Smart Card

A smart card is a versatile and secure technology that has revolutionized the way individuals interact with various systems. Also known as a chip card or integrated circuit card (ICC), a smart card is typically a plastic card the size of a credit card. It contains an embedded integrated circuit chip which can process data. The card can be equipped with a pattern of metal contacts to connect electrically to the internal chip, or it can be contactless, allowing for wireless communication. Some smart cards support both contact and contactless operations.

Smart cards are employed in a broad array of applications, including personal identification, authentication, data storage, and application processing. They serve critical roles in financial, public transit, computer security, educational institutions, and healthcare systems. Notably, smart cards are foundational to secure single sign-on (SSO) authentication protocols within organizations.

History

The smart card's history dates back to 1977 when Michel Ugon from Honeywell Bull invented the first microprocessor smart card consisting of two chips: one microprocessor and one memory chip. In 1978, Ugon patented the self-programmable one-chip microcomputer (SPOM), which established the necessary architecture for programming these chips.

Applications

Identification and Authentication

Smart cards are used as robust tools for personal identification and authentication. For instance, the National Identity Card of Bangladesh is a biometric, microchip-embedded smart card that is legally required for citizens. Similarly, the Hong Kong identity card incorporates advanced security and chip technology enhancements.

Transportation

In public transit systems, smart cards such as the SmartLink are used as fare payment methods. These RFID-enabled cards streamline the process of using public transportation by offering a quick and efficient way to pay for rides.

Financial Transactions

Smart cards are integral to secure financial transactions, acting as payment cards with embedded chips that store sensitive information securely. They are utilized globally by major card payment organizations such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and UnionPay.

Digital Security

Smart cards enhance digital security through technologies like digital signatures. These cards can securely store private keys, ensuring that the keys never leave the card itself, which bolsters security in digital transactions and communications.

Communication

A well-known application of smart card technology is the SIM card, used in mobile phones. The SIM card, technically a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), facilitates subscriber identity and authentication on mobile networks.