SCM Microsystems has expanded its smart card reader product family with the launch of three new models, the SCR3500 SmartFold, the SCT3511 and the @MAXX lite. The new handheld, USB or Near Field Communication (NFC) connected readers are designed to be used with contact or contactless smart cards.
SCM said that its new card readers allow cardholders to use their smart cards with PCs, the internet or other terminals. Cardholders can use the new card readers to authenticate their network identities with banks, employers, government agencies, or healthcare providers.
The company said that with the SCR3500 SmartFold, online services can be accessed and payments can be made from anywhere, with protection from password stealing spyware. The new SmartFold reader is unfolded and can be inserted into an USB port of a notebook.
According to SCM Microsystems, the SCT3511 is a USB token with both contact and ISO 14443 and MIFARE contactless capabilities. It can be used for ID-000 (SIM card format) smart cards, and has an antenna for use with a dual interface contact/contactless smart card that supports an antenna connection. It is also used for converged physical and logical access control in the enterprise.
SCM Microsystems said that the @MAXX lite is a token with both contact and contactless smart card-based functionalities. It adds on-board flash memory for secure storage of data. With a smart card in PC-connected mode, it encrypts data on a hard disk and onboard flash memory, and is expected to protect access by requiring a PIN entry.
Both SCT3511 and @MAXX lite readers are suitable for contactless payment and ticketing applications. These readers are used for secure logon to PCs and networks with a digital identity certificate, the company said.
