ID Cards

What are the Benefits of iClass Smart Cards?

We have several customers that use the standard HID proximity cards for their security system, and these cards have worked great for a long time. However, in today’s fast-paced world, security is always a top concern. In addition to using prox cards/id-cards/iclass-cards/hid-iclass.html for security and door access control purposes, we've seen a steady increase in organizations using these cards for secure computer log on as well as for the use of printers and copy machines. While the standard HID prox cards work great for these basic use types mentioned above, using HID's iClass contactless smart cards offer additional benefits with security, flexibility, and supporting a company's future growth. Let's take a more detailed look at each of these benefits: More Secure While still a great security option, standard HID proximity cards do have a number of vulnerabilities. The data being sent between the card and reader is basically just a string of numbers that correspond to the card number. This data can be skimmed or picked up during the data transfer. The iClass smart cards do communicate with the readers in the same manner, but every time data is transmitted between the card and the reader, it is encrypted using a secure algorithm. This means that each time the card sends the signal to the card reader, it's using a different code for authentication. This layer of complexity provides an added level of card security. Added Flexibility HID proximity cards work for basic access control or computer log on data, but iClass cards offer much more flexibility. Not only can they be used for the physical and logical access, but you can also use iClass contactless smart cards for:
  • biometric authentication
  • cashless vending
  • public transportation ticketing
  • loyalty programs
  • and so much more
iClass smart cards can offer this flexibility because it has different “compartments” that can store different types of data. This leads me to my next point. Expansive Support iClass cards have many different options for the number of application areas or “compartments” you can get in the card. They offer 2k bit, 16k bit and 32k bit. Essentially what this means is that there is a certain amount of data that can be held in each “compartment,” and there are a certain number of “compartments” for the data in the card. While you can start off using the cards for a basic access control program or cashless vending, you can add more data for different programs. This is why iClass cards are a wise choice if your needs expand over time. Although iClass cards definitely have many great benefits, these technology cards do entail a little more than just your standard HID proximity cards.
If you’re now wondering whether iClass cards may be a good fit for your organization, call an ID Professional today at (800) 321-4405 x2 or chat now. We're here to help!
Have a Question?
Call Us — (800) 321-4405