Lähikortit

Lähikortit (proximity cards) are non-contact smart cards used for identification and access within local services in Finland. They enable quick authentication and, in some cases, payment, by communicating with card readers at short range. Cards typically rely on standards such as ISO/IEC 14443 and use cryptographic keys and mutual authentication to protect data. Because they are powered by the reader’s electromagnetic field, they require no battery.

Common uses of lähikortit include municipal library systems for borrowing materials, school or municipal cafeteria payments, access to sports and cultural facilities, and, in some cases, integration with local public transit passes. The cards are usually issued to residents, students, or employees by a municipal authority or organization and can be linked to an account or stored-value balance. They may be issued for single or multiple services and can be reloaded or reissued as needed.

Security and privacy considerations are addressed through encryption, access control, and the option to block a lost or stolen card. Transaction logs and usage data may be collected, within the framework of applicable data protection laws.

In practice, lähikortit refer to locally deployed contactless cards rather than national or international payment systems. They are often integrated with broader identity and payment ecosystems, leveraging technologies such as NFC and MIFARE DESFire to provide secure and scalable solutions. See also non-contact smart card, NFC, ISO/IEC 14443, MIFARE.