Exclusive: HID talks biometrics and passwordless future

Secure Identity company, HID, is betting big on biometrics, mobile wallets and passwordless authentication to reshape how organisations manage access in Australia and New Zealand.

During an exclusive interview, HID's Steve Katanas and Eric Leung outlined how their latest product launches and strategies are aimed at unifying convenience and security while preparing for future workplace needs.

Katanas, who heads the Physical Access Control Solutions (PACS) business in the region, said the company's new Amico biometric readers respond directly to market demand.

"The biggest gap for us, and what our customers are telling us, is that the Amico biometric range of readers are coming to market from a trusted global technology company like HID," he said.

According to him, customers are particularly encouraged by the multi-modal nature of the technology.

"The readers combine a variety of authentication options, so facial recognition, QR code, pin pad. One of the readers also has an intercom functionality. It gives our customers flexibility in order to authentication at the different various points within their organisation," he explained.

The reaction, he said, has been immediate. "The first question is, when can I get it?" he added. HID expects local certification to be completed in time for sales in the fourth quarter of this year.

Leung, who covers extended access technologies across APAC, highlighted the company's FIDO-enabled cards, which merge physical and digital identity into a single credential. "With a single credential, I believe that organisations can streamline their user experience, minimise the loss and slowing of the potential risk, and also enable central management for easy onboarding and instant recreation," he said.

He explained that traditional methods often left gaps in visibility.

"The challenge is that you need to manage both the physical badge and the logical one. With one solution, it will be easier for you to do the onboarding and gain visibility," he said.

Mobile wallets drive uptake

The rise of mobile wallet credentials has been another game-changer. Katanas argued that everyday consumer behaviour has laid the foundation. "The driving uptake is our comfort and trust with credentials in wallet that we use on a day-to-day basis. So it's convenient, and there's trust, so there's no second thought of putting a credential into the wallet," he said.

He explained HID's approach is to allow organisations to transition at their own pace.

"Some customers are doing a step change, and they're going digital only. Others will do a mixture. The solutions we provide support both the physical and the digital," he added.

Transitioning, he stressed, is rarely a simple plug-and-play process. "It's quite a detailed process and going through and engaging with the end user, customers, our technology partners. It requires a coordinated approach, but we feel that we've got some momentum there," he said.

Passwordless in practice

Leung unveiled HID's OMNIKEY SE Plug, a compact RFID reader designed to enable passwordless access across physical and digital environments.

"It is a really compact and mobile authentication device designed for the seamless transition between digital and physical space," he said.

With USB-C connectivity, the device requires no drivers and works instantly across laptops, tablets and mobiles. "It is just a plug-and-go device. It enables efficient access across different platforms for secure login and applications," he explained.

Planning for tomorrow

Katanas emphasised HID's focus on ensuring products adapt to long-term needs.

"It all comes from really careful research, planning and designing products that anticipate future technology needs," he said.

He noted that HID has a track record of maintaining compatibility over time. "Devices that have been in market for 10 plus years are still supported by firmware and software upgrades. We don't leave technology behind," he said.

For organisations, that backward compatibility is key.

"If we left them behind, their engagement with HID would come to an end. It's really important to help our customers in maintaining the investment they've made," he explained.

Green credentials

Leung also pointed to environmental benefits.

"Switching to mobile and digital credential reduces the plastic waste, energy usage and also the carbon emission when comparing to the traditional plastic card," he said.

The shift removes the need for manufacturing, printing and disposal, aligning with enterprise sustainability goals.

Adoption trends in ANZ

In terms of adoption across Australia and New Zealand, Katanas pointed to two sectors showing particular appetite for biometrics: data centres and healthcare.

"Data centres are really showing a lot of keen interest in the Amico product and biometrics in general, in terms of authenticating who the people are that are coming in," he said.

Healthcare providers are also exploring the technology, especially around sensitive areas.

"They're using a second factor for authentication, rather than just a physical credential. They're looking at physical plus biometric to authenticate that it is that person who's authorised to get into the area where the medicines are," he explained.

Leung added that passwordless technologies are gaining traction across industries facing cybersecurity pressures.

"It is really important for enterprises to implement a secure but convenient way," he said.

For HID, the balance between user experience and security remains the guiding principle. "People are getting more and more attention about security, while, on the other hand, they would like to look for a convenient solution, not just to compromise at the security," Leung said.