Secure access module

• Removable SAM: This form factor resembles a standard Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card. It plugs into a dedicated SAM slot within the smart card reader. • Embedded SAM: This form factor integrates the SAM functionality directly onto the printed circuit board (PCB) of the reader system. The SAM component is typically housed within a secure enclosure soldered onto the PCB. == Components ==

A typical smart card reader system generally consists of the following key components: • Microcontroller (MCU): This acts as the central processing unit (CPU) of the reader system. It manages various tasks such as protocol handling, data flow control, and data interpretation. • Reader Integrated Circuit (Reader IC): This specialized chip facilitates communication between the SAM and the contactless smart card using radio frequency (RF) interface protocols. == Integration and functionality ==

By integrating a SAM into the reader system, the security functionalities are centralized and offloaded from the MCU. The SAM assumes responsibility for: • Key Management: Secure storage and management of cryptographic keys, including master keys and application keys derived from them. • Cryptography: Performing various cryptographic operations such as encryption, decryption, and digital signing to ensure data confidentiality and integrity. • Mutual Authentication: Facilitating a two-way authentication process between the smart card and the reader system to verify the legitimacy of both parties before allowing any communication to proceed. • Secure Messaging: Enabling secure communication between the SAM and the host system by encrypting and authenticating data packets. housingSAMs can be deployed in any of the following applications: :* Generate application keys based on master keys :* Store and secure master keys :* Perform cryptographic functions with smart cards :* Use as a secure encryption device :* Perform mutual authentication :* Generate session keys :* Perform secure messaging ==References==