A smart card is a physical card that is embedded with an integrated circuit chip which can store and process data. Smart cards are used across multiple applications, such as identification and access control. They are available in various forms, including contact cards, which require insertion into a smart card reader, and contactless cards, which communicate through radio frequency with the reader. Despite common misconceptions, smart card authentication is not a form of biometric authentication, as it does not rely on unique biological traits but rather on cryptographic methods and data stored in the smart card.
A smart card reader is a device that enables communication between a smart card and a computer system. It enables smart card authentication by reading the data stored on smart cards either through contact or contactless interfaces. Smart card readers are essential in various applications, such as secure access control, banking transactions, and identity verification. They come in various forms, such as portable readers and integrated devices, and utilize smart card technology to ensure secure and reliable interactions. By enabling the secure transfer of information, smart card readers play a vital role in the functionality of smart card systems as a whole.
Smart cards can be classified into different types based on their interface and functionality.
Smart card authentication involves interaction between the smart card and a smart card reader to verify the user's identity. The authentication process usually comprises the following steps:
A smart card may look like a regular plastic card, but it's the micro controller embedded within a smart card that enables it to carry out functions like encryption and authentication.
Smart cards serve no purpose by themselves as they are rendered useless without a smart card reader. The micro controller in the smart card comprises an electronic contact pad that enables the smart card reader to detect the card.
A smart card starts to function the moment it comes in contact with a card reader—this could be either direct contact or indirect contact. In the case of direct contact (contact smart cards), the end user has to physically bring the smart card near the card reader. However, in the case of indirect contact (contactless smart cards), the card establishes a connection with the card reader via near-field communication or via radio frequency identification.
Smart cards can be used for identity authentication by using a public key infrastructure. The micro controller embedded into smart cards can store the digital certificate (in an encrypted format) along with its related data. An example for this application is the common access card used by the United States Department of Defense, which uses it to identify active duty personnel and to provide them with access to sensitive areas.
Now, smart cards can also store biometric information, which aids in implementing MFA. For this, the end user's biometric data is captured by the reader and is cross-checked with the biometric information present on the card to provide access.
The advantage of integrating biometric information into smart cards is that the biometric data is stored directly on the smart card instead of in an online database. Even if the database is breached, attackers won't be able to find biometric data since it is never stored in the database.
Many highly advanced smart cards utilize cryptographic algorithms like Triple DES and the Digital Signature Algorithm. These cryptographic smart cards generate key pairs on the fly, which mitigates the risk of having multiple copies of the same key pair.
It is important to note that a vendor-provided PKCS library is required to gain access to a smart card's cryptographic functionalities on a computer system. Most of these smart cards are designed to be compliant with the National Institute of Standards and Technology's standards, called the Federal Information Processing Standards.
Fun fact: In 1987, Turkey became the first country in the world to implement a smart-card-based driving license.
ManageEngine ADSelfService Plus offers adaptive MFA with 20 different authentication factors, including smart card authentication. MFA can be deployed to enhance security across a variety of applications and systems, whether on-premises or in the cloud. This includes securing logins for applications, machines, VPNs, OWA, and self-service password management tasks. Using ADSelfService Plus, administrators can customize the MFA process based on users' organizational unit and group memberships. This flexibility allows for tighter security measures, particularly for privileged accounts, helping to mitigate the risks posed by cyberthreats.
No, smart cards are not a form of biometric authentication. They don't rely on unique biological traits like fingerprints or facial recognition. Instead, smart cards use cryptographic methods and stored data for authentication. However, they can be combined with biometric methods for multi-factor authentication, enhancing security.
Yes, smart cards offer strong security compared to traditional cards. They store data on a secure chip and often require a PIN for access, making them resistant to fraudulent practices like cloning.
Your debit or credit card with a chip is a smart card.
Not necessarily. An ATM card can be a regular magnetic stripe card or a chip-enabled smart card used for withdrawing cash from ATMs. A smart card is a broader category with a chip that can store data and perform secure transactions, and it is used for various purposes beyond ATMs, such as payments, access control, and identification.
