The white paper, titled ‘GlobalPlatform Value Proposition for Remote Post-Issuance Secure Access Modules (SAMs) Management’, will be crucial reading to any providers of e-transaction systems, given the fast pace at which contactless services are rolling out and advancing across a host of different platforms and sectors.
SAMs form part of a smart chip and are widely used in contactless e-transaction systems to store the authentication keys and cryptographic functions required to authorize transactions, and securely communicate with the centralized system. An example is a city transport network which allows users to access the system using a smart token rather than purchasing paper tickets.
The white paper delivered by GlobalPlatform, the organization that standardizes the management of applications on secure chip technology, explains how GlobalPlatform technology can be leveraged to enhance the flexibility and security of an e-transaction system. This is achieved by adopting a standardized approach that facilitates secure remote access management and ensures long-term system ‘openness’ through acceptance of new secure tokens. The paper mainly focuses on transit as an example.
By implementing GlobalPlatform Specifications, SAMs can be remotely managed using ‘over-the-air’ or ‘over-the-internet’ technology to make updates such as renewing the cryptographic keys, adding an alternative access control application or improving functionality and security. This eliminates the need and cost of issuing new SAMs when such network updates are required.
Kevin Gillick, Executive Director of GlobalPlatform, comments: “In the future, providers of contactless e-transaction systems will have to accept in their network different secure applications loaded in a NFC mobile handset or contactless card. As an example, transit operators will need to be able to accommodate different solutions to ensure complete market interoperability and traveler convenience in the most effective and secure manner. Adopting GlobalPlatform’s proven and trusted specifications for SAMs will ensure long-term stability and scalability of the solution as it will be able to efficiently respond to future technical and business requirements.”
Commenting on the white paper, Gillick concludes: “It is vital that the industry becomes aware of the capabilities offered by a GlobalPlatform based SAM. Our white paper is designed to provide some much needed guidance and explores the considerable value that can be gained using standardized remote management. The potential of this technology is immense and will support the consumers’ desire for convenient, contactless services.”