Attacking smart card systems: Theory and practice

Konstantinos Markantonakis*, Michael Tunstall, Gerhard Hancke, Ioannis Askoxylakis, Keith Mayes

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

40 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Smart card technology has evolved over the last few years following notable improvements in the underlying hardware and software platforms. Advanced smart card microprocessors, along with robust smart card operating systems and platforms, contribute towards a broader acceptance of the technology. These improvements have eliminated some of the traditional smart card security concerns. However, researchers and hackers are constantly looking for new issues and vulnerabilities. In this article we provide a brief overview of the main smart card attack categories and their corresponding countermeasures. We also provide examples of well-documented attacks on systems that use smart card technology (e.g. satellite TV, EMV, proximity identification) in an attempt to highlight the importance of the security of the overall system rather than just the smart card. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)46-56
JournalInformation Security Technical Report
Volume14
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May 2009
Externally publishedYes

Research Keywords

  • Contactless
  • EMV
  • Relay attacks
  • Satellite TV
  • Security
  • Smart card
  • Smart card attacks

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