Älykorttien

Älykorttien, or smart cards, are portable data storage devices that contain an embedded integrated circuit (IC) chip. This chip can be programmed to store information, perform computations, and execute applications. Unlike traditional magnetic stripe cards, smart cards offer enhanced security and functionality due to their processing capabilities.

The embedded chip can be a microcontroller or a memory chip. Microcontroller-based smart cards can process data internally, making them suitable for complex applications like secure authentication and digital signatures. Memory-based smart cards, on the other hand, are simpler and primarily used for storing data. Smart cards typically feature a contact interface, requiring physical insertion into a reader, or a contactless interface, which allows for communication through radio waves.

Smart cards are used in a wide range of applications. They are commonly employed for secure access control, such as in employee identification badges and building security systems. In the financial sector, they are used for credit and debit cards, offering secure payment processing and fraud prevention. Telecommunications utilize them for subscriber identification in mobile phones, while government agencies use them for national ID cards, passports, and public transportation passes. The secure nature of the embedded chip, which can store cryptographic keys and personal data securely, makes smart cards a valuable tool for various identity and transaction management needs.