Hardware Intrinsic Security

Abstract

Contact-based smart cards are widely accepted. What are then the reasons for focussing on contactless cards in recent times? First, because of the abrasion of the physical contacts, contact-based smart cards have a shorter lifetime compared to contactless cards. Second, contactless interfaces do not need to comply with mechanical form factors. Third, the usage of contactless cards is more comfortable compared to contact-based cards.And furthermore,with the upcoming dispersion of mobiles with near-field communication interfaces (NFC) the communication with PICCs is possible with mobiles, too.