Smart Cards Pros and Cons

German rocket scientist Helmut Gröttrup and his associate Jürgen Dethloff invented the automated chip card way back in 1968. Before we move on and discuss pros and cons of smart cards, let us see what a smart card is. The smart card technology has found application in different walks of life today, from mobile phone SIM cards to credit and debit cards. Smart cards are also known as Integrated Circuit Cards and they are the same shape and size of a credit card. Smart cards have a RAM, ROM and sometimes even a CPU, and these cards are made from PVC or ABS plastic. The data on all smart cards is stored on the EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). These cards have a variety of applications, they are extensively used in the banking and insurance industries. Building and computer access are also granted with the help of smart cards in many organizations. Stated below are some of the smart cards advantages and disadvantages for your perusal.

Pros of a Smart Card

Let us look at the pros first. Portability and the ability to store data are some of the benefits of a smart card. The intelligent chips mounted on the smart card give the user a unique identification and access to information. The transactions done with the help of a smart card are easier and safer than the other available options. The advantage of smart card technology is that it is widely used across the globe by billions of users to facilitate their daily transactions.

• Smart cards in the form of debit or credit cards save time and energy when used for transactions. They are easier to carry than the bulkier paper notes and more safe, as they have a unique identification number or PIN (Personal Identification Number) code. The internal security programs on the cards allow access only to the user.
• Building security in school and financial organizations is monitored with the help of smart cards, which give access to the user. This way an electronic record can be maintained of the transactions and tracking is also possible. Security is one of the biggest benefits of smart cards.
• The health industry uses smart cards to store the extensive health data of an individual on these small chips. These small chips in turn can relay that information to insurance companies or medical professionals. These health cards are extensively used as EMRs- Electronic Medical Records and have benefited a large number of the population in emergencies.
• Smart cards are not only storage devices but can also process information. With the help of smart card readers you can communicate with other computing devices. For example, the point of sale machine used by the check-out clerk can process information from the customer's card and complete the transaction. Smart cards authentication is also done with the help of other interfaces and provides a good interoperability option.

Cons of a Smart Card

• Electronic cash can be misused if the smart card is stolen and there is little that can be done to safeguard the consumer. New age of criminals have used their know how of technology to steal from unsuspecting individuals, who have little knowledge of safe guarding electronic data. The anonymity offered by electronic transaction plays a negative role when being misused.
• As the data is stored on the EEPROM it can be manipulated, accidentally or intentionally, with the surge of electricity and with the help of magnetic energy. The sensitivity of the micro chip makes it an easy target for alteration or manipulation with just a surge of electricity.
• The chip is embedded in a plastic card, and this affects the durability of the smart card. These cards, especially the credit and debit type of smart cards, are generally carried around in wallets that are placed in pockets and this makes them prone to cracks and tears. Damaged cards are more of a liability for the provider and user than stolen cards.

The pros and cons of smart card are weighed to an extent in this article, and there will be supporters and critics on both sides. Based on your needs and use, you can decide if smart card is one of the things that you must have or you can do without.