SCM unveils new smart card readers
11 August, 2009
category: Contactless, Corporate, Digital ID, Financial, NFC
SCM Microsystems Inc., a provider of solutions for secure access, secure identity and secure exchange, is expanding its smart card reader product family with three new models.
The new handheld, USB or Near Field Communication connected readers are designed to be carried – on key rings, in pockets or purses – and used with contact or contactless smart cards, regardless of technology or manufacturer. In some instances, users insert the card and leave it in the reader – leaving them with a single small device for all smart card-related needs.
Smart cards are being used to secure identities in many applications, such as bank payment cards, employee access badges, government identity cards and health care IDs. SCM’s new readers enable cardholders to use their smart cards anytime, anywhere with PCs, the Internet or other terminals. Some models enable physical access to buildings, too.
The new smart card readers are the SCR3500 SmartFold, the SCT3511 and the @MAXX lite. SCM will make them available in August through both OEM and distribution channels.
SCR3500 SmartFold: portable contact smart card reader
The SCR3500 SmartFold is a small, portable contact smart card reader that fits on a key ring and in a pocket. Online services can be accessed and payments can be made from anywhere, with full protection from password stealing spyware. The reader is unfolded and inserted into a free USB port of a notebook. Then, the smart card in ID-1 (credit card) format is inserted into the reader to enable secure access to bank accounts, online payments, Web services or company information systems.
SCT3511: contact and contactless USB token
The SCT3511 is a USB token with both contact and MIFARE contactless capabilities. It acts as a contact reader for ID-000 (SIM card format) smart cards, and has an antenna for use with a dual interface contact/contactless smart card that supports an antenna connection. This device is ideal for contactless payment and ticketing applications. Additionally, it is used for converged physical and logical access control in the enterprise. At work, with the smart card inserted, it is used for secure logon to networks or PCs using a PKI digital identity certificates. It can also be used for more secure physical access to the building instead of the usual employee badge.
@MAXX lite: contact/contactless USB token with integrated Flash memory
@MAXX lite is the newest addition to SCM’s @MAXX family of products. Like the SCT3511, @MAXX lite is a token with both contact and contactless smart card-based functionalities. It adds on-board Flash memory for secure storage of sensitive data. With a smart card in PC-connected mode, @MAXX lite encrypts data on a hard disk and the onboard Flash memory, and protects access by requiring a PIN entry. Other uses include contactless payment, ticketing applications, secure logon to PCs and networks with a digital identity certificate, storing encrypted and PIN protected logins and passwords in the smart card or Flash, or filling Web forms using securely stored personal information.