Table of Contents.
Differences Between IC Cards and ID Cards
Definition of IC Cards
Definition of ID Cards
Why IC Cards Are More Secure Than ID Cards
IC Cards Require Encryption, While ID Cards Do Not
Two-Way Key Authentication
System-Specific Encryption
ID Cards Lack Encryption
Security Comparison Between IC Card and ID Card Systems
Higher Security
Data Storage and Management
System Independence
Expansion and Compatibility
Advantages of IC Card Maintenance and Management
Intelligent Management
Lower Operational Costs
CBT – A Trusted Manufacturer of Access Control Cards
Recommend Products
Why Access Control IC Cards Are More Secure Than ID Cards
In recent years, many property owners have expressed concerns about the security of their access control systems, as some ID access cards can be easily duplicated. Due to the vulnerability of ID cards to cloning, more and more customers are switching to IC cards for access control. But what exactly makes IC cards more secure than ID cards?
Differences Between IC Cards and ID Cards
An IC card (Integrated Circuit Card), also known as a smart card, is a type of card embedded with an integrated circuit that allows data to be read and written. It has a large storage capacity, strong encryption capabilities, reliable data recording, and is widely used in various applications such as payment systems and one-card solutions. Common IC cards include the Philips Mifare series.
An ID card (Identification Card) is a read-only contactless card that contains a fixed unique number and cannot store additional data. Popular ID card formats include Taiwan SYRIS’s EM format, as well as cards from HID (USA), TI, and Motorola.
Why IC Cards Are More Secure Than ID Cards
1. IC Cards Require Encryption, While ID Cards Do Not
Two-Way Key Authentication: Before an IC card can be used, it must undergo a unique two-way key authentication process with the reader, ensuring high security. In contrast, ID cards only store a card number, which is exposed and vulnerable to duplication.
System-Specific Encryption: IC cards are initialized (encrypted) at the factory to ensure security within a one-card system. Users can then generate their own system-specific encryption keys, preventing unauthorized cards from being used in the system.
ID Cards Lack Encryption: ID cards function similarly to contactless magnetic stripe cards, storing only a fixed card number without any encryption, making them highly susceptible to cloning.
2. Security Comparison Between IC Card and ID Card Systems
Higher Security: IC cards offer strong data encryption, requiring authentication before data can be read or modified. ID cards, on the other hand, have no encryption and can be easily copied.
Data Storage and Management: ID cards can only store a card number, while IC cards can store a significant amount of data, including user permissions, transaction records, and more. Additionally, IC card data can be rewritten multiple times.
System Independence: ID cards rely on a network database for user authentication, meaning they cannot function without network connectivity. IC cards, however, store important user information and permissions on the card itself, allowing them to function even offline.
Expansion and Compatibility: ID card systems are difficult to expand. In contrast, IC cards are designed with multiple storage sectors, allowing for flexible functionality such as access control, payments, and attendance tracking, achieving a true one-card solution.
Advantages of IC Card Maintenance and Management
Intelligent Management: Adding a new user to an ID card system requires manually entering the card number into the database. Whenever a new card is issued or permissions are changed, all access control devices must be updated, increasing management complexity. In contrast, IC cards store user data and permissions directly, enabling a more efficient and intelligent management system.
Lower Operational Costs: IC card systems can be easily expanded without requiring additional wiring, reducing installation difficulties and unnecessary investment.
CBT – A Trusted Manufacturer of Access Control Cards
As a professional manufacturer with 13 years of experience, CBT specializes in producing high-quality IC access cards, providing secure solutions for numerous property management companies. Our product range includes contact IC cards, contactless IC cards, CPU cards, key fob cards, barcode cards, medical cards, campus IC cards, public transportation IC cards, and more, along with compatible card readers.
If you are looking for custom IC access cards, feel free to contact CBT. We are here to provide you with secure and reliable access control solutions!
