HFkort

HFkort is a term used in Scandinavian languages to refer to high-frequency smart cards, i.e., contactless cards that operate in the high-frequency portion of the radio spectrum (typically 13.56 MHz). These cards rely on RFID technology and are associated with standards such as ISO/IEC 14443 (types A and B) and ISO/IEC 15693. Many implementations include a secure element and cryptographic keys to support authentication and data protection. HFkort cards communicate with compatible readers over short ranges, usually a few centimeters.

Common applications for HFkort include access control for buildings and campuses, public transportation smart cards, and payment solutions that use contactless interfaces. They can be implemented as contactless memory cards or integrated into payment cards that follow payment scheme requirements, sometimes alongside other interfaces.

Operation is typically as follows: a reader emits an RF field that powers a passive card within range. The card uses backscatter modulation to transmit data back to the reader, enabling a bidirectional exchange of authentication and transaction information. Security features often include mutual authentication, encryption, and key management. Privacy and security considerations include the potential risks of unauthorized reading in crowded spaces, which are mitigated by short read ranges, shielding, and robust cryptographic implementations.

Relation to other technologies: HFkort is distinct from UHF cards that operate at higher frequencies (around 860–960 MHz) and from low-frequency cards (around 125 kHz), as well as from fully contact-based smart cards. The term HFkort is not a formal international standard name but a descriptive label used in some languages to denote high-frequency, contactless smart cards.