Smart Card Application What is a smart card

Smart Card Application

What is a smart card? You can think of the smart card as a "credit card" with a "brain" on it, the brain being a small embedded computer chip. This card-computer can be programmed to perform tasks and store information, but note that the brain is little -- meaning that the smart card's power falls far short of your desktop computer. Smart-card is a plastic card, the size of a standard credit card, with one or several integrated circuits (chips) capable to store information of any kind.

Advantages of Smart Cards Security: Ø Information stored on the card can be PIN code and/or read-write protected Ø Capable of performing encryption Ø Each smart card has its own, unique serial number Ø Chip Operating Systems that support multiple applications and secure independent data storage on one single card Intelligence: Ø Capable of processing, not just storing information smart cards can communicate with computing devices through a smart card reader Ø Information and applications on a card can be updated without having to issue new cards Convenience: Ø Chip is tamper-resistant Ø Smart cards provide a portable, easy to use and keep anywhere

Application Areas Industry Application Driving License of various vehicles Tickets Railway Monthly Season Tickets, Bus Monthly Tickets Associations Memberships Identification cards (ID cards), Point of sale (POS) discounts, calendar cards Investment Debit cards, ATM cards, Credit cards Retail Customer cards, cheque cashing, discount & loyalty cards Clubs Membership cards Airports Employee access cards, security ID badges Computers Warranty card, customer support, internet access#'s, discounts

Application Areas

Examples Financial Applications § Credit and/or Debit Accounts, replicating what is currently on the magnetic stripe bank card, but in a more secure environment. § Securing payment across the Internet as part of Electronic Commerce. Communications Applications § The secure initiation of calls and identification of caller (for billing purposes) on any Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) phone. § Subscriber activation of programming on Pay-TV Information Security § Employee access card with secured passwords and the potential to employ biometrics to protect access to computer systems. Retail and Loyalty § Consumer reward/redemption tracking on a smart loyalty card, that is marketed to specific consumer profiles and linked to one or more specific retailers serving that profile set.

Transportation § Drivers Licenses. § Mass Transit Fare Collection Systems. § Electronic Toll Collection Systems.