What is a Smart ID Card?

The answer depends on what you’re going to be using it for, however many businesses are using smart cards as their 

 primary security ID solution.

Generally speaking, a smart ID card is a sophisticated ID card that has an embedded microchip inside of it. This chip is used to store everything from personal data to radio signals in order to maintain a certain level of integrity.

Many smart cards also contain memory chips and microprocessor components, making them more like tiny hard drives than a conventional ID card. Places like universities and hospitals use smart ID cards with different levels of access for different employees.

Typically, smart cards are used for one purpose, but can have many functions that fit that purpose. For example, the French healthcare system uses smart cards to do just about everything, from making a payment to verifying a prescription pickup.

How Secure are Smart ID Cards?

With a boom in malicious software and identity theft these days, it’s understandable to be wary of how secure smart cards are. But, truthfully, they’re extremely secure when used properly.

Smart ID Cards offer protection against unwanted electrical signals that are given off by devices like smart phones, and can be equipped with data encryption so that even when lost or stolen, your data is safe.

How Do Smart ID Cards Work?

The main function of a smart card is through an RFID signal transmitted by the internal chip. This radio signal pairs with other receptors to transfer data, eliminating the need for swiping or manual data entry.

For example, if your rewards card for a grocery store was a smart card, you wouldn’t have to swipe it upon checking out, but rather just show it to the cashier. The RFID signal would transmit to the receptor in the register and relay your data without so much as swipe.

Smart cards are on the rise in popularity these days and are beginning to pop up all over the world. European countries have begun to issue smart cards as a form of ID, while in many U.S. cities, you’ll find them being used in convenience stores or gas stations. Check your wallet—do you have any smart ID cards? Chances are, in the next decade you’ll have a wallet full of them.

Do You Have Additional Questions?

Evergreen ID offers a wide range of ID card systems, visitor management and access control solutions. Visit the website to learn more about or call us with your questions for a no-obligation consultation about getting the right system put in place for your business.