|
|
|
Technical Bulletins -
Authentication 101 |
|
Token - Smart Card
|
The smart card is one of
the latest additions to the world of information
technology. Similar in size to today's plastic payment
card, the smart card has a microprocessor or memory chip
embedded in it that, when coupled with a reader, has the
processing power to serve many different applications.
As an access-control device, smart cards make personal
and business data available only to the appropriate
users. Another application provides users with the
ability to make a purchase or exchange value. Smart
cards provide data portability, security and
convenience.
Smart cards come in
two basic varieties: memory and microprocessor. Memory
cards simply store data and can be viewed as a small
floppy disk with optional security. A microprocessor
card, on the other hand, can add, delete and manipulate
information in its memory on the card. Similar to a
miniature computer, a microprocessor card has an
input/output port operating system and hard disk with
built-in security features. Advanced smart cards feature
a cryptographic co-processor and the most advanced
devices offer a combination of digital signature,
on-board key generation and electronic payment with
multi-application functionality. |
|
 |
|
Smart cards and hardware
tokens provide both greater mobility and enhanced
security by allowing users to carry their digital
certificates with them. Most cards supports RSA Labs'
Public Key Cryptography Standard (PKCS) #11 and X.509
version 3 certificates. With a digital certificate
stored on a smart card or hardware token, users can
remotely access protected data stored on corporate
networks or send and receive encrypted email from other
computers in their enterprise, at home, or from airport
kiosks while they're on the road.
Smart cards have been
deployed in a number of environments. Businesses, the
government and healthcare organizations continue to move
towards storing and releasing information via networks,
Intranets, extranets and the Internet. These
organizations are turning to smart cards to make this
information readily available to those who need it,
while at the same time protecting the privacy of
individuals and keeping their informational assets safe
from hacking and other unwanted intrusions. In this
capacity, smart cards enable:
- Secure logon and
authentication of users to PCs and networks
- Secure e-commerce
- Storage of digital
certificates, credentials and passwords
- Encryption of sensitive data
Smart cards also
provide benefits for a host of commercial applications.
The smart card's portability and ability to be updated
make it a technology well suited for connecting the
virtual and physical worlds, as well as multi-partner
card programs. |
|
|
|
Related
Information |
| |
Online catalog |
| |
Contact Sales |
| |
Information
Request |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
