HID has introduced the HID M1 Transparent Gateway, a security module designed to enhance physical access control systems (PACS) by intermediating secure cryptographic operations between OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol) controllers and readers.
This innovative solution enables organizations to comply with transparent architecture requirements without the necessity of overhauling their existing infrastructure.
Addressing Regulatory Compliance
In Europe, there's a growing regulatory demand for transparent architecture, stipulating that cryptographic operations are performed in secured environments.
France's ANSSI CSPN certification is a prime example, with other countries considering similar requirements. Prior to the arrival of the HID M1, organizations were faced with the costly decision to either implement entirely new systems or forego compliance in these critical markets.
Streamlining Cryptographic Operations
The HID M1 Transparent Gateway facilitates compliance by managing cryptographic operations
"Security teams shouldn't have to choose between compliance and protecting their existing investments," remarked Jos Beernink, HID’s VP of Europe for PACS.
The HID M1 Transparent Gateway facilitates compliance by managing cryptographic operations independently between existing OSDP infrastructure. This approach allows organizations to maintain their previous communications while supporting up to eight HID Signo™ readers per node, with encryption keys under the organization's control.
Key Advantages of the HID M1
The HID M1 eliminates the need for cryptographic operations at vulnerable perimeter readers, thus meeting requirements like the ANSSI CSPN. Organizations can manage encryption keys centrally using HID Linq Key Manager. As a controller-agnostic solution, it integrates with any OSDP controller.
Its design also supports flexible, door-by-door deployment. This means companies can focus on securing critical entry points in line with their security priorities and budget constraints, preserving existing PACS investments.
Seamless Integration and Future-Readiness
The HID M1 is designed for seamless integration, requiring no software changes or additional training, and ensuring continuity in current operations. Existing cards and HID Signo readers remain fully functional, ensuring zero operational disruption.
Looking ahead, the Gateway boasts an AI-capable processor, offering potential for enhanced security features as threats and compliance standards evolve. The HID M1 Transparent Gateway is currently 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 organizations 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, organizations 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. Organizations 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 organizational 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. Organizations maintain exclusive control over encryption keys through centralized 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. Organizations 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.
