Java Smart Cards Are Here To Stay: Benefits And Concerns

The combination of smart cards plus the Java Card architecture (Java smart cards) could potentially provide millions of consumers with multiple beneficial applications in terms of confidentiality, authentication, integrity and non-repudiation. Nevertheless, as with any new technology, they have stirred up a bit of controversy due to possible privacy issues and lack of a yet broad based understanding and infrastructure. However, smart Java cards seem to be bound to gain momentum and become a permanent fixture of our routine life. In this paper, I will describe the extensive security layers involved in this powerful combination, as well as their vulnerabilities. I will show that benefits seem to outweigh the disadvantages, since certain sectors of society have already accepted the risks.