Your Easy Step-by-Step Instruction Guide to a SUCCESSFUL Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader Set Up (Mac Users)

FOR macOS Users 10.9x (Mavericks) – 12.1.x (Monterey)

EXPECTED READING TIME: 30 MINUTES

INSTALLATION TIME: 15 MINUTES

LET’S GET STRAIGHT TO IT!

FOR FREE DRIVERS FOR macOS **10.9x – 12.1.x** : SEE Identiv’s Downloads section for the Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader.

**Support for macOS updates will continue depending on Identiv’s replacement for the SCR 3310 V2**

You’ve clearly made a smart choice by buying an extremely durable and long-lasting Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader off Amazon. BUT where was the instruction manual on how to set this thing up. This is your first time using one of these things, and your company expects you to use this soon. We feel you especially if computers are not your first language. Heck, I have a hard time finding my own Word documents that I was just working on. Don’t fret though, we have created a comprehensive yet easy-to-understand guide on how to use your Identiv SCR3310 V2 with your macOS-based operating system.

How Well Does Tx Systems Know Smart Cards?

Before we begin, you may be wondering who is Tx Systems, anyways? Well, we have been in the smart card business since 1997 and have worked with some of the largest players (Fortune 500) in multiple verticals, so we definitely know a thing or two about them. We offer a wide variety of smart cards, smart card readers, tokens and software to support these devices from well-known manufacturers such as HID, Identiv and ACS. Our mission is to support businesses implementing security measures to keep their assets safe by providing a middleman to cybersecurity manufacturers.

TxSystems Logo

Why Isn’t My Smart Card Reader Working?

If you happened to come across our Amazon sticker for middleware then you can rest assured that that there is no trickery there to steal your personal information. Our goal is to inform you that you cannot use your smart card reader for all the cool features that you need such as document signing, email access, VPN sign-on, banking or cashless payments without the proper middleware software. (Although, Mac users have it a bit easier with native PIV card support since macOS 10.15.7 Catalina) So, why middleware you may be wondering. Think about a graphic designer wanting to develop custom logo art for others but not having Adobe Photoshop. He sure wouldn’t be able to keep up with his competition. It is important to use the proper tools for the job in order to get things done. Luckily, there are many types of middleware software to choose from that can best serve you. For a list of great solutions, take a look here. As for those stickers, Tx Systems offers a fantastic discount on HID ActivClient which is an extremely reputable middleware solution that is used by many in both business and government sectors for smart card credential management.

HID ActivClient Middleware (macOS) for the 3310 V2 Smart Card Reader

As you may have noticed through Amazon reviews that the setup for the macOS seems to come with a bit more trouble than Windows. Dang those PC users! But, we have you covered with the simplest, straight-forward guide to getting your smart card reader up and running with macOS.

[*THE MOST IMPORTANT QUESTION that you need to answer is what version of the MacOS operating system you are running. Click on the Apple icon on the upper left corner of your screen and select About this Mac, from there, you should see the name of the OS version and version number.]

The MOST Comprehensive and Easy Guide on Installing the 3310 V2 Smart Card Reader

So, after all those formalities, we are going to give it to you as easy as possible on how to set up an an Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader on your MacOS iMac/Mac mini or MacBook.

1. Grab a pair of sharp *not dull* scissors preferably arts & craft scissors that can cut through the bubble wrap on the outside of the Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader. (*Your scissors will not destroy the TOUGH exterior of the card reader.)
   1. Start from the top of the package or find a slight opening to slice it open the fastest.
2. Take the Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader out and lay it on a flat surface (*Be sure to avoid tugging it down or tripping on it because of its very far-reaching 5-foot cord*)
   1. Use twist ties or a cable management solution to cut down on the length of the cord.
3. Plug device into a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port on your MAC
   1. A USB 2.0 port is a rectangular port with a white receptacle (line) in the middle.
   2. A USB 3.0 port is a rectangular port with a blue receptacle (line) in the middle.

USB 3.0 port as seen by its blue receptacle vs. USB 2.0 which would have a white receptacle.

USB-A cable which is a sharp rectangular port.

USB-C cable which is a rounded rectangular port.

The noticeable differences between a USB-A cable and a USB-C cable.

1. Two models of the Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader exist with one having a USB-A cable and the other having a USB-C cable.
   1. USB-A looks like a square rectangle whereas USB-C looks like a rounded rectangle
2. USB-A and USB-C ports are usually found on the front and back of the iMac or Mac mini and the left and right sides of the MacBook.
   1. Certain Apple MacBooks may NOT have USB-A ports and may need to have a USB hub installed that has a USB-C/Thunderbolt cable on one end and a set of USB-A ports on another.
      1. You can find a whole host of options at brick-and-mortar retailers or on e-commerce sites. So, it won’t be hard to find one that matches what you are looking for.
      2. You could also purchase a single USB-A to USB-C adapter for the 3310 V2 too.

A USB hub that can be attached to a Mac without the proper USB 2.0 ports.

1. For more of a detailed breakdown of what types of Macs have what ports, take a look here from Apple Support as they give a breakdown on other features too.

NOW YOU CAN’T SAY THAT IT HAS BEEN HARD UP TO THIS POINT

• Plug the Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader into a USB-A or USB-C port and wait for the OS to recognize the device

[*macOS X has the device driver already preinstalled meaning that it will be recognized RIGHT AWAY without needing to download drivers from the Identiv website*]

TO CHECK THAT THE DEVICE HAS BEEN RECOGNIZED BY YOUR MAC:

1. On MacOS, click on Finder which is the icon with a blue and white face with a line splitting down the middle.
   1. From there, take a look at the sidebar which should have a list of devices listed that are currently connected to your Mac
   2. There should be a device name that relates to “Identiv SCR3310 V2.0 USB SC Reader” in some way.

*THIS DEVICE IS FULLY COMPATIBLE WITH macOS Versions 10.9x – 12.1.x with version names from

OS X 10.9.5 Mavericks to the current version which is macOS 12.2.1 Monterey.

• FOR MOST USERS, THIS WILL OCCUR WITHOUT HICCUP, in case there are issues relating to getting the Identiv 3310 V2 recognized by the OS, visit https://support.identiv.com/scr3310v2/
  • Here you will find a list of drivers for Windows, Mac and Linux. There are also tools that can help you troubleshoot your smart card reader if an error occurs.
    • For Mac driver download, click here, extract the files by double-clicking the icon and double-click on the .pkg file to install drivers.

• In CHROME, click on the folder that appears at the bottom of the browser window (Downloads Bar).
  • In SAFARI, take a look at the downward-facing arrow in a circle that is to the right of the address bar (where you type in the URL address)
    • For .zip files or that that have a zipper on them, SAFARI does the work for you regarding decompression meaning that you do not need to use a third-party app to do so. See that is one less step that you have to worry about!
  • In MOZILLA FIREFOX, take a look at the address bar and to the right, you will see the downward facing arrow with a upward facing bracket for the downloads section.
  • In EDGE, click the downward facing arrow towards the horizontal line which is the downloads section
• Install the drivers that are included in the folder
• Once the drivers have been set up, you need a middleware in order to interact with the device.
  • For Mac Users on 10.14 Mojave or older, you will need Thursby PKard in order to use secure websites, VPN log-in, email signing and encryption.

PKard for Mac by Thursby Software

Pkard supports macOS versions:

• macOS Mojave (v10.14)
• macOS High Sierra (v10.13)
• macOS Sierra (v10.12)                   

*First macOS version to have native smart card login authentication support

• Mac OS X El Capitan (v10.11)
• Yosemite (v10.10)
• Mavericks (v10.9)
• Mountain Lion (v10.8)
• Lion (v10.7)
• Snow Leopard (v10.6)
• Leopard (v10.5)

[Contact us for more information on finding the right macOS middleware solution for you!]

• Apple Support offers a more in-depth guide on how to pair your smart card reader with your macOS 10.15 Catalina or later system for macOS login which can be done through Local Account Pairing.
  • For visual learners, this less than five-minute video from Twocanoes Software Inc. should be a quick and easy way to set-up smart card login.
    • Using a Smart Card out of the box with macOS for Login Authentication

[*MacOS 10.15 Catalina or later has support for PIV-based smart cards and PIV-compliant smart card reader and hard tokens.]

How do I Insert a Smart Card into the Smart Card Reader?

1. Take your company-issued smart card and be certain that it is clean and free from dust that could effect the reader from reading the smart card
   1. Keep the smart card chip free from smudges and scratches and avoid leaving fingerprints on it
2. Firmly grasp the smart card and hold the smart card reader gently by the back of its housing near where the cable meets it (*You won’t break it by doing this.)
3. Insert the card chip facing upward towards you so that it can be read by the reader and make sure that the shiny rectangular contact is being fully inserted into the reader (*Push it all the way into the reader until it cannot move around but do so gently to not damage the reader)

Smart Card Inserted into the 3310 V2 with Green LED Status Light Actively Reading the Smart Card

1. Let go of the card and see that it is being read by the reader with the blinking of the green status light
   1. When the device is not in use or there is a large amount of movement the device will automatically shut off to prevent damage to the smart card reader and the smart card
   2. The green status LED light will ONLY start blinking when the card is being read by the reader and it is powered on (*Remember that the smart card is like a mini computer but power is only generated when it makes contact inside a smart card reader.)
   3. When there is an ERROR with the smart card/reader, the green status LED light will blink much slower than if it was being read by the reader.
2. For example, in macOS 10.12 Sierra or later, you can set up a Mac multi-factor authentication (MFA) login by pairing the 3310 V2 with a PIN code to be authenticated into your account.  
3. If you are at the macOS Lock Screen, it should have disappeared given that you had authenticated yourself.
   1. You are now free to use macOS normally unless you had set up the smart card insertion prompt to be requested by other actions such as document/email signing, VPN sign-in or file encryption. These are simple to set up with Thursby PKard which supports all of these functions!
4. You can remove the smart card from the reader and keep it nearby so that you can insert it when necessary
   1. Be sure to take it with you when leaving your workstation to avoid theft
   2. Log off the computer when you leave your workstation to prevent others from hopping on
   3. For long-term care, make sure to keep the smart card reader clear from dust by using a can of compressed air to blow out the opening
      1. Don’t jam the card into the reader forcibly to make it read faster or when it does not register, stay calm and insert it again slowly with firm support from your hands [Usually, the smart card reader is not the problem but rather the process that is being taken to read it.]
      2. Make sure that the USB cable is firmly inserted into the port in case of the Mac being unable to recognize it
      3. Check USB cable for any kinks, tears, exposed wires and damage that could render it unusable.
      1. Make sure that your iMac/Mac mini/MacBook is running up to par by defragmenting your hard drive, uninstalling bloatware or unused programs, updating software/OS, scanning for viruses/malware and doing a disk cleanup so that your system is up to peak performance to readily handle your smart card.
      2. Keeping the device plugged into your Mac especially if it is an iMac or Mac mini would be ideal so that you do not need to keep plugging it back in the future. This is similar to having a peripheral such as a printer/scanner, external hard drive or speakers. The best place then to have it plugged in via USB would be towards the back of the case so that you free up the front USB ports for those devices that would constantly being remove such as a flash drive/thumb drive.
         1. You won’t have to worry about reinstalling the drivers for the 3310 V2 because the drivers are already on the Mac for the device. Now, you will probably be prompted that there has been a device connected to your computer, but it will get right to working once again.

[*Don’t let its light weight or simple construction fool you, the Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader is extremely durable given its hard plastic body that does not give when pressed in. It is certainly not flimsy and bendable as your smart card. Plus, it has automatic on/off functionality to protect it from rough movements. However, taking care of it will ensure that it lasts as long as you need it to. There is no substitute for proper care and attention.]

The 3310 V2 is EXTREMELY DURABLE and affordable at the same time!

You are all done with setting up your Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader with your macOS. There is more to come with the Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader on the specific types of applications that you can use this device for so stay tuned for the next few blog articles. If you still need more support after this simple and straight forward guide then take a look at Identiv’s Reference Manual for the SCR3310 V2 Contact Desktop Reader. For additional troubleshooting, the next best step is to go to your company’s IT department for more targeted assistance relating to your specific workstation setup.

See, that was not as hard as it looked. Most of the setup has been taken care of by the Mac operating system and its smart card driver support. You are now ready to SECURE YOUR iMAC/MacBook/Mac mini FOR DECADES TO COME.

How to Easily Protect Your Laptop from Thieves Using the BEST Solutions in the World

EXPECTED READING TIME: 7 MINUTES

Have you ever been at a trendy coffee shop with your expensive laptop and needed to use the bathroom? You didn’t want to bring the laptop with you as it would be too bulky plus there is no where to hang it, and you didn’t want to leave it in plain site for anyone to take. So, you decided to just wait it out and maybe see how long you could go before running over to the bathroom without even logging out of your current session of Windows. Comment below if you have ever been in a situation like this.

I can relate to this dilemma as I have worked many times at Starbucks and Barnes & Nobles Café on my marketing work for clients on my laptop. As like any other human, I needed to eventually use the bathroom especially if I had ordered something to drink. Now, a certain level of trust needs to exist between two people when you ask them to watch your stuff. I mean they could easily walk away with your bag and laptop while you walk away. I’ve honestly never had that happen to me, but I can say that it does happen especially in a communal area when almost anyone can take a seat. My main strategy was to leave my laptop at my table because I did not want to have to carry it constantly to the bathroom in my backpack. This tends to get a bit tedious after a while especially if you are like me and want to stay hydrated. I might be doing that several times before I finally leave the place. So, I wondered if there was a better way to work remote without being concerned for my data being compromised or my entire laptop to be stolen.

A busy setting can present the real risk of laptop theft, so you need a technology that will prevent unwanted access to your laptop.

These are the real-life dilemmas people have when bringing along their laptop and other hardware with them. They don’t want to lug them around each time they need to use the loo, but they also don’t want to be the target of a hasty thief who simply wants to carry off their valuable hardware and data. So, where do they turn to to at least slow down a data-hungry scoundrel?

Why is Tx Systems the Choice for Smart Card Readers and Tokens?

Well, have no fear because Tx Systems is here. With our wide variety of smart card readers and token security key solutions, you can be certain that we have you covered when it comes to protecting your laptop from external threats. Since 1997, we have developed strong partnerships from leading identity access and management companies such as HID, Identiv and ACS and have worked with some of the largest players (Fortune 500) in multiple verticals. So, you can rest assured that the quality is present in ANY of the security hardware solution that you decide to invest in.

Tx Systems has you covered when it comes to choosing the best multi-factor authentication methods for your PC set-up whether at home or in the office.

Then, What Type of Smart Card Reader Should I Buy for My Laptop?

A bestseller that is definitely worth noting for its wide smart card support, easy installation and small form factor is the Identiv SCR 3310 V2 Contact Smart Card Reader. It is a smart card reader with the ability to support many types of contact smart cards that you may be using based on smart card formats from CAC, PIV or even the FIDO standard supported by the HID Crescendo FIDO Card. The HID Crescendo FIDO will have the ability to store your Windows login credentials and even support cloud-based web application logins such as Google Suite and DropBox. The card works out of the box but pairs especially well with HID’s DigitalPersona which is a cloud-based authentication and credential manager that can be installed on Windows 10.

HID Crescendo C2300 Smart Card can be a building block for using MFA (multi-factor authentication)

But That is NOT All, You Will Need Software to Go with That!

DigitalPersona will allow you to insert the smart card into the reader when prompted by Windows 10. This will happen at the lock screen where you would usually see the password and will also provide you with multiple multi-factor authentication methods. These types of MFA will vary depending on the settings you choose within DigitalPersona. For an extremely well explained video regarding DigitalPersona login with MFA technology, take a look at DigitalPersona: Using the PACS Card to Authenticate Windows.

Less than a minute long and is one of the many types of multi-factor authentication for Windows login!

Once purchasing the Identiv SCR3310 V2 through the Tx Systems site, you will need to purchase software such as DigitalPersona that will provide the multi-factor authentication functionality at login. This software will come in the form of a digital download with a provided security key to activate it. [NOTE: DigitalPersona only works on Windows PCs. For more information on OS support, see the DigitalPersona datasheet.] Once you have chosen your preferred method of MFA authentication through the DigitalPersona interface, you can now Restart your PC for it to take effect. So, let’s say that you have your Windows 10 laptop and have pressed the power button. After posting and booting into Windows 10, you will be prompted to verify your identity through a modified lock screen with DigitalPersona which offers multiple types of MFA methods. You could use a single type of authentication such as a traditional password or fingerprint, two factor authentication or multiple factors of authentication at one-time such as a smart card and then a pin code. This is commonly known as MFA technology or multi-factor authentication because it comprises of two gates that need to be passed in order to access your data. Think of it as an additional layer of security that will slow down a potential trespasser especially at the coffee shop. The more time that it takes to access your valuable information, the less likely you are to be targeted especially if you are using the bathroom. You’ll probably end up catching the guy in action if he is trying to access an MFA/2FA for Windows login. Doesn’t that sound hilarious!

So, if DigitalPersona sounds like the ideal type of multi-factor authentication solution for you, Tx Systems would be glad to protect your digital assets. Feel free to reach out to us regarding demoing or ordering a copy of DigitalPersona.

Get a feel for DigitalPersona in a real world simulation as it is used for MFA for Windows login.

What is SO Special About a Smart Card?

So, I have inevitably come back to my favorite coffee shop now prepared. I have ordered myself a custom HID Crescendo 2300 Smart Card from Tx Systems with a beaming photo of me along with my basic identification (first and last name and company title). This happens to be no ordinary ID card similar to what you might have had when you were in high school but rather a smart card that is loaded with an EMV chip. This EMV chip is much more secure than your typical mag stripe found on older styles of credit cards which could have been easily skimmed or copied. We are talking about the intellect of a computer in the form of a plastic card with an attached processor. Tx Systems offers many types of smart cards that come with varying sets of features and storage capacity types. Think of a flash drive with its ability to store varying amounts of documents but with smart cards, they tend to be made in smaller sizes for one specific purpose. Our smart cards come from reputable brands such as HID with their Crescendo line of cards (Crescendo 2300, Crescendo Temporary Access Card and the Crescendo 144K FIPS) which are tailored for a wide array of use cases.

The simplicity and ease of use is amazing! All I need to do is take my smart card out of my wallet and insert it into the Identiv SCR3310 V2 smart card reader. No more worrying about the guy next to me innocently watching hacking YouTube videos because he does not have my smart card. Without it, there is little chance of a breach.

What Makes the Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader So Easy to Use?

EASY INSTALLATION

That is why the Identiv SCR3310 V2 smart card reader is easy to use once Windows identifies it through Plug-and-Play. With a wide support of operating systems such as Windows, MacOS and Linux, this smart card reader will be easily recognized. No more fiddling around different USB ports and Device Manager to just try to get your computer to see that it is actually plugged in.

BUILT TO LAST

With the MINIMUM life span of 100,000 card insertions, you can rest assured knowing that it will last you decades into the future. Don’t let the plastic construction fool you, it is extremely durable with features to protect itself from the daily trials of lugging it around your laptop case. It has short circuit protection and automatic on/off functionality. Working with the automatic on/off feature will allow your smart card reader to turn off when there is significant movement from say a sudden bump from your elbow.

FAST CARD READING

Once inserted, the smart card reader would automatically detect your smart card and show a green LED status light for active reading off it. This is similar to what your DVR shows when it is currently recording a TV program albeit with a red LED. Don’t panic if you think that this smart card reader is super slow like some of those floppy drives of yesteryear. This device can read up to 600 Kbps of card data! So, your credentials will be authenticated quickly.

How Do I Securely Login to Facebook, DropBox or My Google Account?

The Identiv SCR3310 V2 smart card reader is great for using MFA technology for logging into your Windows 10 laptop, but like many others now, it is not unusual to have more online accounts. Think of how many you use at work and at home. The list will probably sound like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, DropBox, and it will only get longer from here. That is why you need a faster and more efficient way of getting into those accounts!

Take a look at the Identiv UTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key which will allow for seamless MFA types of logins to over 900 + online accounts. Simply set up the configuration on those web applications to accept MFA for login (multi-factor authentication) through their Privacy settings, and you are off to building that security fortress in no time! To login the next time means simply touching the security key at the circular button when asked to verify your account credentials, and you are in.

Identiv uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Keys are perfect for using authentication with 2 factors.

CONFUSED? Identiv Provides Videos on How to Set the Security Key Up

Identiv provides easy-to-watch tutorials on YouTube to set up the Identiv uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key with popular web apps:

Google: How to Register Your uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key

Salesforce: How to Register Your uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key

Facebook: How to Register Your uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key

Dropbox: How to Register Your uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key

Where Can I Find the Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader and the uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key?

To find a great deal on both the Identiv SCR3310 V2 Smart Card Reader and the Identiv uTrust FIDO2 NFC Security Key, be sure to visit our website where we have them listed for easy one-click purchasing. We thank you for taking the time to read our blog, and we hope that you take a step forward today to a more secure and protected future!

This post was created by Carl Hughes.

BASED ON A SEMI-TRUE STORY

Introducing the RFIDeas PcProx Nano- World’s Smallest Prox ID Badge Reader!

RFIDeas recently released the PCProx Nano making it the smallest prox (125 kHz) ID badge reader on the market. Designed for the mobile user, the PCProx Nano’s small size (3 3/8” x 2” x 0.6”, 4oz.) allows users to perform a variety functions like tag/card based two factor authentication, asset tracking or time attendance without the concern of carrying around a bulky reader or damaging a larger dongle style reader.

As the world increasingly moves toward mobile The RFIDeas PCProx is a perfect fit for lap top and tablet users needing a small, reliable 125 kHz Prox reader. Combining the RFIDeas PCProx reader with the 2FA One two factor authentication software creates a powerful Windows Log On security solution for CJIS and HIPAA compliance along with any two factor authentication requirements.

For more product information on the RFIDeas PCProx reader or to purchase ($179 per) please visit Tx Systems’ website. Additionally, see below for the full feature set overview.

Features

• Connectors and software interface:
  The standard USB model (Enroll) connects directly to a USB port and can send data as keystrokes or work with the optional Software Developer Kit (SDK). The RS-232 model connects to a standard serial PC COM port and sends data as ASCII. The CDC model emulates a virtual serial device.
• Compatibility:
  Compatible with Windows CE®/2000®/XP®/ Vista®/7®, Macintosh®, Solaris™, ThinManager® thin clients, and Linux. (Free configuration software required on Windows® operating system).
• Improves accuracy of information and productivity:
  Eliminates errors associated with individual identification.
• Versatile mounting options:
  The standard desktop housing allows for easy placement on desktops surfaces or for mounting on kiosks, monitors, time clocks, and more. The new USB Nano housing easily plugs directly into any laptop or tablet with a USB port.
  *Also available in a Surface Mount design.
• Plug-n-play installation
• Fully programmable and customizable user defined fields
• Compatible with millions of cards in use worldwide

Smart Cards – Contact vs. Contactless

The term smart card is used frequently to describe many different types of cards in the marketplace. In recent years it has become a blanket term used to describe literally thousands of cards made by dozens of card manufacturers. If you are ever tasked with finding a smart card solution, the first and most important aspect of information that you need to attain is the type of smart card you need to find. Smart cards are divided into two main categories: Contact and Contactless Smart Cards

Contact Smart Cards

Image by Smart Card Alliance

Contact smart cards are identified by a gold or silver chip that is visible on the card body. Much like a computer, this chip contains its own operating system, profile and card file structure that varies from application to application. These cards are named contact due to the fact that they physically need to be inserted into a card reader to make contact with a mechanism, for the most secure mode of encrypted communication.

An example of a contact smart card reader would be the Identiv SCR3310 V2 CAC/PIV USB 2.0 Contact Smart Card Reader.

Contactless Smart Cards

Image supplied by ACS

Contactless smart cards differ from contact, because the chip is not visible on the card. Instead the chip and chip’s antenna are embedded within the card body. The card is waved over an RFID reader instead of inserted like a contact card. When the contactless card passes through the specifically tuned RFID field, the antenna powers up the chip and relays the chips information to the application.

An example of a contact smart card reader would be the Identive SCM SCL011

Dual Interface Card Readers

Many cards contain both contact and contactless technology. Often the contactless portion is used for building access, where as the contact portion is used for secure network access. These cards are typically called converged cards or dual interface cards. 

An example of a dual interface desktop reader would be the Identiv uTrust 4701 F *Dual-Interface* Contact/Contactless USB Desktop Smart Card Reader.