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(This feature was originally published in Card Technology Today, February 2009. www.smartcards-today.com)
Electronic versions of secure documents have evolved gradually over
the years to supersede their conventional counterparts. Whether you’re talking
about passports,
national ID cards,
driving licenses or
healthcare cards, these
documents are now equipped with an electronic component either embedded within
the card or – in the case of passports – within the cover or polycarbonate data
page. Today, more than 60 countries issue a total of more than 70 million
ePassports per year. Worldwide, more than 21 countries issue an eID card to
their citizens, with Finland being the first to do so, in 1998.
This trend in the use of secure electronic documents (eDocuments), driven by national and international policy and legislation, stems from a relentless pursuit of security, in the quest to stay one step ahead of fraudsters and forgers. Indeed, embedded electronic technology enables a leap forward in security that, well surpasses the visual security afforded by conventional, non-electronic documents. For instance, it is impossible to tamper with the civil data stored electronically. Likewise, biometric data can be kept confidential and even out of the reach of unauthorised parties.
The migration of secure documents to an electronic format also enables a connection to be established with the networked application environment that has reshaped our society – the Internet, eGovernment services, intranets, peer-to-peer communication, and so on. Secure eDocuments simplify everyday living for citizens while dramatically reducing operational costs and deterring fraud. Border control authorities, immigration authorities and health organisations all stand to benefit from the use of secure eDocuments.
To be classified as electronic, a secure document must include an "electronic component".
What exactly is an embedded electronic component? How does it work? How can it deliver the appropriate degree of security, functionality, performance and interoperability? How can the issuing organisation ensure it chooses one which is reliable, future-proof and viable?
This article aims to explain the various parts that make up an electronic component – which is essentially a microprocessor and operating software – and explores how it determines security, functionality, performance, efficiency and viability. It also gives an overview of the innovative applications enabled by eDocuments and how these can make life easier for citizens.
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Sealys
Security Features
Providing Security, Providing Privacy
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What is a secure eDocument?
