The program emphasizes research and development of new and existing smart card technologies, including the investigation of using this technology for remote Internet services, electronic commerce and access authorization. The main focus of the research will be on enhanced data security using smart cards.
Smart cards are wallet-sized cards that look like credit cards in size and material.
Each smart card contains a microprocessor with electrical contacts, making it one of the world's smallest portable computers. While it is primarily used as a photo ID, the M-Card also may be used for banking purposes, making small purchases from participating merchants, library services, and entry to secured buildings. There are more than 94,000 M-Cards active today. Cards can be used at 56 merchants and 340 cashpoints, and at 23 reload devices. According to Peter Honeyman, CITI director, there are many more possibilities for use of the smart card.