Securing access control technology is critical for physical and digital security. Every interaction between readers, controllers, and host systems creates a potential attack point for those with nefarious intent.

SMARTpod, the podcast from SMART Security Solutions, finds out more about the upcoming HomeSec Expo happening at Gallagher Estate on 4 & 5 March 2026.

The access control and identity management industry has been the cornerstone of organisations of all sizes for decades. SMART Security Solutions asked local integrators and distributors about the primary trends in the access and identity market for 2026.

Zero Trust Architecture enforces the rule of ‘never trust, always verify’. It changes an organisation’s security posture by assuming that threats exist both inside and outside the perimeter, and it applies to information and physical security.

In a threat landscape characterised by sophisticated syndicates, harsh environmental conditions, and unstable power grids, a static barrier is no longer a defence; it is merely a brief delay.

The SMART Access & Identity Solution Guide 2026 features solutions and products specifically designed for the access control and identity management market, from card-based access to biometric access, as well as identity management.

HomeSec Expo has become the security industry’s premier trade event. Visitors will experience a live showcase of how different aspects of the security spectrum come together under one roof.

In all organisations, access systems are paramount to securing people, data, places, goods, and resources. Today, hybrid systems deliver significant added value to users at a much lower cost.

South African access control environments are becoming more complex. It is no longer only people who need identities; machines, IoT devices, service accounts, and even AI tools now require secure authentication.