, and how certificates are issued, updated, and revoked. Organisations can also authorise external partners, including landlords, parking operators, and workplace service providers, to trust the same credential. One badge can therefore provide access to corporate offices, shared buildings, parking facilities, and other approved environments without requiring a separate credential from each provider. For large enterprises, this provides direct control over credential security, less dependence on any single hardware vendor, and alignment across physical access, enterprise PKI, identity and access management, and Zero Trust strategy. The credential implements the Connectivity Standards Alliance's Aliro 1.0 specification and works with Aliro-compatible hardware from multiple vendors. Aliro was developed through collaboration among more than 220 CSA member companies, including Apple, Google, Samsung, and Safetrust. A new model for enterprise identity "Aliro represents the first time customers and vendors outside the government sector have come together around a common standard for organisational identity," said Jason Hart, CEO and co-founder of Safetrust. "For enterprise security leaders, this creates a path to stronger security and greater vendor choice without requiring a disruptive replacement of their existing access infrastructure." Passport model for access As an open, multi-vendor standard, Aliro is becoming the enterprise equivalent of a passport: the issuer establishes a trusted identity, while independent organisations decide whether and where to accept it. Moving beyond proprietary credentials For decades, physical access customers have migrated from one proprietary credential technology to the next, often replacing readers, credentials, and key infrastructure with each generation. While the cryptography improved, the underlying model often did not: the credential vendor continued to control the technology and the critical trust infrastructure. When that vendor-controlled trust infrastructure was compromised, the security of the credentials customers relied upon was compromised with it, restarting the migration cycle all over again. Open migration path Aliro changes that model. Instead of asking customers to migrate to Safetrust's next proprietary credential, Safetrust is providing a migration path to an industry standard that any compliant vendor can implement. The organisation, not Safetrust, generates and controls its keys and establishes its trust relationships, bringing physical access in line with the certificate-based security practices already familiar to enterprise IT. Supporting legacy infrastructure The Safetrust Aliro credential simplifies migration by consolidating multiple legacy credentials onto a single card. Safetrust has independently developed emulation technology that enables interoperability with installed legacy reader ecosystems, including readers configured for HID® Seos® Standard and Elite credentials, LEAF credentials, vendor-specific credentials used with MIFARE® DESFire® data models, and more than 30 low-frequency proximity technologies. Safetrust independently developed these legacy-compatible applications, and they are not HID or other third-party credentials. This allows one physical credential to work with existing legacy readers without modifying the installed infrastructure, while also supporting migration to Aliro. Phased migration without disruption Organisations can therefore migrate to Aliro at their own pace without disrupting day-to-day operations. Existing readers can remain in service while Aliro-capable infrastructure is introduced progressively, starting with the highest-risk areas such as data centers, schools, production and warehouse environments, and other sensitive or unsupervised openings. As reader infrastructure is upgraded, the same credential transitions from legacy compatibility to Aliro's certificate-based trust model without requiring users to change cards again. The credential works with the infrastructure an organisation has today and moves to a stronger trust model as Aliro-capable infrastructure is deployed. Expanding credential capabilities The migration credential is designed to become more capable over time. Beyond physical access, organisations can enable additional applications and services on the same credential, extending their investment without issuing another badge. Extending beyond physical access The same physical credential can also extend beyond the door. An optional full FIDO2 application enables the Safetrust Aliro credential to operate as an NFC FIDO2 authenticator for compatible workstations, applications, services, and mobile devices. NFC tap-to-enroll is also supported, allowing organisations to consolidate physical access and strong digital authentication onto a single employee credential and potentially reduce the need for separate FIDO2 security tokens. Future-proof credential management As security requirements and standards evolve, administrators update credentials in the field by tapping the card on a desktop reader or NFC-enabled phone. Specification updates, digital certificate changes, and support for additional legacy credentials apply without replacing the physical badge, extending its useful life and simplifying credential management. Tap-To-Authenticate workflows Safetrust's patented Tap to Authenticate technology extends the physical credential into digital workflows. By tapping the card to an NFC-enabled phone or computer, an organisation can authenticate the credential and initiate an approved browser-based workflow, including identity verification, support services, emergency assistance, credential self-service, or mobile credential provisioning. For mobile wallet provisioning, organisations control which users are eligible and what identity verification is required before issuing an authorised credential to Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, Samsung Wallet, or Safetrust Wallet. Flexible deployment The credentials are available in multiple form factors and can be ordered preprogrammed, programmed onsite, or provisioned with an NFC-enabled mobile device. They are available today through Safetrust distribution partners and will be available online through retail channels in Q4 2026. Demonstrating Aliro At GSX 2026 Safetrust will demonstrate its Aliro physical credential alongside mobile credentials working across a range of vendors at the Global Security Exchange (GSX), September 14–16, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Visit Safetrust at Booth 3545 and attend One Credential, Any Reader: How the Aliro Standard Ends Vendor Lock-In on Tuesday, September 15, from 2:45–3:45 p.m. ET in Room B308/B309. Safetrust will also host the webinar Aliro: The Card on Wednesday, September 9, at 11 a.m. 

Safetrust Inc. announces a partnership with Universal Smart Cards Inc. to manufacture and supply Aliro-certified credentials. The collaboration provides enterprises with a reliable, vendor-independent source of Aliro physical credentials that integrate natively with Safetrust Credential Manager and any Aliro-certified reader. The partnership expands Safetrust’s growing Aliro partner ecosystem of certified manufacturing, reader, and integration partners, delivering true interoperability and certificate-based identity at enterprise scale. This addresses a core enterprise question in Aliro adoption: how to source certified physical cards while maintaining flexibility for hybrid mobile and legacy deployments. Access control readers Aliro is the approved technical standard from the Connectivity Standards Alliance for a common credential and protocol. It streamlines secured communication so access control readers and mobile devices work easily together. Developed through global collaboration among major mobile and access control OEMs, Aliro delivers best-of-class security, privacy, and interoperability among certified devices and readers. Hybrid credential support: Aliro cards alongside legacy formats (e.g., MIFARE® DESFire®) for phased migration without full infrastructure rip-and-replace Full certificate lifecycle management: Via Safetrust Credential Manager (issuance, renewal, revocation) Multi-vendor compatibility: Works with any Aliro-certified reader, regardless of manufacturer Supply chain resilience: Freedom from single-vendor or single-silicon dependence Certificate lifecycle management “One of the first questions we hear from enterprise customers ready to move to Aliro is: ‘Where do we get the cards and how do we transition from legacy credentials?’ This partnership answers that directly. Universal Smart Cards brings 25 years of credential manufacturing, including crossover support for most legacy proprietary technologies, so customers can migrate at their own pace, moving from vendor lock-in to an open standard where they control the keys,” said Catherine Carducci, Product Manager, Aliro, Safetrust Inc. “Safetrust has been at the center of the Aliro ecosystem, from demonstrating the first enterprise Aliro card and mobile platform at ISC West to driving real interoperability across vendors. Partnering with them gives our customers a clear path to certified Aliro credentials backed by a platform that handles certificate lifecycle management, reader provisioning, and federated trust. We’ve spent decades helping customers migrate and upgrade with our multi-credential card solutions. Now we can help them to move forward — on an open standard where they, not their vendors, hold the keys,” said Graham Gillot, Vice President of Sales, Universal Smart Cards Inc. Multi-credential card solutions The partnership follows Safetrust’s ISC West demonstration of the first Aliro Enterprise card and mobile platform, as enterprise demand for Aliro-based physical credentials continues to accelerate. Aliro Decoded Webinar — June 10, 2026, 11:00 AM PT (2:00 PM ET): Safetrust CTO Jason Hart and VP Advanced Systems Will Holderness will cover Aliro adoption, migration strategies, and credential architecture. CSA Unify — June 17, 2026, 3:45–4:30 PM, Austin, TX: Jason Hart joins dormakaba, SIA SPARC, Allegion, and the Aliro working group chair for “Commercial Aliro: Why Now, What It Unlocks, and What Has to Be Done”.

Supply chain issues have plagued the economic recovery during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, and the problems show every indication of persisting for months or even years to come. Supply chain challenges have impacted the security marketplace in many ways, reflecting the breadth and variety of products needed to secure people, facilities, and assets. Wondering about the specifics of that impact, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How does disruption of the global supply chain of components impact players across the security industry?

The intersection of consumer electronics and the physical security marketplace is a fertile sector for growth and innovation. Consumers increasingly have the same high expectations for the operation of their workplace technologies as they are accustomed to in the digital world at large. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How do developments in personal electronics impact customer expectations in the physical security market?

Topics that dominated our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable articles in 2021 included the effects of COVID-19, the benefits of mobile access, the upcoming potential of deep learning, and the future of access control cards. Our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable discussions in 2021 reflected some of the most timely and important topics in the industry. The very most clicked-on Expert Panel Roundtable discussion in 2021 considered the positive and negative effects of COVID-19. The second most popular was trends in perimeter security technology. Smart video solutions Here is a roundup of the Top 10 Expert Panel Roundtable discussions posted in 2021, along with a ‘sound bite’ from each discussion and links back to the full articles. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Expert Panel Roundtable in 2021 (including the quotable panelists named and linked below). The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising" What are the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 to security? “The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising. On the negative side, integrators were limited in their ability to access customer locations, posing significant challenges to supporting customers. Innovation was also halted in many sectors – such as AI and edge computing in healthcare. However, the pandemic increased awareness regarding the need for smart solutions that can aid in these types of crises. Smart video solutions have been identified repeatedly in the media as a potential pathway to better customer experience and increased safety.” – Alexander Harlass. Reducing false alarms What are the latest trends in perimeter security technology? “What’s really important in perimeter security is the minimisation of false alarms, not simply the potential detection of what might be an unauthorised person or object. In light of that, many systems now include alarm validation that can confirm an alarm event using a camera. The utilisation of AI-based technologies can further validate the accuracy of the alarm, making it as accurate and precise as possible. I anticipate seeing more cross-technological integrations to reduce false alarms, so that personnel in an alarm center spend as little time as possible in validating an alarm.” – Leo Levit. What will be the biggest security trends in 2021? “2021 will see artificial intelligence (AI) become more mainstream. There will be increased deployment in edge devices, including cameras, thermographic cameras, radar and LIDAR sensors, entry point readers, etc. Additional algorithms will be developed, greatly expanding the use and function as video surveillance transitions from a forensic tool to real-time analytics. This increases the value of these systems and helps create ROI cases for their deployment.” – Tim Brooks. Access control solutions Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated" What will be the security industry’s biggest challenge in 2021? “The security industry is traditional in the sense that it relies heavily on face-to-face interaction to do business with customers and partners alike. COVID-19 has put a hold on in-person meetings, trade shows, etc., and this trend is likely to extend throughout 2021. Virtually recreating these personal touchpoints, while cultivating and strengthening internal and external relationships, will continue to be both a challenge and opportunity for the security industry. Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated.” – Robert Moore. What are the challenges and benefits of mobile access control? “Mobile access control solutions are an exciting innovation in a market where the day-to-day user experience hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years. One area that has clear benefits and challenges is in improving the user experience. On one hand, physical credentials are expensive and a hassle to administer; however, they work reliably, quickly, and predictably. Mobile credentials are convenient in that everyone already has a smartphone, and you don’t have to admin or carry cards; however, when you’re actually standing at the door they need to work as well or better than physical credentials, or the benefits are lost.” – Brian Lohse. Attacking critical infrastructure What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure? “It seems so often we hear about a new threat or cyber-attack in the news. Because of the rapid growth in technology over the last few years, cybercriminals are getting bolder and discovering new ways to attack critical infrastructure. One of the biggest challenges boils down to the capabilities of the operating security system and whether the organisation is aware of the current risks they face. Because there are so many points of entry for cybercriminals to target within critical infrastructure, it is vital that the security solution be prepared for attacks at every level.” – Charles (Chuck) O’Leary. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces" Which security technologies will be useful in a post-pandemic world? “People have become more sensitised to crowds and personal space. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces. As the pandemic subsides, these habits will likely remain for a majority of people." "Utilising AI-based cameras to accurately monitor the number of people in a room or in a queue will enable staff to take action to improve the customer experience. For example, AI-based analytics can quickly notify security or operations when people are waiting at a door and initiate 2-way audio for touchless access.” – Aaron Saks. Central monitoring station What is the potential of deep learning in physical security and surveillance? “Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, enables networks to train themselves to perform speech, voice, and image recognition tasks." In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure" "In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure to images of humans and vehicles from a camera feed. That ability is ideal for use with drones patrolling perimeters seeking anomalies or in software that significantly reduces the number of false alarms reported to central monitoring station operators. Through use, the software continues improving its accuracy.” – Brian Baker. Valuable audit trail How soon will access control cards become extinct and why? “Access control cards will go the way of the dinosaur, but they still have some life left in them. For the short term, they have plenty of utility in minimum security use cases and leave a valuable audit trail. But for companies that are more technology-centric, particularly those with high value assets, we’re seeing demand for next-generation access control, which includes increased integration with video surveillance systems and professional monitoring services.” – Sean Foley. Which security markets are embracing touchless and contactless systems? “Touchless technology is not a new trend, but contactless systems and transactions have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic is over, it is likely public perception of what is hygienic and acceptable in public spaces will have changed. [We are] seeing an uptick in touchless access control systems in the education and flexible office space markets.” – Brooke Grigsby.