SmartCards

Known by different names , SmartCards are credit-card sized access devices that provide a portable, erasable memory device. Combined with a user provided password or biometric, the card can contain encryption algorithms, biometric templates, medical histories, purchase profiles, and other information that enhances the user s ability to access information in a secure and convenient way (rather than carrying a notebook computer around). SmartCards can be reprogrammed as they are used, so that every time it accesses a system it can be changed to a new encrypted code, substantially increasing the difficulty of reusing it.

Why these cards are important concerns the choices management has in upgrading system access from pure passwords to a combination of technology and user identification codes. SmartCards are relatively inexpensive (about $5.00 to $20.00 depending on type), convenient and durable. Moving from a password-only environment to a biometric enhanced system may involve an investment of $250 to $500 per workstation. Upgrading to a SmartCard environment is much cheaper, but of course does not provide the advantages that biometrics offer.