HID’s M1 Transparent Gateway helps meet EU high-security compliance without downtime
HID, a provider of trusted identity and physical access control solutions, has introduced the HID M1 Transparent Gateway, a security module that sits between OSDP controllers and readers to move cryptographic operations away from perimeter devices and into a physically secured location. The company says the add-on approach enables organizations to meet “transparent architecture” requirements without replacing existing access control infrastructure.
OSDP, short for Open Supervised Device Protocol, is an open communications standard widely used in physical access control systems for the connection between an access controller (panel) and devices such as card readers. It supports two-way, supervised communication and can enable encrypted, authenticated links via OSDP Secure Channel.
Why it matters
Across Europe, high-security sites are facing tighter requirements around where cryptography is performed in access control systems. “Transparent architecture” frameworks aim to reduce exposure at the perimeter by ensuring cryptographic operations take place in secure locations rather than in readers at doors. HID points to France’s ANSSI CSPN approach as a current example, with similar models being considered elsewhere.
ANSSI is France’s national cybersecurity agency (Agence nationale de la sécurité des systèmes d’information). CSPN (Certification de Sécurité de Premier Niveau) is an ANSSI security certification scheme used to evaluate products against defined security requirements, and is often referenced in high-assurance deployments where architectural measures are needed to reduce perimeter risk.
What HID is launching
HID says the M1 Transparent Gateway works as an inline cryptographic gateway between existing OSDP controllers and readers, performing transparent-architecture cryptographic operations independently. From the perspective of the PACS software, the controller continues to communicate as before, with no required software changes.
Each main node supports up to eight transparent HID Signo readers. A dedicated key module stores encryption keys under the organization’s control, with centralized administration via HID Linq Key Manager. HID says the solution is controller-agnostic, working with any OSDP controller.
“Security teams shouldn’t have to choose between compliance and protecting their existing investments,” said Jos Beernink, VP Europe for PACS at HID. “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.”
Key benefits highlighted by HID
Compliance with control
The company says the M1 removes cryptographic operations from perimeter readers to meet transparent-architecture requirements such as those referenced in France, while keeping encryption keys under customer-controlled management via HID Linq Key Manager.
Incremental, door-by-door deployment
Rather than transforming an entire system at once, HID positions the M1 for targeted upgrades, allowing organizations to secure specific entry points first and scale based on risk and budget.
No operational disruption
HID says deployment requires no PACS software changes and no downtime. Existing MIFARE DESFire cards and HID Signo readers continue functioning, and existing workflows and training can remain unchanged.
Future-ready platform
HID notes an AI-capable processor to support future intelligent security functions, with software updates intended to keep pace with evolving threats and compliance requirements.
Learn more about the HID M1 Transparent Gateway and how it enables transparent architecture compliance without replacing existing access control infrastructure. The M1 Transparent Gateway is available now via selected partners in Europe. Get in contact!