Author: Elatec Technical Team
Access control is only as strong as the credentials that support it. Migrating to modern, secure credentials based on open standards improves protection and future-proofs your system, but getting to grips with a credential migration can seem overwhelming.
The good news is that it doesn't have to be. Universal readers that support both legacy and modern credentials make the transition much more manageable, allowing you to upgrade gradually while keeping your system running smoothly. This guide will show you the essentials of credential migration and how to begin your journey toward more secure, future-proof access control.
The Case for Open Standards
For decades, access control relied on early RFID technologies such as 125 kHz Prox or the first generations of MIFARE and iCLASS. These legacy formats offered convenience, but today they are widely recognized as vulnerable to credential cloning and brute-force attacks. In response, the industry has progressively migrated to more robust proprietary formats, including secure 128-bit credentials such as MIFARE DESFire EV3 or HID Seos. These modern credentials significantly improve protection and already represent a more secure option for organizations seeking to prevent credential cloning and misuse.
Now we're seeing the next step: the move toward open standards. Unlike proprietary formats, open standards use transparent and widely tested encryption methods, making systems more resilient to today's threats. They also offer future-proof flexibility by supporting both secure physical cards and mobile credentials, while freeing organizations from vendor lock-in. In short, open standards create a more robust and adaptable foundation for modern access control. Two key initiatives are leading the way:
- PKOC (Public Key Open Credential)PKOC is a vendor-neutral specification developed by the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) that supports both smart cards and mobile credentials. PKOC offers robust encryption and provides a modern, open, secure, and future-proof replacement for legacy credentials.
- AliroAliro is an open, mobile-centric specification developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) designed for secure and interoperable access via smartphones, wearables, smart cards, and other smart devices. Aliro includes support for offline functions and certificate management.
| Smart card | Mobile | |
| Basic (Credential only) | PKOC | PKOC (app-based) |
| Advanced (Offline, Mailbox) | Aliro | Aliro (wallet-based) |
For companies, the benefits are twofold. First, they obtain greater securityModern open standards use robust encryption methods (up to 256 bits) that make cloning or brute-force attacks virtually impossible with current technology or even quantum computing. Second, you get future-proof flexibilityBecause they are not tied to a single manufacturer, open standards allow users to choose the best combination of credentials, readers, technologies, and systems according to their needs, and facilitate adaptation to new threats or technological advances.
How to Get Started with Credential Migration
Access control is evolving rapidly. So, how do we get from where we are now to where we need to be?
These are the practical steps to guide your credential migration.
Step 1: Take stock of your current credentials
Before moving forward, you need to understand your current situation. Most organizations already have a mix of legacy and modern credentials in place. Start with a simple questionnaire:
- What types of cards, credentials, or mobile credentials are in use?
- Are they older formats like Prox, MIFARE Classic or iCLASS legacy, or newer and more secure physical or mobile technologies?
Identifying what you have helps you detect vulnerabilities and plan your migration more effectively.
Step 2: Explore your Safe Options
Once you know what you're working with, analyze the secure options currently available. Modern formats such as MIFARE DESFire EV3, HID Seos, and other physical and mobile credentials with 128-bit encryption offer robust protection against cloning and brute-force attacks. They are widely available and supported by many systems, making them a safe upgrade path for today.
Looking ahead, new open standards like PKOC and Aliro are gaining traction. These support both cards and mobile devices, including smartphones, wearables, and other smart devices. These open formats can eliminate vendor lock-in, strengthen encryption, and facilitate integration across different systems. They represent the future of access control.
Step 3: Plan for the future
Security doesn't stand still, and neither should your system. As technology evolves (including advancements like quantum computing), encryption standards will continue to change. By adopting open standards and credential-agnostic reader hardware, It ensures that its system is not tied to outdated or proprietary technologies.Instead, it will have a flexible foundation capable of adapting as threats and requirements evolve.
Step 4: Create a migration strategy
A complete system overhaul is unrealistic for most organizations. Instead, consider a gradual migrationReplace legacy credentials gradually, introducing secure ones as employees renew their credentials, or implement newer technologies at new sites where clients (in the case of integrators) and access control applications are added. Define your security requirements in advance and create a plan that balances security enhancements with budget and operational needs, while complying with all legal and licensing terms.
Step 5: Use universal readers as a bridge
This is the step that makes credential migration practical. Universal, technology-independent RFID readers—such as ELATEC TWN4 multi-technology readers— are designed to work with almost any credential format. Because they support both legacy cards and modern options, including mobile credentials, They allow organizations to gradually introduce new credentials while keeping existing credentials operational..
This flexibility is key. With universal readers installed, you can start issuing secure credentials based on open standards immediately without disrupting daily operations. As new standards like PKOC and Aliro gain traction, these readers can be remotely upgraded to support them, ensuring your system stays current without requiring any additional hardware changes. In other words, universal readers bridge the gap between the old and the new, allowing you to move toward a more secure and future-proof access control system at your own pace and on your own terms.
Step 6: Future-proof your access control
Preparing your system for the future isn't just about upgrading to stronger credentials today, but about ensuring your system can evolve with tomorrow's requirements. The best way to achieve this is to choose universal readers with remote update capabilities.
With remote updates, you can enable new encryption methods or emerging standards like PKOC and Aliro as soon as they become available. without replacing hardware or interrupting operations. This keeps your access control system up-to-date against changing threats, reduces long-term costs, and ensures your investment continues to generate value in the future.
The future of access control is open
Legacy credentials no longer offer the level of protection that businesses need. The shift to open and secure standards is already underway, and it's the best way to build an access control system that's secure today and ready for tomorrow.
We recently collaborated with a global building security provider facing this challenge. Their customers—ranging from hospitals and universities to government agencies—still had millions of legacy cards in circulation. By implementing a universal reader platform based on ELATEC’s TWN4 MultiTech 3 module, they achieved compatibility with existing cards, immediate support for high-frequency secure formats, and availability for open standards such as PKOC and Aliro. Remote updates ensured that new capabilities could be seamlessly deployed as technology evolved.
The same approach can work for your business. With a clear migration strategy and universal readers that connect the old with the new, you can upgrade step by step without major disruptions. The result: enhanced security, greater flexibility, and a truly future-proof access control system.
Elatec, a leading manufacturer of RFID readers for access control
Elatec is a German manufacturer of RFID readers for user authentication and identification solutions. Its partnership with Eurotronix allows it to bring its solutions to the Spanish and Portuguese markets, providing companies with innovative, future-proof access control systems.
By combining pioneering universal readers, advanced software, and first-class service and support, ELATEC and Eurotronix drive secure and flexible access management, from physical access control to digital access management, machine authentication, secure printing, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and much more.
Contact the Eurotronix experts for Begin your credential migration process: info@eurotronix.com
For more information, please see: https://eurotronix.com/es/fabricantes/elatec/
