Samsung has introduced the S3B512C fingerprint security IC (integrated circuit) designed for use on payment cards to give an added layer of protection. Cards with this authentication will prevent lost cards from being used by strangers – an issue that’s becoming more serious as banks heighten the contactless spending limits. The fingerprint reader can also be used as an alternative to entering your PIN.
Discussing the new IC, Kenny Han, Vice President of System LSI Marketing at Samsung Electronics, said:
“S3B512C combines a fingerprint sensor, Secure Element (SE) and Secure Processor, adding an extra layer of authentication and security in payment cards. The S3B512C is primarily designed for payment cards but can also be used in cards that require highly secured authentications such as student or employee identification, membership or building access.”
Samsung’s new security chip includes a fingerprint sensor, a tamper-proof Secure Element, and a Secure Processor. This allows card manufacturers to reduce the number of chips required in cards allowing for a better design optimised for biometric card payments.
Samsung’s new chip meets a variety of certifications including EMVCo and the Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level (CC EAL) 6+. Additionally, it also meets the specifications for Mastercard’s newest Biometric Evaluation Plan Summary (BEPS) specifications for biometric payment cards.