Oberthur ID-One Smart Card Overview
Oberthur ID-One Smart Card Overview
Dual interface cards provide a secure and cost-effective solution by utilizing a single chip that operates in both contact and contactless modes, which reduces points of failure and simplifies system management compared to hybrid cards that require two chips . Dual interface cards are fully FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified, offering higher security than hybrids, which cannot be FIPS 140 certified due to non-compliant DESFIRE chips . Additionally, dual interface cards are cheaper to produce and easier to transition from contact to contactless use because they do not necessitate upgrading portal infrastructure or issuing stations for contactless personalization .
Using white cards for smart card printing has several pros, such as shorter lead time to purchase, flexibility with multiple artworks, and the possibility of personalization with standard desktop card printers, which minimizes inventory issues . However, there are significant cons including lower security, as white card stock is widely available and personalization can be done using any COTS printer . White cards also have a higher scrap rate due to visibility of dust and contamination, and they require special handling and maintenance. Additionally, there is lower flexibility to accommodate artwork changes related to contactless technology locations .
Implementing dual interface cards requires significant customer education to facilitate transition from hybrid to dual-interface systems, which are new concepts for many users . Educating customers on the advantages, such as reduced infrastructure complexity and enhanced security, is crucial for adoption. Furthermore, training on handling and using such cards, understanding dual-interface functionality, and integrating them into existing systems is necessary to fully leverage their benefits . Without proper education, there is a risk of inefficient usage and investment in infrastructure that may not fully benefit from the dual-interface capabilities .
Compliance with FIPS 140-2 Level 3 is significant as it ensures that the PIV-II card meets stringent security requirements necessary for government-issued identification tools . This certification verifies that the card employs robust encryption to protect sensitive data, including advanced cryptographic algorithms like 3DES, AES, and RSA, critical for verifying identity and securing communications . Level 3 certification focuses on tamper-resistance and identity protection features, dramatically reducing the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, which is vital for governmental applications where high security is paramount .
To optimize security while using white cards, the recommendation includes printing all fixed data during the manufacturing process, which ensures faster issuance and better yield . This approach also allows artwork to be applied over contactless components like hybrid chips and antennas, while adding a security background . Variable printed data should be placed in printer-friendly locations, and care must be taken to avoid using security laminates that could render the card outside ISO specifications due to extra thickness . It is also advised to work closely with card manufacturers on artwork feasibility and security feature integration, such as guilloche relief designs and invisible UV printing .
The ID-One Cosmo 64 V5 Dual card offers several technical and security advantages for governmental applications, including higher security through FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification and Common Criteria EAL level 5+ assessment . The card supports dual interface (ISO 7816 & ISO 14443), enhancing communication speeds both in contact and contactless mode, making it 64 times faster than current CAC . It has enhanced cryptographic features, including 3DES, AES, RSA, and Elliptic Curves, making it versatile in cryptographic applications . Additionally, it supports Biometric Match On Card, catering to major algorithms and ensuring user identity verification on the card itself .
The PIV-II applet enhances smart card performance by complying with SP 800-73 standards and being optimized for the PIV-II endpoint, which results in code that is 10% more compact than its predecessor . This compact code improves operational performance and allows for more efficient card management. The applet supports multiple key values for a given Key Type, offering agencies the flexibility to choose their preferred cryptographic algorithms . Security is further enhanced with features like secure messaging for personalization, a sharable interface for PIV data objects, support for EF.DIR, and read binary functions, reducing data duplication and improving flexibility .
Hybrid smart card solutions present several challenges, including logistical issues due to the requirement of two separate chips for contact and contactless functionalities, which complicates deployment and increases delivery lead time . The need for a portal upgrade to support the second chip and synchronization between contact and contactless data further complicates logistics . Hybrid systems also face higher production costs and higher susceptibility to failures, given the dual-chip architecture . Issues such as the inability to achieve FIPS 140 certification due to the DESFIRE chip's non-compliance limit their acceptance in security-sensitive applications .
The centralized issuance process enhances smart card deployment efficiency by streamlining key stages, such as data preparation, personalization, and fulfillment, into a cohesive workflow . By preparing card profiles and cardholder data centrally, redundancies are minimized, and consistent standards are maintained across the issuance process . Centralization facilitates efficient management of graphical and electric personalization while allowing for seamless distribution through direct marketing and media channels . Furthermore, centralized mechanisms for PIN mailing and packaging ensure secure and timely delivery, reducing administrative overhead and potential for errors . This system reduces various logistical challenges and accelerates card issuance, leading to improved operational efficiency .
Smart card security print features significantly enhance the overall security by incorporating visual and physical elements that deter counterfeiting and unauthorized duplication. Features like guilloche relief designs, optical variable devices (holographic films), microtext, and invisible UV printing make unauthorized reproduction difficult . These features add layers of complexity that require specialized knowledge and equipment to replicate, raising the barrier for forgery. Additionally, high-resolution photo thermal transfer and ghost images provide visual authentication cues, and security print features such as anti-photocopy patches prevent easy copying of card details . These features collectively safeguard the card’s data and authenticity, underscoring their importance in maintaining card integrity .