GlobalPlatform Enhances Versatility of Secure Access Module Thanks to Remote Management

20 December 2011 – Providers of contactless electronic transaction (e-transaction) systems, such as a public transport authority or electronic identity provider, will benefit from a white paper recently released by GlobalPlatform which explains how system versatility can be enhanced.  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.”

The white paper and the specifications it references can be downloaded free of charge from www.globalplatform.org.

The following GlobalPlatform member organizations jointly developed the white paper: ActivIdentity, Aconite, Collis and FIME.

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For further media information, please contact Nicole Mountain or Sarah Jones at iseepr: nicole@iseepr.co.uk / sarah@iseepr.co.uk or on + 44 (0) 1943 468007

Notes to editors
About GlobalPlatform
GlobalPlatform is a cross industry, not-for-profit association which identifies, develops and publishes specifications which facilitate the secure and interoperable deployment and management of multiple embedded applications on secure chip technology.  Its proven technical specifications are regarded as the international industry standard for building a trusted end-to-end solution which serves multiple actors and supports several business models.

The freely available specifications provide the foundation for market convergence and innovative new cross-sector partnerships.  The technology has been adopted globally across finance, mobile/telecom, government, healthcare, retail and transit sectors.   GlobalPlatform also supports an open compliance program ecosystem to ensure the long-term interoperability of secure chip technology.

As a member-driven association with cross-market representation from all world continents, GlobalPlatform membership is open to any organization operating within this landscape.  Its 75+ members contribute to technical committees and market-led task forces.  www.globalplatform.org