ZBeta Explores PKOC Standards in New Tech Perspective
A new industry report analyzes how public key open credentials could eliminate proprietary locks in physical access control systems.
- By Jesse Jacobs
- Jun 12, 2026
A physical security consulting firm has launched a research series evaluating how an emerging open credential standard could reshape the physical access control market.
The inaugural report from ZBeta LabZ focuses on Public Key Open Credential, or PKOC. The standard was developed by the Physical Security Interoperability Alliance to introduce asymmetric encryption to physical security infrastructure.
Historically, the access control market has relied on proprietary ecosystems that limit hardware and software compatibility across different vendors. The PKOC framework utilizes public key cryptography to allow different access control platforms to communicate securely without requiring single-vendor configurations.
Industry adoption of the standard faces several practical hurdles. The research outlines key considerations for security managers, including infrastructure readiness, migration pathways, the evolution of mobile credentials and how the standard compares to competing interoperability frameworks like Aliro.
As organizations transition to mobile-first environments and update legacy security hardware, the architectural models supporting those credentials require closer examination. The analysis aims to provide security administrators with data to evaluate long-term infrastructure investments and interoperability strategies.
The publication marks the introduction of a broader initiative by the consulting firm to provide independent analysis on technical developments and market trends within the physical security sector. Additional technical research and upcoming industry presentations will continue to examine the transition toward open security standards.