Samsung has announced an all-in-one fingerprint security IC called S3B512C, which could be integrated into future debit or credit cards, thus ensuring greater security and fraud protection.
One chip, many benefits
The South Korean giant says the S3B512C is the industry’s first solution that integrates a fingerprint sensor, Secure Element (SE) and Secure Processor into a single chip. The sensor is used to read biometric data, while the tamper-proof Secure Element stores and authenticates encrypted data. Secure Processor, on the other hand, analyzes and processes biometric data.
The new IC uses a proprietary fingerprint authentication algorithm to analyze the unique traits of the user’s fingerprint. The chip also has anti-spoofing technology that prevents scammers from fooling the security system with artificial fingerprints and other illegitimate methods.
Samsung, in addition to stating that the new IC is in line with MasterCard’s BEPS (Biometric Evaluation Plan Summary) specifications and is certified by EMVCo and Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Leve (CC EAL) 6+, said:
S3B512C combines a fingerprint sensor, Secure Element (SE) and Secure Processor, adding an extra layer of authentication and security to payment cards. The S3B512C is primarily designed for payment cards, but can also be used in cards that require highly secure authentication such as student or employee identification, enrollment or building access.
There are several advantages derived from using this new chip. The first certainly concerns the replacement of the PIN with our fingerprint during purchases and, much more importantly, the reduction of fraudulent transactions in case of theft or loss of the card since it will not be possible to replicate our fingerprint.
Samsung also claims that its fingerprint security chip is designed primarily for payment cards, but can also be used in other cards that require secure authentication such as employee or student ID cards.