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SMART CARDS SECURITY
These Cards is a plastic card similar
in size and shape to a credit card, containing a microprocessor and memory (which allows it to store and process data) and complying with ISO 7816 standard.
This Technologies were invented and patented in the 1970s. Cards are classified on the basis of components they contain and on the basis of their communication and data transfer with the reader devices.
COMPONENT BASED CLASSIFICATION
Those with a processor are called chip cards or microprocessor cards and those without a chip are called memory cards.
Microprocessor cards incorporates a microprocessor. They are the ones that technically be called smart cards. The important components of a chip card are :
• ROM : Read Only Memory. The ROM holds the cards operating system and is also known as the mask of the card. The size of ROM varies from a few KB to 32 KB , depending on which operating system is being used by the card. Once written, it cannot be altered.
• EEPROM : The EEPROM holds the cards application programs and the application data. Typical EEPROM sizes range from 2 KB to 32 KB.
• RAM : Random Access Memory. This is the volatile memory used by the processor to run the desired functions. The memory is erased whenever the power is switched off.
• CPU : Central Processing Unit. This is the heart of the chip card. It is usually an 8-bit microprocessor based on CISC architecture with typical clock speeds of 5 MHz. The CPU is responsible for carrying out various instructions.
INTERFACE BASED BASED CLASSIFICATION
Smart cards are also classified on the basis of the method of their communication and data transfer with the reader device. Based on this criterion, the smart cards are classified as contact cards, Contactless cards and Combi Cards.
CONTACT CARDS
These cards require insertion into the card reader for being powered. Each card contains 6-8 gold plated contacts that are in physical contact with the reader. The card recieves power from the reader via these contacts. The physical contact may be established either by sliding or by landing. When inserted into a reader, the reader chip makes contact with electrical connectors that can read information from the chip and write information back.
CONTACT LESS CARDS
In contact less smart card the chip communicates with the card reader through RFID induction technology (at data rates of 106 to 848 kbit/s). These cards require only close proximity to an antenna to complete transaction. They are often used when transactions must be processed quickly or hands-free, such as on mass transit systems, where smart cards can be used without even removing them from a wallet. Contact less cards are costlier compared to contact cards. But they also have a greater life span and are more reliable.
COMBI OR HYBRID CARDS
Combi Cards are those which have both a contact as well as a contact less interface facilitating its use in either way. The contact less chip is used for those applications that require fast transaction and the contact chip is used for those applications that require higher
Smart cards.
Smart cards can hold upto 32 KB of data while magnetic cards can hold only around 1000 bits. Data on a smart card can be protected against unauthorized viewing. As a result of this confidential data can be stored on a smart card.
Smart cards security has a longer life and can be used for
multiple applications. Just one card can be used as license,
credit card, ATM card, ID card etc. |
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