We live in a day and age where lock-and-key combinations are no longer classified as high-level security. We are entrenched in the era of smart technology—and, when it comes to keeping businesses secure, data encryption is key (if you’ll pardon the pun). At Identity People, we have the full range of OmniKey smart card readers, and some fantastic tips for selecting a smart card reader. Before we dig into specifics, though, let’s first refresh our memories about smart cards themselves. Sure, you’ve heard the term, but what is it that makes a card, well, smart?
What are smart cards?
Smart cards are plastic cards that contain encrypted data. There are different types of smart cards and each type stores data in a different way. Whilst technically not a smart card, the magnetic stripe card was a somewhat primitive predecessor. We’ve all seen these—and, if you ask us, ‘swipe-a-stripe cards’ would have been a perfect name for these 40-year-old inventions. Though revolutionary in the ’80s, magnetic stripes now rank among the weakest forms of card-based data security. Nowadays, access control cards usually contain EMV (Europay, Mastercard, and Visa) or RFID (radio-frequency identification) technology, both of which secure data via encryption.
Anyone at least familiar with the concept of data encryption and validation will understand why these latter two types are more secure. When you swipe your magnetic stripe card, you are dispensing your unencrypted bank details (or whatever you’re storing on there) here, there, and everywhere. It is traceable data that hackers can use to their advantage. When your EMV or RFID card makes contact with (or comes close to, in the case of RFID technology) the compatible card reader, however, the reader will generate a unique code pertaining only to that particular purchase. Even if a hacker were to get their hands on the code, it would be valid for no future transactions.
You likely use an RFID card to enter your workplace. In most modern offices, you will find a card reader by the door. This card reader gives off a radio frequency, and when your smart card crosses the energy field, its RFID inlay transmits unique data to the card reader. Once the card reader receives this information, it relays it to the access control system, which either grants or denies you access. This may be a three-step process, but it happens in under a second. Data validation is as efficient as it is secure.
Which smart card reader should I select?
Now that we’re up to speed on all things smart, let’s turn our attention to smart card readers. The OmniKey smart card readers will support all operating systems, as well as smart cards of any application. At Identity People, we stock HID Global’s full range. Be sure to take advantage of this breadth of products, whether you’re looking for something of the contact or contactless variety.
Contact card readers
HID Global’s range of contact card readers consists of three models—and, in ascending order of their model numbers, their sizes are small, regular, and pocket-sized. All three models are USB-based and compatible with any contact smart card, operating system, or application software. These card readers are also super easy to install. They all use a native, supported CCID driver within any major PC operating system. This means you won’t need to install a driver to use either one of these readers.
These contact card readers comply with all industry standards and will read almost any smart card containing a chip. If this sounds right for your business, all you need to do is choose the model that will best suit your business needs.
The OMNIKEY 3021
The OMNIKEY 3021 may be small, but this smart card reader performs just as well as any larger reader in the OMNIKEY range. Portable and easy to install, choose the 3021 if you use a large-scale deployment—or if you enjoy how portable it is.
The OMNIKEY 3121
The OMNIKEY 3121 is a smart card reader built for desktop use. Loaded with multiple-base mounting options, this full-sized, robustly housed reader is easy to install. Choose the 3121 if your smart card operations will involve single sign-ons, online banking, or digital signatures. Though not portable like its predecessor, it does come with a long USB cable.
The OMNIKEY 6121
If you thought the 3021 was pocket-sized, wait until you see its even littler brother. The OMNIKEY 6121 is an actual USB stick that you can plug into your PC for immediate use. Carry it in your pocket, or even attach it to your keyring using the keychain loop provided. Why is this card reader so tiny? Because it’s designed for SIM-sized smart cards. If this is about the size of things at your business, you may wish to invest in an OMNIKEY 6121.
Contactless card readers
HID Global’s contactless card readers come in four different models, but they are not easily distinguishable from one another—at least, not from an external standpoint. These four variants look alike, but there are subtle differences between them. One thing they all have in common is that they can communicate with your RFID card without making physical contact.
The OMNIKEY 5025
The OMNIKEY 5025 is has a sleek, modern design and six stylish colour options. This makes it look great in any workplace environment, be it a healthcare, office, or production floor environment. This smart card reader comes with smart extras like an adhesive plate, a screw mount, and a card holder, rendering this model fantastic for use beyond the standard desktop fare. You can also use the OMNIKEY 5025 for ‘tap-and-go’ payments.
The OMNIKEY 5022/5023
Like their contact card reader cousins, the OMNIKEY 5022 and the OMNIKEY 5023 use native, supported CCID drivers within any major PC operating system. This means you won’t need to install a driver, rendering these readers easy to install. These card readers are suitable for industries requiring high levels of security, such as healthcare and pharmaceutical, financial and enterprise, and government. You can also use them for two-factor authentication.
Functionally, these two models are very similar and serve the same sorts of purposes. You may prefer one over the other due to the slightly different specifications.
The OMNIKEY 5027
Like the OMNIKEY 5022 and 5023, the OMNIKEY 5027 is suited for workplace environments requiring high levels of security, such as healthcare and pharmaceutical, financial and enterprise, and government. Thanks to its keyboard wedge functionality, it is easily integrated. Choose this model if you like high-performing flexibility.
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