Definitions

Authentication: Determines a user's identity, as well as determining what a user is authorized to access, eg a financial database or a support knowledgebase. The most common form of authentication is user name and password, although this also provides the lowest level of security. VPNs use digital certificates and digital signatures to more accurately identify the user.

 
Smart card: A smart card contains a "chip" with memory and is typically used to hold customer account information and a "balance" of money similar to a checking account. The card is inserted into a device that can read and write to it updating information appropriately.
 

Memory card: A memory card (sometimes called a flash memory card or a storage card) is a  small storage medium used to store data such as text, pictures, audio, and video, for use on small, portable or remote computing devices
 

(*) Microprocessor card: the microprocessor can add, delete, and otherwise manipulate information on the card; also generally referred to by the industry as "chip cards", microprocessor card offer greater memory storage and security of data than a traditional mag stripe card.
 
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An 'intelligent' smart card that functions in a manner similar to early-generation personal computers. Programmable for various applications, this card provides read/write memory capabilities. Information can be added/deleted and processed in the card.


Multi-applicative card: smart card which integrates several applications and services (payment, electronic purse, fidelity, subscription).
 

Contactless card:  Smart card that uses radio frequencies to communicate with compatible terminal. Eliminates insertion into reader terminal while retaining intelligence. Often used in walk-by or gate access applications for mass transit.


PKI System: A set of policies, processes, and technologies used to verify, enrol and certify users of a security application. A PKI uses public key cryptography and key certification practices to secure communications.
 
(http://www.solutions.gc.ca/pki-icp/beginners/glossary/glossary_e.htm#P)
 

Health-related Profession Card: smart card for health-related professionals; permits the authentication and the electronic signature of medical acts?


EMV: Standard devised by Europay, Mastercard and Visa (EMVco) for smartcard-based credit and debit cards, to replace existing magnetic stripe cards.


Electronic signature: A computer data compilation of any symbol or series of symbols, executed, adopted, or authorized by an individual to be the legally binding equivalent of the individual's handwritten signature