INSIDE Secure launches an advanced dual interface secure microcontroller for e-Government applications

There are high numbers of readers already deployed but they are heterogeneous. INSIDE’s applications engineering laboratory carried out extensive testing to ensure AT90SC28880RCFV2’s interoperability. It was tested against a wide selection of readers in the field using ISO14443 test suites. Its interoperability was verified at 100 per cent. INSIDE can now provide target users with greater flexibility to carry out strong user authentication using any reader and in accordance with strict security requirements.

AT90SC28880RCFV2 is one of the very few microcontrollers on the market that is able to perform highly secured identification operations at a very high speed, up to 6.8Mbits/sec with contactless readers. Benefits of AT90SC28880RCFV2’s Very High Bit Rate (VHBR) come in the form of faster user authentication for checking passports at control gates or electronic badges at checkpoints in less than a second.

The Common Criteria EAL5+ (ANSSI-CC-2013/59) and ICAO layer 2 certifications achieved by INSIDE’s new dual interface secure microcontroller will allow smart card vendors to host the microcontroller on smart cards used for passports, ID and health insurance cards. With this highly certified level of security, smart card vendors will have an even more robust microcontroller that comes with high-speed operation. INSIDE Secure has already engaged with customers targeting some of the largest products in the world.

“Governments and authorities around the world are looking for ways to more easily and efficiently authenticate users and manage the process. At the same time, they must protect user privacy, as well as reduce fraud and identify theft,” said Bernard Vian, EVP of the Secure Transactions business division at INSIDE Secure. “INSIDE’s AT90SC28880RCFV2 secure microcontroller is a step-up in security. It will accelerate the identity validation process while protecting the document holder’s confidential data, adding significant value to e-ID solutions. Our new secure microcontroller, which uses a ROM-EEPROM technology, is very price-competitive compared to other technologies. It meets the price-point for e-Government applications.”

Digital identification is used to reduce fraud and identity theft. It also eases citizen access to government services and documents. According to Eurosmart, the international association for the Smart Security Industry, the 2014 world market figures for smart secure devices in government applications is forecast to reach 400 million units, with shipments up 14 per cent from the previous year.

INSIDE’s secure microcontroller product family targets e-Government applications that need a high level of security. AT90SC28880RCFV2 features all the cryptographic algorithms required for e-Government applications, including DES/3DES, AES, RSA and ECC. With AT90SC28880RCFV2, INSIDE has broadened its dual interface product offering with 80KB of EEPROM memory to meet the needs of high-end e-Government applications. INSIDE’s offer now covers 18KB (low end) to 80KB (high end).