Choosing a Smart Card Supplier
A smart card supplier offers a range of different cards to meet specific industry needs. These cards can have several features added to them, which make them more useful in applications such as payment or identity verification.
Complex Cards are a type of smart card that is designed to hold additional data, such as medical records or skills, for use by emergency response personnel. These cards can help first responders bypass organizational paperwork and focus on the emergency at hand.
Security
Security is an important consideration when choosing a smart card supplier. Smart cards are tamper-resistant and protect in-memory information using encryption. They require a smart card reader to function and can only be used in conjunction with a specific program on a host computer. This provides a high level of security that prevents users from accidentally entering sensitive data into programs that can be intercepted.
The microprocessor chip on a smart card contains a basic operating system and passes data to a reader through a serial interface. It is also possible for a smart card to have a wireless connectivity capability, which allows it to connect with devices through a short-range radio protocol. This can be useful for authentication purposes in situations where there is limited space on a physical card or when the user is working remotely.
As the use of smart cards continues to expand across industries, it is vital that they remain secure in order to maintain the integrity of the data being transferred and to provide users with a consistent experience. A good smart card supplier will take the time to thoroughly test their cards and provide documentation of the tests performed, so users can trust that their data is being protected. A good example of this is in healthcare, where smart cards are being used to store patient records securely and allow instant access to medical equipment like dialysis machines and x-ray equipment. This technology will help reduce the incidence of healthcare fraud and decrease record maintenance costs.
Data Storage
A smart card contains an embedded chip acting as a security token, making it tamper-resistant and providing protection of in-memory information using encryption. The microcontroller or memory chip inside the smart card is capable of carrying out on-card functions, like encryption and mutual authentication, as well as interfacing with a reader over a secure communication link.
The microprocessor on a smart card can exchange data with the card reader or other systems over the contact pad, over a short-range wireless connectivity standard such as RFID, or via a dedicated communication interface on the smart smart card supplier card. It can also store and display data. The display may be a liquid-crystal display (LCD) or, as is increasingly the case, a bi-stable LCD that only requires power to keep its display refreshed.
Smart cards can be configured to perform multiple services simultaneously, allowing individuals to use one card for ID, payment and other services or to store important personal data such as emergency medical information. This reduces the risk of loss or theft, and can help governments and local authorities save money as they need to issue only a single card for every service rather than many separate cards for each individual.
Companies that manufacture or distribute smart cards include Giesecke & Devrient and Oberthur Technologies. Fingerprint Cards AB, formerly known as Fingerprints, is a supplier of biometric sensors, and has produced the Zwipe card, a biometric dual-interface payment card incorporating an integrated sensor. IDEMIA, the result of the 2017 merger between Oberthur and Morpho, provides smart cards and biometric devices.
Embedded Computing
Embedded computing is used in a variety of devices and systems. It consists of both hardware and software components that are designed to perform a specific task within a larger mechanical or electrical system. For example, embedded computers are found in microwaves and refrigerators, and they can help control the operations of these devices.
Smart cards are microprocessor-based memory chips that communicate with card readers and other systems via a secure connection. They can store credentials, passwords, digital certificates, and more. These cards are a common feature in many electronic devices, and they provide a high level of security and convenience for users.
The market for embedded computer technology is growing rapidly as consumers become more familiar with its benefits. In addition, the increased use of smartphones and tablets has made embedded computing more popular in consumer electronics. This market is expected to continue growing in the future.
In the industrial sector, rugged designs to survive harsh environments, a high degree of energy efficiency and a wide range of input/output capabilities are key requirements for embedded computers. Additionally, these devices often need to operate 24/7.
Embedded computers are also used in healthcare smart card supplier to improve efficiency and reduce cost. For instance, they can be used to record medical information and access patient records instantly. They can also be used to control equipment such as dialysis machines or laser eye surgery tools, which can save time and prevent mistakes. They can also help to prevent healthcare fraud, facilitate compliance with government initiatives, and decrease record maintenance costs.
Applications
The smart card market is a diverse and rapidly growing industry. Click on an end user industry below to find reports, case studies and other information about how smart cards are used in that area.
A smart card is a small chip that contains a tamper-resistant memory system and a microprocessor. These microprocessors can run a series of programs that perform specific functions, such as processing data, authenticating a user or communicating with other devices.
Each smart card has its own operating system (OS), which is hardware-specific firmware that provides basic functionality. The OS manages such tasks as secure access to the card’s on-card storage, encrypting data and authenticating communications with smart card readers. Some smart cards also have a small memory footprint that allows the addition of on-card applications written in the Java programming language.
MULTOS enables smart card developers to create programs that can run securely on the chip. These applications, called a “card application” or a “card service”, are loaded on the card under the control of a certificate based public/private key infrastructure. This allows smart cards to communicate with multiple reader types and to support a variety of security features and services, such as cryptographic operations, data storage and user authentication. Ultimately, this capability helps to reduce costs, improve security and facilitate interoperability among different systems.