3Table of Contents

Smart Card Basics ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

Overview & Applications .............................................................................................................................................. 5

Why Smart Cards........................................................................................................................................................... 6SIM Cards and Telecommunication ......................................................................................................................................................... 6Loyalty and Stored Value ............................................................................................................................................................................. 6Securing Digital Content and Physical Assets...................................................................................................................................... 6E-Commerce ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6Bank Issued Cards .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 7Healthcare Informatics ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7Enterprise and Network Security .............................................................................................................................................................. 7Physical Access ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8

Types of Chip Cards ...................................................................................................................................................... 9Card Construction .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 9Contact Cards ................................................................................................................................................................................................10Memory Cards ...............................................................................................................................................................................................11CPU/MPU Microprocessor Multifunction Cards ................................................................................................................................11Contactless Cards .........................................................................................................................................................................................12Multi-mode Communication Cards .......................................................................................................................................................12Hybrid Cards .................................................................................................................................................................................................12Dual Interface Cards ....................................................................................................................................................................................12Multi-component Cards .............................................................................................................................................................................12

Smart Card Form Factors ............................................................................................................................................ 13

Integrated Circuits and Operating Systems ............................................................................................................. 13

Smart Card Readers/Terminals .................................................................................................................................. 15Readers ............................................................................................................................................................................................................15

Contact ...................................................................................................................................................................................................15Contactless .............................................................................................................................................................................................15Interface ..................................................................................................................................................................................................15

Reader & Terminal to Card Communication .......................................................................................................................................15Applications Development .............................................................................................................................................................16

Terminals .........................................................................................................................................................................................................16

Smart Card Standards ................................................................................................................................................ 17ICAO ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................17Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) ...........................................................................................................................18OpenCard Framework .............................................................................................................................................................................18Global Platform .............................................................................................................................................................................................19Common Criteria ..........................................................................................................................................................................................19Biometric Standards ....................................................................................................................................................................................19

System Planning & Deployment ................................................................................................................................ 21Basic Set-Up....................................................................................................................................................................................................21Security Planning .........................................................................................................................................................................................21Value Applications .......................................................................................................................................................................................21General Issuance...........................................................................................................................................................................................22Multi-Application Card Systems .............................................................................................................................................................22

4Deployment ...................................................................................................................................................................................................23

Smart Card Security (Section 1) ................................................................................................................................. 24What Is Security? ..........................................................................................................................................................................................24What Is Information Security?..................................................................................................................................................................24The Elements Of Data Security ................................................................................................................................................................24The Mechanisms Of Data Security .........................................................................................................................................................25

Smart Card Security (Section 2) ................................................................................................................................. 26Data Integrity .................................................................................................................................................................................................26Authentication ..............................................................................................................................................................................................26Non-Repudiation ..........................................................................................................................................................................................26Authorization and Delegation .................................................................................................................................................................26Auditing and Logging ................................................................................................................................................................................27Management .................................................................................................................................................................................................27Cryptography/Confidentiality .................................................................................................................................................................27Data Security Mechanisms and their Respective Algorithms ......................................................................................................28

Smart Card Security (Section 3) ................................................................................................................................. 30Host-Based System Security .....................................................................................................................................................................30Card-Based System Security .....................................................................................................................................................................31Threats To Cards and Data Security .......................................................................................................................................................31Security Architectures ................................................................................................................................................................................32PKI-Public Key Infrastructure ....................................................................................................................................................................33

Conclusions ................................................................................................................................................................. 34

Glossary ....................................................................................................................................................................... 35

Attributions ................................................................................................................................................................. 53

5Smart Card BasicsWelcome to Smart Card Basics. This is a sponsored site brought to you by a number of leading manufacturers in the smart card industry. We have tried to make this site informative with out a single perspective or a marketing pitch. It is our belief that informed users make better choices, which in turn leads to a stronger market for all.

Smart Card or Chip card technology is fast becoming commonplace in our culture and daily lives. We hope that this site will bring you a little closer in your understanding of this exciting technology and the benefits it can bring to your applications.

If you have specific questions regarding a specific technology discussed below feel free to send us an email and the appropriate site sponsor will respond.

Overview & ApplicationsA smart card, a type of chip card, is a plastic card embedded with a computer chip that stores and transacts data between users. This data is associated with either value or information or both and is stored and processed within the cards chip, either a memory or microprocessor. The card data is transacted via a reader that is part of a computing system. Smart card-enhanced systems are in use today throughout several key applications, including healthcare, banking, entertainment and transportation. To various degrees, all applications can benefit from the added features and security that smart cards provide. According to Eurosmart, worldwide smart card shipments will grow 10% in 2010 to 5.455 billion cards. Markets that have been traditionally served by other machine readable card technologies such as bar-code and magnetic stripe are converting as the calculated return on investment is revisited by the each card issuer year after year.

First introduced in Europe nearly three decades ago, smart cards debuted as a stored value tool for pay phones to reduce theft. As smart cards and other chip-based cards advanced, people found new ways to use them, including charge cards for credit purchases and for record keeping in place of paper.

In the U.S., consumers have been using chip cards for everything from visiting libraries to buying groceries to attending movies, firmly integrating them into our everyday lives. Several U.S. states have chip card programs in progress for government applications ranging from the Department of Motor Vehicles to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT). Many industries have implemented the power of smart cards into their products such as GSM digital cellular phones to TV-satellite decoders.

6Why Smart CardsSmart cards greatly the convenience and security of any transaction. They provide tamper-proof storage of user and account identity. Smart card systems have proven to be more reliable than other machine-readable cards, such as magnetic-stripe and bar-code, with many studies showing card read life and reader life improvements demonstrating much lower cost of system maintenance. Smart cards also provide vital components of system security for the exchange of data throughout virtually any type of network. They protect against a full range of security threats, from careless storage of user passwords to sophisticated system hacks. The costs to manage password resets for an organization or enterprise are very high, thus making smart cards a cost-effective solution in these environments. Multifunction cards can also serve as network system access and store value and other data. Worldwide, people are now using smart cards for a wide variety of daily tasks. These include:

SIM Cards and TelecommunicationThe largest use application of smart card technology is in Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) as required by the standard for all Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) phone systems; each phone utilizes the unique identity as presented in the SIM to manage the rights and privileges on that network and all other networks that are tied by agreement to roam. This use case represents over half of all smart cards consumed each year. The Universal Subscriber Identification Modules (USIM) is also being used to bridge the identity gap as phones transition between a GSM and a UTMS or 3G network operator.

Loyalty and Stored ValueAnother use of smart cards is stored value, particularly loyalty programs that track and incentivize repeat customers. Stored value is more convenient and safer than cash. For issuers, float is realized on unspent balances and residuals on balances that are never used.

For multi-chain retailers that administer loyalty programs across many different businesses and POS systems, smart cards can centrally locate and track all data. The applications are numerous, from transportation systems, including parking and laundry, to gaming, as well as all retail and many entertainment uses.

Securing Digital Content and Physical AssetsIn addition to information security, smart cards achieve greater security of services and equipment, because the card restricts access to all but the authorized user(s). Information and entertainment is being delivered via satellite or cable to the home DVR player or cable box or cable-enabled PC. Home delivery of service is encrypted and decrypted via the smart card per subscriber access. Digital video broadcast systems have already adopted smart cards as electronic keys for protection. Smart cards can also act as keys to machine settings for sensitive laboratory equipment and dispensers for drugs, tools, library cards, health club equipment etc. In some environments, smart card enabled- SD and microSD cards are protecting digital content as it is being delivered to the mobile hand-sets/phones.

E-CommerceSmart cards make it easy for consumers to securely store information and cash for purchasing. The advantages they offer consumers are:

The card can carry personal account, credit and buying preference information that can be accessed with a mouse click instead of filling out forms.

Cards can manage and control expenditures with automatic limits and reporting.

Internet loyalty programs can be deployed across multiple vendors with disparate POS systems and the card acts as a secure central depository for points or rewards.

7Micro Payments - paying nominal costs without transaction fees associated with credit cards, or for amounts too small for cash, like reprint charges.

Bank Issued CardsAround the globe the bank controlled Co-ops (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express) have rolled out millions of smart cards under the EMV (Europay, MasterCard, VISA) standard. Often referred to as chip and PIN cards; these are the de facto type of cards for bank issuance in most countries except the U.S. As Canada has just recently started its regulatory shift of EMV cards the U.S. will be the sole island in North America that has not yet made the adoption. This adoption is being driven by the increased types of fraud for both credit and debit cards. Smart cards have been proven to secure a transaction with regularity, so much so that the EMV standard has become the norm.

As banks enter competition in newly opened markets such as investment brokerages, they are securing transactions via smart cards at an increased rate. This means:

Smart cards increase trust through improved security. Two-Factor Authentication insures protection of data and value across the internet. Threats such as the Man in the middle and Trojan Horses that replay a user name and password are eliminated

This is improving customer service. Customers can use secure smart cards for fast, 24-hour electronic funds transfers over the internet

Costs are reduced: transactions that normally would require a bank employees time and paperwork can be managed electronically by the customer with a smart card

Healthcare InformaticsThe explosion of health care data brings up new challenges to the efficiency of patient care and privacy safeguards. Smart cards solve both challenges with secure, mobile storage and distribution of everything from emergency data to benefits status. Many socialized countries have already adopted smart cards as credentials for their health networks and as a means of carrying an immediately retrievable Electronic Health Record (EHR). Benefits include:

Rapid, accurate identification of patients; improved treatment

Reduction of fraud with authentication of provider/patient visits and insurance eligibility

A convenient way to carry data between systems or to sites without systems

Reduction of records maintenance costs

Embedded Medical Device Control

For years, embedded controllers have been in many types of machines, governing the quality and precision of their function. In Healthcare, embedded smart cards ensure the best and safest delivery of care in devices such as dialysis machines, blood analyzers and laser eye surgery equipment.

Enterprise and Network SecurityMicrosoft Windows, Sun Microsystems (a subsidiary of Oracle Corporation) and all new versions of Linux have built-in software hooks to deploy smart cards as a replacement for user name and passwords. Microsoft has built a complete credential platform around the Scard dll and Crypto Service Provider (CSP). With enterprises realizing that Public Key Infrastructure (PKI)-enhanced security is what is needed for widely deployed employees, a smart card badge is the new standard. Business-to-business Intranets and Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are enhanced by the use of smart cards. Users can be authenticated and authorized to have access to specific information based on preset privileges. Additional applications range from secure email to electronic commerce.

8Physical AccessBusinesses and universities of all types need simple identity cards for all employees and students. Most of these people are also granted access to certain data, equipment and departments according to their status. Multifunction, microprocessor-based smart cards incorporate identity with access privileges and can also store value for use in various locations, such as cafeterias and stores. Many hotels have also adopted ISO7816 type card readers into the hotel rooms for use by the staff.

All U.S. government and many corporations have now incorporated a contactless reader as an access point to their facilities. Some companies have incorporated a biometric component to this credential as well. The older systems deploy a simple proximity card system as the gate keeper. But as the security requirements have become stronger and the cost of ISO14443 standard systems have become cheaper, the world is rapidly adopting this new standard. This market shift is partially driven by the US governments adoption of the mandated Personal Identity Verification (PIV) standard. There is a rich ecosystem of suppliers and integrators for this standard.

9Types of Chip CardsSmart cards are defined according to 1). How the card data is read and written and 2). The type of chip implanted within the card and its capabilities. There is a wide range of options to choose from when designing your system.

Figure 3-1: Types of chip cards

Card ConstructionMostly all chip cards are built from layers of differing materials, or substrates, that when brought together properly gives the card a specific life and functionality. The typical card today is made from PVC, Polyester or Polycarbonate. The card layers are printed first and then laminated in a large press. The next step in construction is the blanking or die cutting. This is followed by embedding a chip and then adding data to the card. In all, there may be up to 30 steps in constructing a card. The total components, including software and plastics, may be as many as 12 separate items; all this in a unified package that appears to the user as a simple device.

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Contact CardsThese are the most common type of smart card. Electrical contacts located on the outside of the card connect to a card reader when the card is inserted. This connector is bonded to the encapsulated chip in the card.

Typical smart card module

*Image Courtesty of CardLogix

VCC

CLK

GRD

I/O

NOCONNECT

NOCONNECT

NOCONNECT

NOCONNECT

Typical Module

Card Contacts

C1

C2

C3

C4

C5

C6

C7

C8

Increased levels of processing power, flexibility and memory will add cost. Single function cards are usually the most cost-effective solution. Choose the right type of smart card for your application by determining your required level of security and evaluating cost versus functionality in relation to the cost of the other hardware elements found in a typical workflow. All of these variables should be weighted against the expected lifecycle of the card. On average the cards typically comprise only 10 to 15 percent of the total system cost with the infrastructure, issuance, software, readers, training and advertising making up the other 85 percent. The following chart demonstrates some general rules of thumb:

Card Function Trade-Offs

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Memory CardsMemory cards cannot manage files and have no processing power for data management. All memory cards communicate to readers through synchronous protocols. In all memory cards you read and write to a fixed address on the card. There are three primary types of memory cards: 1). Straight, 2). Protected, and 3). Stored Value. Before designing in these cards into a proposed system the issuer should check to see if the readers and/or terminals support the communication protocols of the chip. Most contactless cards are variants on the protected memory/segmented memory card idiom.

Straight Memory Cards1)

These cards just store data and have no data processing capabilities. Often made with I2C or serial flash semiconductors, these cards were traditionally the lowest cost per bit for user memory. This has now changed with the larger quantities of processors being built for the GSM market. This has dramatically cut into the advantage of these types of devices. They should be regarded as floppy disks of varying sizes without the lock mechanism. These cards cannot identify themselves to the reader, so your host system has to know what type of card is being inserted into a reader. These cards are easily duplicated and cannot be tracked by on-card identifiers

Protected / Segmented Memory Cards2)

These cards have built-in logic to control the access to the memory of the card. Sometimes referred to as Intelligent Memory cards, these devices can be set to write protect some or the entire memory array. Some of these cards can be configured to restrict access to both reading and writing. This is usually done through a password or system key. Segmented memory cards can be divided into logical sections for planned multi-functionality. These cards are not easily duplicated but can possibly be impersonated by hackers. They typically can be tracked by an on-card identifier.

Stored Value Memory Cards3)

These cards are designed for the specific purpose of storing value or tokens. The cards are either disposable or rechargeable. Most cards of this type incorporate permanent security measures at the point of manufacture. These measures can include password keys and logic that are hard-coded into the chip by the manufacturer. The memory arrays on these devices are set-up as decrements or counters. There is little or no memory left for any other function. For simple applications such as a telephone card, the chip has 60 or 12 memory cells, one for each telephone unit. A memory cell is cleared each time a telephone unit is used. Once all the memory units are used, the card becomes useless and is thrown away. This process can be reversed in the case of rechargeable cards.

CPU/MPU Microprocessor Multifunction CardsThese cards have on-card dynamic data processing capabilities. Multifunction smart cards allocate card memory into independent sections or files assigned to a specific function or application. Within the card is a microprocessor or microcontroller chip that manages this memory allocation and file access. This type of chip is similar to those found inside all personal computers and when implanted in a smart card, manages data in organized file structures, via a card operating system (COS). Unlike other operating systems, this software controls access to the on-card user memory. This capability permits different and multiple functions and/or different applications to reside on the card, allowing businesses to issue and maintain a diversity of products through the card. One example of this is a debit card that also enables building access on a college campus. Multifunction cards benefit issuers by enabling them to market their products and services via state-of-the-art transaction and encryption technology. Specifically, the technology enables secure identification of users and permits information updates without replacement of the installed base of cards, simplifying program changes and reducing costs. For the card user, multifunction means greater convenience and security, and ultimately, consolidation of multiple cards down to a select few that serve many purposes.

There are many configurations of chips in this category, including chips that support cryptographic PKI functions with on-board math co-processors or JavaCard with virtual machine hardware blocks. As a rule of thumb - the more functions, the higher the cost.

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Contactless CardsThese are smart cards that employ a radio frequency (RFID) between card and reader without physical insertion of the card. Instead, the card is passed along the exterior of the reader and read. Types include proximity cards which are implemented as a read-only technology for building access. These cards function with a very limited memory and communicate at 125 MHz. Another type of limited card is the Gen 2 UHF Card that operates at 860 MHz to 960 MHz True read and write contactless cards were first used in transportation for quick decrementing and re-loading of fare values where their lower security was not an issue. They communicate at 13.56 MHz, and conform to the ISO14443 standard. These cards are often protected memory types. They are also gaining popularity in retail stored value, since they can speed-up transactions and not lower transaction processing revenues (i.e. VISA and MasterCard), like traditional smart cards.

Variations of the ISO14443 specification include A, B, and C, which specify chips from either specific or various manufacturers. A=NXP-(Philips) B=Everybody else and C=Sony only chips. Contactless card drawbacks include the limits of cryptographic functions and user memory, versus microprocessor cards and the limited distance between card and reader required for operation.

Multi-mode Communication CardsThese cards have multiple methods of communications, including ISO7816, ISO14443 and UHF gen 2. How the card is made determines if it is a Hybrid or dual interface card.

The term can also include cards that have a magnetic-stripe and or bar-code as well.

Hybrid Cards Hybrid cards have multiple chips in the same card. These are typically attached to each interface separately, such as a MIFARE chip and antenna with a contact 7816 chip in the same card.

Dual Interface CardsThese cards have one chip controlling the communication interfaces. The chip may be attached to the embedded antenna through a hard connection, inductive method or with a flexible bump mechanism.

Multi-component CardsThese types of cards are for a specific market solution. For example, there are cards where the fingerprint sensor is built on the card. Or one company has built a card that generates a one-time password and displays the data for use with an online banking application. Vault cards have rewriteable magnetic stripes. Each of these technologies is specific to a particular vendor and is typically patented.

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Smart Card Form FactorsThe expected shape for cards is often referred to as CR80. Banking and ID cards are governed by the ISO 7810 specification. But this shape is not the only form factor that cards are deployed in. Specialty shaped cutouts of cards with modules and/or antennas are being used around the world. The most common shapes are SIM. SD and MicroSD cards can now be deployed with the strength of smart card chips. USB flash drive tokens are also available that leverage the same technology of a card in a different form factor.

Integrated Circuits and Operating SystemsThe two primary types of smart card operating systems: 1). Fixed File Structure and 2). Dynamic Application System. As with card types, selection of a card operating system depends on the application the card is developed for. The other defining difference is in the encryption capabilities of the operating system and the chip. The types of encryption are Symmetric Key and Asymmetric Key (Public Key).

The chip selection for these functions is vast and supported by many semiconductor manufacturers. What separates a smart card chip from other microcontrollers is often referred to as trusted silicon. The device itself is designed to securely store data withstanding outside electrical tampering or hacking. These additional security features include a long list of mechanisms such as no test points, special protection metal masks and irregular layouts of the silicon gate structures. The trusted silicon semiconductor vendor list below is current for 2010.

Atmel

EM systems

Felicia

Infineon

Microchip

NXP

Renasas

Samsung

Sharp

Sony

ST Microelectronics

Many of the features that users have come to expect, such as specific encryption algorithms, have been incorporated into the hardware and software libraries of the chip architectures. This can often result in a card manufacturer not future-proofing their design by having their card operating systems only ported to a specific device. Care should be taken in choosing the card vendor that can support your project over time as card operating system-only vendors come in and out of the market. The tools and middleware that support card operating systems are as important as the chip itself. The tools to implement your project should be easy to use and give you the power to deploy your project rapidly.

See the security section of this site for more information regarding PKI.

Fixed File Structure1)

This type treats the card as a secure computing and storage device. Files and permissions are set in advance by the issuer. These specific parameters are ideal and economical for a fixed type of card structure and functions that will not change in the near future. Many secure stored value and healthcare applications are utilizing this type of card. An example of this kind of card is a low-cost employee multi-function badge or credential. Contrary to some biased articles, these style cards can be used very effectively with a stored biometric component and reader. Globally, these types of microprocessor cards are the most common.

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Dynamic Application System2)

This type of operating system, which includes the JavaCard and proprietary MULTOS card varieties, enables developers to build, test, and deploy different on card applications securely. Because the card operating systems and applications are more separate, updates can be made. An example card is a SIM card for mobile GSM where updates and security are downloaded to the phone and dynamically changed. This type of card deployment assumes that the applications in the field will change in a very short time frame, thus necessitating the need for dynamic expansion of the card as a computing platform. The costs to change applications in the field are high, due to the ecosystem requirements of security for key exchange with each credential. This is a variable that should be scrutinized carefully in the card system design phase.

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Smart Card Readers/TerminalsReaders and terminals operate with smart cards to obtain card information and perform a transaction.

Generally, a reader interfaces with a PC for the majority of its processing requirements. A terminal is a self-contained processing device. Both readers and terminals read and write to smart cards.

Readers

Contact

This type of reader requires a physical connection to the cards, made by inserting the card into the reader. This is the most common reader type for applications such as ID and Stored Value. The card-to-reader communications is often ISO 7816 T=0 only. This communication has the advantage of direct coupling to the reader and is considered more secure. The other advantage is speed. The typical PTS Protocal Type Selection (ISO7816-3) negotiated speed can be up to 115 kilo baud. This interface enables larger data transport without the overhead of anti-collision and wireless breakdown issues that are a result from the card moving in and out of the reader antenna range.

Contactless

This type of reader works with a radio frequency that communicates when the card comes close to the reader. Many contactless readers are designed specifically for Payment, Physical Access Control and Transportation applications. The dominant protocol under the ISO 14443 is MIFARE, followed by the EMV standards.

Interface

A contact reader is primarily defined by the method of its interface to a PC. These methods include RS232 serial ports, USB ports, PCMCIA slots, floppy disk slots, parallel ports, infrared IRDA ports and keyboards and keyboard wedge readers. Some readers support more than one type of card such as the tri mode insert readers from MagTek. These readers support magnetic stripe-contact and contactless read operations all in one device.

Reader & Terminal to Card CommunicationAll cards and readers that follow ISO 7816-3 standards have a standardized set of commands that enable communication for CPU cards.

These commands, called APDUs (Application Protocol Data Units) can be executed at a very low level, or they can be scripted into APIs which enable the user to send commands from an application to a reader.

Photo Courtesy of Precise Biometrics Photo Courtesty of Magtek

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The reader communicates with the card where the response to the request takes place.

From a technical perspective, the key is the APIs that are chosen. These layers of software can enable effective application communication with smart cards and readers from more than one manufacturer. Most terminal SDKs come with a customized API for that platform. They are typically in some form of C, C++ or C # and will have the header files included. Many smart card readers have specific drivers/APIs for memory cards. For ISO7816 processor cards the PC/SC interface is often employed, but it has limitations. This is especially important if you have both memory and microprocessor cards that can are used in the same system. Some APIs give the software designer the ability to select readers from multiple vendors.

The following are some of the function calls provided for transporting APDUs and their functions:

Reader Select

Reader Connect

Reader Disconnect

Card Connect

Card Disconnect

Proprietary Commands for specific readers and cards

Allow ISO Commands to be passed to cards using standard ISO format

Allow ISO Commands to be sent to cards using a simplified or shortcut format (As in the CardLogix Winplex API)

Applications Development

The development of PC applications for readers has been simplified by the Personal Computer/Smart Card (PC/SC) standard. This standard is supported by all major operating systems. The problem with the PC/SC method is that it does not support all of the reader functions offered by each manufacturer, such as LED control and card latching/locking. When just using the drivers for each reader manufacturer, there is no connection to the functions of the card.

The better choice is Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that are part of readily available in Software Development Kits (SDKs) that support specific manufacturers card families. Check these kits for a variety of reader manufacturers supported. M.O.S. T. and Smart Toolz from CardLogix are good examples of a well rounded Smart Card SDK.

TerminalsUnlike readers, terminals are more similar to a self contained PC, with most featuring operating systems and development tools. Terminals are often specific to the use case such as Security, Health Informatics or POS. Connectivity in the terminals is typically via Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP-IP) or GSM network. Many terminals today feature regular OSs making deployment easier such as Datastrip with windows CE or Exadigm with Linux.

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Smart Card StandardsPrimarily, smart card standards govern physical properties, communication characteristics, and application identifiers of the embedded chip and data. Almost all standards refer to the ISO 7816-1,2 & 3 as a base reference.

The International Organization For Standardization (ISO) facilitates the creation of voluntary standards through a process that is open to all parties. ISO 7816 is the international standard for integrated-circuit cards (commonly known as smart cards) that use electrical contacts on the card, as well as cards that communicate with readers and terminals without contacts, as with radio frequency (RF/Contactless) technology. Anyone interested in obtaining a technical understanding of smart cards needs to become familiar with what ISO 7816 and 14443 does NOT cover as well as what it does. Copies of these standards can be purchased through ANSI American National Standards Institute: www.ansi.org . Copies of ISO standards are for sale at www.iso.org.

Application-specific properties are being debated with many large organizations and groups proposing their standards. Open system card interoperability should apply at several levels: 1). To the card itself, 2). The cards access terminals (readers), 3). The networks and 4). The card issuers own systems. Open system card interoperability will only be achieved by conformance to international standards.

This sites sponsors are committed to compliance with ISO and ITSEC security standards as well as industry initiatives such as EMV, the Global Platform and PC/SC specifications.

These organizations are active in smart card standardization: The following standards and the organizations that maintain them are the most prevalent in the smart card industry:

ISO/IEC is one of the worldwide standard-setting bodies for technology, including plastic cards. The primary standards for smart cards are ISO/IEC 7816, ISO/IEC 14443, ISO/IEC 15693 and ISO/IEC 7501.

ISO/IEC 7816 is a multi-part international standard broken into fourteen parts. ISO/IEC 7816 Parts 1, 2 and 3 deal only with contact smart cards and define the various aspects of the card and its interfaces, including the cards physical dimensions, the electrical interface and the communications protocols. ISO/IEC 7816 Parts 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13 and 15 are relevant to all types of smart cards (contact as well as contactless). They define the card logical structure (files and data elements), various commands used by the application programming interface for basic use, application management, biometric verification, cryptographic services and application naming. ISO/IEC 7816 Part 10 is used by memory cards for applications such as pre-paid telephone cards or vending machines. ISO/IEC 7816 Part 7 defines a secure relational database approach for smart cards based on the SQL interfaces (SCQL).

ISO/IEC 14443 is an international standard that defines the interfaces to a close proximity contactless smart card, including the radio frequency (RF) interface, the electrical interface, and the communications and anti-collision protocols. ISO/IEC 14443 compliant cards operate at 13.56 MHz and have an operational range of up to 10 centimeters (3.94 inches). ISO/IEC 14443 is the primary contactless smart card standard being used for transit, financial, and access control applications. It is also used in electronic passports and in the FIPS 201 PIV card.

ISO/IEC 15693 describes standards for vicinity cards. Specifically, it establishes standards for the physical characteristics, radio frequency power and signal interface, and anti-collision and transmission protocol for vicinity cards that operate to a maximum of 1 meter (approximately 3.3 feet).

ISO/IEC 7501 describes standards for machine-readable travel documents and has made a clear recommendation on smart card topology.

ICAOThe International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) issues guidance on the standardization and specifications for Machine Readable Travel Documents (MRTD) such as passports, visas, and travel documents. ICAO has published the specification for electronic passports using a contactless smart chip to securely store traveler data.

FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards) Developed by the Computer Security Division within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). FIPS standards are designed to protect federal assets, including

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computer and telecommunications systems. The following FIPS standards apply to smart card technology and pertain to digital signature standards, advanced encryption standards, and security requirements for cryptographic modules.

FIPS 140 (1-3): The security requirements contained in FIPS 140 (1-3) pertain to areas related to the secure design and implementation of a cryptographic module, specifically: cryptographic module specification; cryptographic module ports and interfaces; roles, services, and authentication; finite state model; physical security; operational environment; cryptographic key management; electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC); self-tests; design assurance; and mitigation of other attacks.

FIPS 201: This specification covers all aspects of multifunction cards used in identity management systems throughout the U.S. government.

EMV - Europay, MasterCard and Visa formed EMV Company, LLC and created the Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems. These specifications are related to ISO7816 and create a common technical basis for card and system implementation of a stored value system. Integrated Circuit Card Specifications for Payment Systems can be obtained from a Visa, MasterCard or Europay member bank.

PC/SC - A globally implemented standard for cards and readers, called the PC/SC specification. This standard only applies to CPU contact cards. Version 2.0 also dictates PIN pad to card communications. Apple, Oracle-Sun, Linux and Microsoft all support this standard.

Microsoft has built PC/SC into their smart card services as a framework that supports many security mechanisms for cards and systems. PC/SC is now a fairly common middleware interface for PC logon applications. The standard is a highly abstracted set of middleware components that allow for the most common reader card interactions.

CEN (Comite Europeen de Normalisation) and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) is focused on telecommunications, as with the GSM SIM for cellular telephones. GSM 11.11 and ETSI300045. CEN can be contacted at Rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels, Belgium, attention to the Central Secretariat.

HIPAA - The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act adopts national standards for implementing a secure electronic health transaction system in the U.S. Example transactions affected by this include claims, enrollment, eligibility, payment and coordination of benefits. Smart cards are governed by the requirements of HIPAA pertaining to data security and patient privacy.

IC Communications Standards - These existed for non-volatile memories before the chips were adopted for smart card use. This specifically applies to the I2C and SPI EEPROM interfaces.

Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) The GSM standard is dominant in the cell phone industry and uses smart cards called Subscriber Identification Modules (SIMs) that are configured with information essential to authenticating a GSM-compliant mobile phone, thus allowing a phone to receive service whenever the phone is within coverage of a suitable network. This standard is managed by the European Telecommunication Standards Institute. The two most common standards for cards are 11.11 and 11.14.

OpenCard Framework(Obsolete standard: for information only)

The OpenCard Framework was a set of guidelines announced by IBM, Netscape, NCI, and Sun Microsystems for integrating smart cards with network computers. The guidelines were based on open standards and provided an architecture and a set of application program interfaces (APIs) that enable application developers and service providers to build and deploy smart card solutions on any OpenCard-compliant network computer. Through the use of a smart card, an OpenCard-compliant system should have enabled access to personalized data and services from any network computer and dynamically download from the Internet all device drivers that are necessary to communicate with the smart card. By providing a high-level interface which can support multiple smart card

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types, the OpenCard Framework was intended to enable vendor-independent card interoperability. The system incorporated Public Key Cryptography Standard (PKCS) - 11 and was supposed to be expandable to include other

public key mechanisms.

Global PlatformGlobalPlatform (GP) is an international, non-profit association. Its mission is to establish, maintain and drive adoption of standards to enable an open and interoperable infrastructure for smart cards, devices and systems that simplifies and accelerates development, deployment and management of applications across industries. The GP standard has been adopted by virtually all the banks worldwide for JavaCard-based loading of cryptographic data. The standard establishes mechanisms and policies that enable secure channel communications with a credential.

Common CriteriaCommon Criteria (CC) is an internationally approved security evaluation framework providing a clear and reliable evaluation of the security capabilities of IT products, including secure ICs, smart card operating systems, and application software. CC provides an independent assessment of a products ability to meet security standards. Security-conscious customers, such as national governments, are increasingly requiring CC certification in making purchasing decisions. Since the requirements for certification are clearly established, vendors can target very specific security needs while providing broad product offerings.

Biometric StandardsMany new secure ID system implementations are using both biometrics and smart cards to improve the security and privacy of an ID system.

ANSI-INCITS 358-2002, BioAPI Specification - (ISO/IEC 19784-1). BioAPI is intended to provide a high-level generic biometric authentication modelone suited for any form of biometric technology. It covers the basic functions of enrollment, verification, and identification, and includes a database interface to allow a biometric service provider (BSP) to manage the technology device and identification population for optimum performance. It also provides primitives that allow the application to separately manage the capture of samples on a client workstation, and the enrollment, verification, and identification functions on a server. The BioAPI framework has been ported to Win32, Linux, UNIX, and WinCE. Note that BioAPI is not optimum for a microcontroller environment such as might be embedded within a door access control reader unit or within a smart card processor. BioAPI is more suitable when there is a general-purpose computer available.

ANSI-INCITS 398, Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework (CBEFF) - (ISO/IEC 19785-1). The Common Biometric Exchange Formats Framework (CBEFF) describes a set of data elements necessary to support biometric technologies and exchange data in a common way. These data can be placed in a single file used to exchange biometric information between different system components or between systems. The result promotes interoperability of biometric-based application programs and systems developed by different vendors by allowing biometric data interchange. This specification is a revised (and augmented) version of the original CBEFF, the Common Biometric Exchange File Format, originally published as NISTIR 6529.

ANSI-INCITS Biometric Data Format Interchange Standards. ANSI-INCITS has created a series of standards specifying the interchange format for the exchange of biometric data. These standards specify a data record interchange format for storing, recording, and transmitting the information from a biometric sample within a CBEFF data structure. The ANSI-INCITS published data interchange standards are shown below. There are ISO equivalents to each standard listed here.

ANSI-INCITS 377-2004 - Finger Pattern Based Interchange Format

ANSI-INCITS 378-2004 - Finger Minutiae Format for Data Interchange

ANSI-INCITS 379-2004 - Iris Interchange Format

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ANSI-INCITS 381-2004 - Finger Image Based Interchange Format

ANSI-INCITS 385-2004 - Face Recognition Format for Data Interchange

ANSI-INCITS 395-2005 - Signature/Sign Image Based Interchange Format

ANSI-INCITS 396-2004 - Hand Geometry Interchange Format

ISO/IEC 19794 series on biometric data interchange formats. Part 1 is the framework, Part 2 defines the finger minutiae data, Part 3 defines the finger pattern spectral data, Part 4 defines the finger image data, Part 5 defines the face image data, Part 6 defines the iris image data, and still in development, Part 7 will define the signature/sign time series data, Part 8 will define the finger pattern skeletal data and Part 8 will define the vascular image data.

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System Planning & DeploymentSmart card system design requires advance planning to be successful and to avoid problems. It is highly recommended that you graphically diagram the flow of information for your new system. The first question to consider is will the card and system transact information, or value, or both? If it stores keys or value (i.e. gift certificates or sports tickets), greater design detail is required than in data-only systems. When you combine information types on a single card, other issues arise. The key to success is not to overrun the system with features that can confuse users and cause problems in management. It is recommended that you phase-in each feature set as each one is working. To properly implement a functional smart card system, you should be able to answer the following questions. NOTE: These are only general guidelines, provided as a basis for your individual planning. Many other steps may be involved and are not mentioned here. For more extensive planning information regarding identity management and national IDs, we recommend that you review the GSA Smart Card Handbook. For bank-issued cards, we recommend that you visit the Global Platform website.

Basic Set-UpIs there a clear business case? Including financial and consumer behavior factors?1)

Will the system be single or multi-application?2)

What type of information do I want to store in the cards (ie; data or value)?3)

How much memory is required for each application?4)

If multi-application, how will I separate different types of data?5)

Will card data be obtained from a database? Or loaded every time?6)

Will this data concurrently reside on a database?7)

How many cards will be needed?8)

Are card/infrastructure vendors identified? What are the lead times?9)

Security PlanningWhat are the security requirements?1)

Does all, or only some of the data need to be secure?2)

Who will have access to this information?3)

Who will be allowed to change this information?4)

In what manner shall I secure this data i.e. encryption, Host passwords, card passwords/PINs or all of these?5)

Should the keys/PINs be customer or system-activated?6)

What form of version control do I want?7)

Value ApplicationsShould the value in the cards be re-loadable or will the cards be disposable?1)

How will I distribute the cards?2)

How will cards be activated and loaded with value?3)

What type of card traceability should I implement?4)

What is the minimum and maximum value to store on each card?5)

Will there be a refund policy?6)

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General IssuanceHow many types of artwork will be included in the issuance?1)

Who will do the artwork?2)

What is needed on the card? For example signature panels, Magnetic-Stripe, Embossing etc.3)

Multi-Application Card SystemsIt is highly recommended that you graphically diagram the flow of information as shown. Large distributed multifunction systems require lots of advance planning to make them effective. Smart cards often act as the glue between disparate software applications and use cases. Below is an example of a multifunction card that is issued by a large enterprise or government. Everywhere you see a CD is a separate and distinct software application that interacts with the data and service from the card.

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*Image Courtesy of CardLogix

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The critical first step in this type of planning is to understand the data requirements on the card as it relates to each disparate software application that your project will deploy.

Building a smart card system that stores value i.e. gift certificates, show tickets, redemption points or cash equivalents requires an attention to detail not necessary in other information management systems. The most important detail of a successful stored value card is that the card and program are perceived by users as being compelling, justifying the switch from other payment options.

User information and system wide training should be part of your budget. It is recommended that you phase-in each feature set after the first one is working. Here is a list of some questions that are pertinent to these systems in addition to the above questions.

DeploymentAs the minimum steps in deploying a stored value or multi-application system, establish clear achievable program objectives;

Make sure the organization has a stake in the projects success and that management buys into the project1)

Set a budget2)

Name a project manager3)

Assemble a project team and create a team vision4)

Graphically create an information - card and funds-flow diagram5)

Assess the card and reader options6)

Write a detailed specification for the system7)

Set a realistic schedule with inch-stones and mile-stones8)

Establish the security parameters for both people and the system9)

Phase-in each system element, testing as you deploy10)

Reassess for security leaks11)

Deploy the first phase of cards and test, test12)

Train the key employees responsible for each area13)

Set-up a system user manual14)

Check the reporting structures15)

Have contingency plans should problems arise16)

Deploy and announce17)

Advertise and market your system18)

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Smart Card Security (Section 1)Smart cards provide computing and business systems the enormous benefit of portable and secure storage of data and value. At the same time, the integration of smart cards into your system introduces its own security management issues, as people access card data far and wide in a variety of applications.

The following is a basic discussion of system security and smart cards, designed to familiarize you with the terminology and concepts you need in order to start your security planning.

What Is Security?Security is basically the protection of something valuable to ensure that it is not stolen, lost, or altered. The term data security governs an extremely wide range of applications and touches everyones daily life. Concerns over data security are at an all-time high, due to the rapid advancement of technology into virtually every transaction, from parking meters to national defense.

Data is created, updated, exchanged and stored via networks. A network is any computing system where users are highly interactive and interdependent and by definition, not all in the same physical place. In any network, diversity abounds, certainly in terms of types of data, but also types of users. For that reason, a system of security is essential to maintain computing and network functions, keep sensitive data secret, or simply maintain worker safety. Any one company might provide an example of these multiple security concerns: Take, for instance, a pharmaceutical manufacturer:

Type of Data Security Concern Type of AccessDrug Formula Basis of business income. Competitor spying Highly selective list of executives

Accounting, Regulatory Required by law Relevant executives and departments

Personnel Files Employee piracy Relevant executives and departments

Employee ID Non-employee access. Inaccurate payroll, benefits assignment

Relevant executives and departments

Facilities Access Authorization Individuals per function and clearance such as customers, visitors, or vendors

Building safety, emergency response All employees Outside emergency response

What Is Information Security?Information security is the application of measures to ensure the safety and privacy of data by managing its storage and distribution. Information security has both technical and social implications. The first simply deals with the how and how much question of applying secure measures at a reasonable cost. The second grapples with issues of individual freedom, public concerns, legal standards and how the need for privacy intersects them. This discussion covers a range of options open to business managers, system planners and programmers that will contribute to your ultimate security strategy. The eventual choice rests with the system designer and issuer.

The Elements Of Data SecurityIn implementing a security system, all data networks deal with the following main elements:

Hardware1) , including servers, redundant mass storage devices, communication channels and lines, hardware tokens (smart cards) and remotely located devices (e.g., thin clients or Internet appliances) serving as interfaces between users and computers

Software2) , including operating systems, database management systems, communication and security application programs

Data3) , including databases containing customer - related information.

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Personnel4) , to act as originators and/or users of the data; professional personnel, clerical staff, administrative personnel, and computer staff

The Mechanisms Of Data SecurityWorking with the above elements, an effective data security system works with the following key mechanisms to answer:

Has My Data Arrived Intact?1) (Data Integrity) This mechanism ensures that data was not lost or corrupted when it was sent to you

Is The Data Correct And Does It Come From The Right Person?2) (Authentication) This proves user or system identities

Can I Confirm Receipt Of The Data And Sender Identity Back To The Sender? 3) (Non-Repudiation)

Can I Keep This Data Private? 4) (Confidentiality) - Ensures only senders and receivers access the data. This is typically done by employing one or more encryption techniques to secure your data

Can I Safely Share This Data If I Choose? 5) (Authorization and Delegation) You can set and manage access privileges for additional users and groups

Can I Verify The That The System Is Working?6) (Auditing and Logging) Provides a constant monitor and troubleshooting of security system function

Can I Actively Manage The System?7) (Management) Allows administration of your security system

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Smart Card Security (Section 2)

Data IntegrityThis is the function that verifies the characteristics of a document and a transaction. Characteristics of both are inspected and confirmed for content and correct authorization. Data Integrity is achieved with electronic cryptography that assigns a unique identity to data like a fingerprint. Any attempt to change this identity signals the change and flags any tampering.

AuthenticationThis inspects, then confirms, the proper identity of people involved in a transaction of data or value. In authentication systems, authentication is measured by assessing the mechanisms strength and how many factors are used to confirm the identity. In a PKI system a Digital Signature verifies data at its origination by producing an identity that can be mutually verified by all parties involved in the transaction. A cryptographic hash algorithm produces a Digital Signature.

Non-RepudiationThis eliminates the possibility of a transaction being repudiated, or invalidated by incorporating a Digital Signature that a third party can verify as correct. Similar in concept to registered mail, the recipient of data re-hashes it, verifies the Digital Signature, and compares the two to see that they match.

Authorization and DelegationAuthorization is the processes of allowing access to specific data within a system. Delegation is the utilization of a third party to manage and certify each of the users of your system. (Certificate Authorities).

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Authorization and Trust Model

Auditing and LoggingThis is the independent examination and recording of records and activities to ensure compliance with established controls, policy, and operational procedures, and to recommend any indicated changes in controls, policy, or procedures.

ManagementIs the oversight and design of the elements and mechanisms discussed above and below. Card management also requires the management of card issuance, replacement and retirement as well as polices that govern a system.

Cryptography/ConfidentialityConfidentiality is the use of encryption to protect information from unauthorized disclosure. Plain text is turned into cipher text via an algorithm, and then decrypted back into plain text using the same method.

Cryptography is the method of converting data from a human readable form to a modified form, and then back to its original readable form, to make unauthorized access difficult. Cryptography is used in the following ways:

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Ensure data privacy, by encrypting data

Ensures data integrity, by recognizing if data has been manipulated in an unauthorized way

Ensures data uniqueness by checking that data is original, and not a copy of the original. The sender attaches a unique identifier to the original data. This unique identifier is then checked by the receiver of the data.

The original data may be in a human-readable form, such as a text file, or it may be in a computer-readable form, such as a database, spreadsheet or graphics file. The original data is called unencrypted data or plain text. The modified data is called encrypted data or cipher text. The process of converting the unencrypted data is called encryption. The process of converting encrypted data to unencrypted data is called decryption.

Data Security Mechanisms and their Respective Algorithms

In order to convert the data, you need to have an encryption algorithm and a key. If the same key is used for both encryption and decryption that key is called a secret key and the algorithm is called a symmetric algorithm. The most well-known symmetric algorithm is DES (Data Encryption Standard).

The Data Encryption Standard (DES) was invented by the IBM Corporation in the 1970s. During the process of becoming a standard algorithm, it was modified according to recommendations from the National Security Agency (NSA). The algorithm has been studied by cryptographers for over 30 years. During this time, no methods have been published that describe a way to break the algorithm, except for brute-force techniques. DES has a 56-bit key, which offers 256 or 7 x 1016 possible variations. There are a very small numbers of weak keys, but it is easy to test for these keys and they are easy to avoid.

Triple-DES is a method of using DES to provide additional security. Triple-DES can be done with two or with three keys. Since the algorithm performs an encrypt-decrypt-encrypt sequence, this is sometimes called the EDE mode. This diagram shows Triple-DES three-key mode used for encryption:

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The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) is the newest symmetric-key encryption standard adopted by the U.S. government. The standard comprises three block ciphers, AES-128, AES-192 and AES-256, adopted from a larger collection originally published as Rijndael. Each of these ciphers has a 128-bit block size, with key sizes of 128, 192 and 256 bits, respectively. The AES ciphers have been analyzed extensively and are now used worldwide, as was the case with its predecessor, the Data Encryption Standard (DES).

AES was announced by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as U.S. FIPS PUB 197 (FIPS 197) on November 26, 2001 after a 5-year standardization process in which fifteen competing designs were presented and evaluated before Rijndael was selected as the most suitable. It became effective as a Federal government standard on May 26, 2002 after approval by the Secretary of Commerce. It is available in many different encryption packages. AES is the first publicly accessible and open cipher approved by the NSA for top secret information.

If different keys are used for encryption and decryption, the algorithm is called an asymmetric algorithm. The most well-known asymmetric algorithm is RSA, named after its three inventors (Rivest, Shamir, and Adleman). This algorithm uses two keys, called the private key. These keys are mathematically linked. Here is a diagram that illustrates an asymmetric algorithm:

Asymmetric algorithms involve extremely complex mathematics typically involving the factoring of large prime numbers. Asymmetric algorithms are typically stronger than a short key length symmetric algorithm. But because of their complexity they are used in signing a message or a certificate. They not ordinarily used for data transmission encryption.

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Smart Card Security (Section 3)As the card issuer, you must define all of the parameters for card and data security. There are two methods of using cards for data system security, host-based and card-based. The safest systems employ both methodologies.

Public Key Keep (Asymmetric Card) Avg. cost per seat* $55 - $200

Digital Signature/Signed Receipts

Closed multi-session encryption (Symmetric Key Card)Avg. cost per seat* $14 - $18

Mutual authentication (SHA 1, SHA 256)

OTP (One Time Password) encryption (Symmetric Key Card)Avg. cost per seat* $14

Biometric Password Card(Match on card or biometric database)

Avg. cost per seat* $150 - $200

Token Number randomizers (Security Dynamics) (RSA)

Avg. cost per seat* $45

User name & passwordAvg. cost

per seat $5Avg. reset cost

$12 - $18*Seat Cost Can Includet*TTVFE5PLFOt%JHJUBM$FSUJDBUFt4JOHMF4JHO0O.*EEMFXBSFt$BSE3FBEFS

Host-Based System SecurityA host-based system treats a card as a simple data carrier. Because of this, straight memory cards can be used very cost-effectively for many systems. All protection of the data is done from the host computer. The card data may be encrypted but the transmission to the host can be vulnerable to attack. A common method of increasing the security is to write in the clear (not encrypted) a key that usually contains a date and/or time along with a secret reference to a set of keys on the host. Each time the card is re-written the host can write a reference to the keys. This way each transmission is different. But parts of the keys are in the clear for hackers to analyze. This security can be increased by the use of smart memory cards that employ a password mechanism to prevent unauthorized reading of the data. Unfortunately the passwords can be sniffed in the clear. Access is then possible to the main memory. These methodologies are often used when a network can batch up the data regularly and compare values and card usage and generate a problem card list.

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Card-Based System SecurityThese systems are typically microprocessor card-based. A card or token-based system treats a card as an active computing device. The interaction between the host and the card can be a series of steps to determine if the card is authorized to be used in the system. The process also checks if the user can be identified, authenticated and if the card will present the appropriate credentials to conduct a transaction. The card itself can also demand the same from the host before proceeding with a transaction. The access to specific information in the card is controlled by A). The cards internal Operating System and B). The preset permissions set by the card issuer regarding the files condition. The card can be in a standard CR80 form factor or be in a USB dongle or it could be a GSM SIM Card.

Threats To Cards and Data SecurityEffective security system planning takes into account the need for authorized users to access data reasonably easily, while considering the many threats that this access presents to the integrity and safety of the information. There are basic steps to follow to secure all smart card systems, regardless of type or size.

Analysis: Types of data to secure; users, points of contact, transmission. Relative risk/impact of data loss

Deployment of your proposed system

Road Test: Attempt to hack your system; learn about weak spots, etc.

Synthesis: Incorporate road test data, re-deploy

Auditing: Periodic security monitoring, checks of system, fine-tuning

When analyzing the threats to your data an organization should look closely at two specific areas: Internal attacks and external attacks. The first and most common compromise of data comes from disgruntled employees. Knowing this, a good system manager separates all back-up data and back-up systems into a separately partitioned and secured space. The introduction of viruses and the attempted formatting of network drives is a typical internal attack behavior. By deploying employee cards that log an employee into the system and record the time, date and machine that the employee is on, a company automatically discourages these type of attacks.

External attacks are typically aimed at the weakest link in a companys security armor. The first place an external hacker looks at is where they can intercept the transmission of your data. In a smart card-enhanced system this starts with the card.

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The following sets of questions are relevant to your analysis. Is the data on the card transmitted in the clear or is it encrypted? If the transmission is sniffed, is each session secured with a different key? Does the data move from the reader to the PC in the clear? Does the PC or client transmit the data in the clear? If the packet is sniffed, is each session secured with a different key? Does the Operating System have a back door? Is there a mechanism to upload and download functioning code? How secure is this system? Does the OS provider have a good security track record? Does the card manufacturer have precautions in place to secure your data? Do they understand the liabilities? Can they provide other security measures that can be implemented on the card and or module? When the card is subjected to Differential Power attacks and Differential Thermal attacks does the OS reveal any secrets? Will the semiconductor utilized meet this scrutiny? Do your suppliers understand these questions?

Other types of problems that can be a threat to your assets include:

Improperly secured passwords (writing them down, sharing)

Assigned PINs and the replacement mechanisms

Delegated Authentication Services

Poor data segmentation

Physical Security (the physical removal or destruction of your computing hardware)

Security ArchitecturesWhen designing a system a planner should look at the total cost of ownership this includes:

Analysis

Installation and Deployment

Delegated Services

Training

Management

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Audits and Upgrades

Infrastructure Costs (Software and Hardware)

Over 99% of all U.S.- based financial networks are secured with a Private Key Infrastructure. This is changing over time, based on the sheer volume of transactions managed daily and the hassles that come with private key management. Private Key-based systems make good sense if your expected user base is less than 500,000 participants.

Public Key Systems are typically cost effective only in large volumes or where the value of data is so high that it is worth the higher costs associated with this type of deployment. What most people dont realize is that Public Key systems still rely heavily on Private Key encryption for all transmission of data. The Public Key encryption algorithms are only used for non-repudiation and to secure data integrity. Public Key infrastructures as a rule employ every mechanism of data security in a nested and coordinated fashion to insure the highest level of security available today.

PKI-Public Key InfrastructureHow it works. Typical System (example)

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ConclusionsSmart cards can add convenience and safety to any transaction of value and data; but the choices facing todays managers can be daunting. We hope this site has adequately presented the options and given you enough information to make informed evaluations of performance, cost and security that will produce a smart card system that fits todays needs and those of tomorrow. It is our sincere belief that informed users make better choices, which leads to better business for everybody.

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GlossaryWondering what an Ankle Biter is? Looking for arcane information on smart cards? Youve come to the right place. Click on the letter corresponding to the term youre wondering about. This glossary is an amalgamation of information from many sources, the primary two being the U.S. government NIST website on security terms and the CardLogix Corporation Smart Card Glossary. This list is always growing...so if you dont find your answer, check back with us soon.

Access Management: The processes and technologies for controlling and monitoring access privileges to resources, consistent with governing policies. Access management includes authentication, authorization, trust, and security auditing.

Active Attack: An attack which results in an unauthorized state change, such as the manipulation of files, or the adding of unauthorized files.

Administrative Security: The management constraints and supplemental controls established to provide an acceptable level of protection for data.

Advanced Encryption Standard (AES): also known as Rijndael. A block cipher adopted as an encryption standard by the U.S. government.

Automated Information System (AIS): Any equipment of an interconnected system or subsystems of equipment that is used in the automatic acquisition, storage, manipulation, control, display, transmission, or reception of data and includes software, firmware, and hardware.

Alert: A formatted message describing a circumstance relevant to network security. Alerts are often derived from critical audit events.

Ankle-Biter: A person who aspires to be a hacker/cracker but has very limited knowledge or skills. Usually associated with young teens that collect and use simple malicious programs obtained from the Internet.

Anomaly Detection Model: A model where intrusions are detected by looking for activity that is different from the users or systems normal behavior.

Application Level Gateway (Firewall): A firewall system in which service is provided by processes that maintain complete TCP connection state and sequencing. Application level firewalls often re-address traffic so that outgoing traffic appears to have originated from the firewall, rather than the internal host.

Application programming interface (API): A source code interface that a computer system or program library provides in order to support requests for services to be made of it by other computer programs, and/or to allow data to be exchanged.

Assessment: Surveys and Inspections: an analysis of the vulnerabilities of an AIS. Information acquisition and review process designed to assist a customer to determine how best to use resources to protect information in systems.

Assurance: A measure of confidence that the security features and architecture of an AIS accurately mediate and enforce the security policy.

Asymmetric Cryptography: Cryptography that uses two related operations: a public operation defined by public numbers or by a public key and a private operation defined by private numbers or by a private key (the two operations have the property that, given the public operation, it is computationally infeasible to derive the private operation).

Asymmetric Keys: Two related keys, a public key and a private key, that are used to perform complementary operations, such as encryption and decryption or signature generation and signature verification.

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Attack: An attempt to bypass security controls on a computer. The attack may alter, release, or deny data. Whether an attack will succeed depends on the vulnerability of the computer system and the effectiveness of existing countermeasures.

Audit: The independent examination of records and activities to ensure compliance with established controls, policy, and operational procedures, and to recommend any indicated changes in controls, policy, or procedures.

Audit Trail: In computer security systems, a chronological record of system resource usage. This includes user login, file access, other various activities, and whether any actual or attempted security violations occurred, legitimate and unauthorized.

Authenticate: To establish the validity of a claimed user or object.

Authentication: To positively verify the identity of a user, device, or other entity in a computer system, often as a prerequisite to allowing access to resources in a system.

Authentication Header (AH): A field that immediately follows the IP header in an IP datagram and provides authentication and integrity checking for the datagram.

Automated Security Incident Measurement (ASIM): Monitors network traffic and collects information on targeted unit networks by detecting unauthorized network activity.

Automated Security Monitoring: All security features needed to provide an acceptable level of protection for hardware, software, and classified, sensitive, unclassified or critical data, material, or processes in the system.

Authorization: The assignment of a privilege or privileges (e.g., access to a building or network) verifying that a known person or entity has the authority to perform a specific operation. Authorization is provided after authentication. In the payments industry, authorization is the approval from the financial institution that issued the cardholders card to accept a transaction for a given amount.

Availability: Assuring information and communications services will be ready for use when expected.

Biometric: A measurable, physical characteristic or personal behavioral trait used to recognize the identity, or verify the claimed identity, of an individual. Facial images, fingerprints, and iris scan samples are all examples of biometrics.

Back Door: A hole in the security of a computer system deliberately left in place by designers or maintainers. Synonymous with trap door; a hidden software or hardware mechanism used to circumvent security controls.

Bell-La Padula Security Model: Formal-state transition model of computer security policy that describes a formal set of access controls based on information sensitivity and subject authorizations.

Biba Integrity Model: A formal security model for the integrity of subjects and objects in a system.

Bomb: A general synonym for crash, normally of software or operating system failures.

Breach: The successful defeat of security controls which could result in a penetration of the system. A violation of controls of a particular information system such that information assets or system components are unduly exposed.

Breeder Document: A document used as an original source of identity to apply for (or breed) other forms of identity credentials

Buffer Overflow: This happens when more data is put into a buffer or holding area, then the buffer can handle. This is due to a mismatch in processing rates between the producing and consuming processes. This can result in system crashes or the creation of a back door leading to system access.

Bug: An unwanted and unintended property of a program or piece of hardware, especially one that causes it to malfunction.

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C2: Command and Control.

C2-attack: Prevent effective C2 of adversary forces by denying information to, influencing, degrading or destroying the adversary C2 system.

C2-protect: Maintain effective command and control of own forces by turning to friendly advantage or negating adversary effort to deny information to, influence, degrade, or destroy the friendly C2 system. (Pending approval in JP 1-02).

Card issuer: The organization or entity that issues cards.

Certificate Authority (CA): A trusted third party that is responsible for issuing and revoking digital certificates within the public key infrastructure.

CGI: Common Gateway Interface - CGI is the method that Web servers use to allow interaction between servers and programs.

CGI Scripts: Allows for the creation of dynamic and interactive web pages. They also tend to be the most vulnerable part of a web server.

Check_Password: A hacking program used for cracking VMS passwords.

Chernobyl Packet: Also called Kamikaze Packet. A network packet that induces a broadcast storm and network meltdown. Typically an IP Ethernet datagram that passes through a gateway with both source and destination Ethernet and IP address set as the respective broadcast addresses for the sub networks being gated between.

Circuit Level Gateway: One form of a firewall. Validates TCP and UDP sessions before opening a connection. Creates a handshake, and once that takes place passes everything through until the session is ended.

Clipper Chip: A tamper-resistant VLSI chip designed by NSA for encrypting voice