Biometric System: How To Use Smart Cards In Ensuring Privacy

Biometric System smart card

Last updated on August 12th, 2022 at 6:50 pm

In our connected world, businesses and governments handle enormous amount of sensitive information about individuals.  This huge data gathering may be associated with instances of identity theft and fraud, along with privacy rights abuse. Thus, there is a need to protect individuals’ sensitive information all the time. Smartcards can help protect sensitive information and ensure privacy.

What is Smartcard?

Smartcard is a credit-sized plastic card with an embedded chip that can be a microprocessor with internal memory or a memory chip with non-programmable logic. They can be programmed to accept, store, and process data. They can also perform on-card functions (such as encryption, digital signing, data management etc.). They have proven to be secure as mediums of authorization, identification and transactions. The biometric features of smart cards ensures privacy protection.

Usage of Smartcard

When handling confidential information, organizations have to take measures to ensure that sensitive information is restricted to authorized users only. In such cases, smart cards guarantee that only authorized individuals can access task-related sensitive information. This limited access to information will preserve privacy by keeping other sensitive information confidential.

In Identity Management systems, users are authenticated using smart cards and biometrics. Biometrics are used to accurately identify and verify individuals. The biometric information can be securely stored on the smart card.

In one of its articles, the editorial board at the washing post suggested that the US government issues tamper-proof biometric ID cards to all legal nationals in an attempt to identify legal residents from illegal ones. [1]

When combined with a smart-card application, biometric information is captured by a reader and securely transmitted to the smart card for biometric matching.

The biometric match can be then securely verified inside the card. This biometric verification process is considered to be a secure one because the biometric information does not leave the card. This makes it difficult for a malicious actor to attack, or alter the information. Thus, the security and privacy of the biometric authentication process is preserved and system performance is improved. James Lewis, who is a former US government official said that biometrics can provide a secure and convenient authentication. [2]

A PIN-based second factor authentication can be added on top of biometric-verification process to further ensure privacy and confidentiality.

Data can be transmitted to and from the smart card using secure protocols (such as L2TP over IPSEC).  They will ensure data is not intercepted and modified during transmission which will ensure privacy and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Being a secure portable device, smart cards can be used for storing securely biometric references (e.g. templates) of the cardholder, perform biometric operations such as the comparison of an external biometric sample with the on-card stored biometric reference, or even relate operations within the card to the correct execution and result of those biometric operations. (Sanchez-Reillo, 2013)[3]

Also Read: Technologies to Improve Your Health & Fitness

Smart cards are known for storing information. Sensitive information such as biometric templates can be stored in an encrypted format on the smart card. Encryption features of smartcards include the generation, storage and retrieval of keys, signing of digital certificates, hashing of sensitive information, and integrity checks. Encryption will ensure privacy when authorized users with a legitimate ownership of the private key can have access to the encrypted biometric templates. Furthermore, hashing of sensitive information will ensure privacy by allowing integrity checks to detect whether the sensitive information has been altered or not.

Moreover, smart cards (and their readers) that handle sensitive information have to comply with government and industry standards such as ISO standards. The main standards for Smart Cards are those that are defined by the ISO (International standards Organization), but there are other organizations that are developing standards to for specific areas of the Smart Card Technology. (Buglass, 2002). [4]

These certifications are only obtained after intensive auditing and testing of smart cards and their readers have taken place by independent certification bodies. The smart cards and their readers have to pass the intensive audit and evaluation to obtain the certificates. These certificates ensure that smartcards and their readers contain the necessary features to ensure system’s privacy and security.

Business and organization are rapidly adopting smart cards and biometric technologies for identification, authorization and payment applications. The biometric- smart card combination provides accurate identification and authentication, secure communications, and tamper-proof data storage which will enhance privacy and improve system performance.

Next Read: Business VPN by KeepSolid

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Popular Post

Recent Post

How to Protect Your Electronics From Power Outages

By TechCommuters / June 5, 2023

Introduction: Our heavy reliance on electronics has become increasingly profound. From smartphones and laptops to home entertainment systems and valuable appliances, these devices play an indispensable role in our daily lives. However, the vulnerability of these electronics to unexpected power outages can lead to costly damages and data loss. Whether you live in an area […]

10 Best Screen Sharing Apps for iOS and Android

By TechCommuters / June 3, 2023

Introduction: Screen sharing has become crucial for seamless interaction in today’s interconnected world. With remote work, project collaborations, and staying connected being our everyday essentials, screen-sharing apps have evolved to meet our on-the-go needs, aligning perfectly with our constant companions. Well, you guessed it right, our smartphones and tablets. In this blog post, we have […]

How to Format an External Storage Device in macOS

By TechCommuters / June 1, 2023

Introduction: Are you ready to supercharge your Mac’s capabilities by connecting an external hard drive? Well, before you can embark on this storage adventure, there’s an important task at hand: formatting your external hard drive to work seamlessly with your Mac. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this comprehensive blog post, we’ll walk you […]

How to Install and Use PuTTY for Mac

By TechCommuters / May 30, 2023

Introduction: In the realm of remote server management and secure network communication, PuTTY has earned a reputation as a reliable and versatile tool. Originally designed for Windows, PuTTY has expanded its reach to include other operating systems, including macOS, to cater to the needs of a wider user base. Hence, if you’re a Mac user […]

How to Fix Black Screen at Boot on Windows 11/10

By TechCommuters / May 28, 2023

Introduction: Whether as an individual or a professional, we are all strictly reliant on technology in some or the other way. And amidst this, encountering frustrating issues like a black screen at boot hits us like a roadblock. The black screen boot issue can affect both laptops and desktop computers running various versions of Windows. […]

How to Fix the “Network Discovery is Turned Off” Error on Windows 11/10

By TechCommuters / May 26, 2023

Introduction: Among many common Windows errors, the “network discovery is turned off” error is an annoying obstacle that disrupts your workflow. Whether you’re trying to share files, stream media, or access shared printers, encountering this error can be perplexing and disruptive. The good news is that understanding the causes and solutions for this error can […]

How to Use the New Bing With ChatGPT

By TechCommuters / May 24, 2023

Introduction: Gone are the days of sifting through endless search results. With Bing, powered with ChatGPT, you can now ask questions in plain language and receive instant, personalized answers tailored to your needs. It’s like having a conversation with a knowledgeable search assistant right at your fingertips. So, agree or not, you are definitely in […]

How to Use Split Screen on a Mac

By TechCommuters / May 22, 2023

Introduction: In today’s fast-paced digital world, maximizing productivity is the key. Period. And being able to juggle multiple tasks seamlessly is a skill worth mastering. If you’re a Mac user looking to boost your multitasking abilities, you’re in luck. Apple’s macOS offers a powerful feature known as Split Screen, which allows you to effortlessly divide […]

How to Disable the Lock Screen on Windows 11

By TechCommuters / May 20, 2023

Introduction:  In the world of productivity, every single second counts. The last thing anyone wants is to be hindered by unnecessary obstacles while using their computer. One such obstacle is the lock screen that appears every time you wake up your Windows device. Though it may appear as a minor inconvenience, those valuable seconds spent […]

How to Find Your iPhone From an Android Device?

By TechCommuters / May 18, 2023

Introduction Mobile phones are the necessary daily gadget that functions the maximum amount of work for the user and help to communicate with people. It will be a disaster if you lose your iPhone anywhere on the street or office and have no idea how to recover it. Mostly you will panic and return to […]