Samsung introduces fingerprint safety chip for credit score and debit playing cards

Samsung today introduced the industry’s first all-in-one security chip solution that can read biometric information via a fingerprint sensor. The card – which can be credit, debit and possibly Mastercard – allows customers to authenticate purchases in stores with a built-in secure processor.

The idea of ​​adding fingerprint sensors to payment cards isn’t new, but no company has implemented it all at once in a single solution. Samsung’s new security chip is embedded in the card itself, enabling biometric payment cards to interact faster and more securely when shopping. Contactless was already a great solution, especially in the last two years, but security was always an issue as people could technically just pick up a lost card and use it to make contactless payments.

“The new security IC solution combines a fingerprint sensor, secure element and secure processor in one chip with enhanced security features enabled by Samsung’s proprietary fingerprint authentication algorithm and anti-spoofing technology.”

Source: Samsung

Samsung says the new technology eliminates the need to enter or even remember a PIN number, preventing fraudulent transactions involving lost or stolen cards. The new method would only need the person’s fingerprint signature to identify and authenticate the person to make a secure payment at the counter. While the card’s primary goal is to enable secure purchases, it could also be used to allow people to provide student or employee ID, membership or building access.

“S3B512C combines a fingerprint sensor, Secure Element (SE) and Secure Processor, adding an additional layer of authentication and security to payment cards,” said Kenny Han, vice president of System LSI Marketing at Samsung Electronics. “The S3B512C is primarily designed for payment cards, but it can also be used in cards that require highly secure authentications, such as B. Student or staff identification, membership or building access.”

All sensitive fingerprint information is stored in “an SE that has received globally accredited certifications such as EMVCo and CC EAL 6+”. It’s worth noting that Mastercard’s Biometric Evaluation Plan Summary (BEPS) also exists and could theoretically be used in these cards as well. According to Samsung, the technology uses a proprietary fingerprint authentication algorithm and a secure processor that can analyze the unique characteristics of the fingerprint when placed on a sensor and quickly identify it with the one previously scanned.

“To securely and accurately verify the user’s identity, the new IC features a proprietary fingerprint authentication algorithm and a secure processor that extracts and analyzes the unique characteristics of the fingerprint placed on the sensor. In addition, the chip’s anti-spoofing technology prevents unauthorized users from bypassing the security system using improper methods such as artificial fingerprints.”