SCM Microsystems Offers First Certified Smart Card Reader for the New Electronic ID Card in Germany

SCM Microsystems, Inc., a leading provider of solutions for secure access, secure identity and secure exchange, announced that its contactless smart card reader SCL011 is the first reader to be certified by the Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, or BSI) to be used with the new electronic ID card (neuer Personalausweis, or nPA) in Germany.

Beginning Nov. 1, 2010, the nPA – a contactless smart card – will replace the statutory plastic identification card currently held by German citizens. The new electronic ID provides security for online transactions and offers many new functions and capabilities, all in a convenient credit card format.

Many activities of daily life and business, such as opening a banking account or purchasing products, are now performed over the Internet. However, so far there is no standardized proof of identity in the online world; and different passwords, codes or access cards are needed to handle different applications.

For German citizens, the nPa electronic ID card bridges this gap: proving your identity in the online world is now as fast, easy and secure as presenting the nPa card. Securely purchasing goods via the Internet, downloading music, confirming age or place of birth, filing an insurance claim, or communicating with local or federal authorities and administrations are easily accomplished, saving time and money for all concerned.

To perform or access services online, the nPA requires a specialized smart card reader that is easily attached to an individual’s PC.

SCL011 is the first such reader to be certified for the nPa card. It connects to PCs via USB, and acts as a link between the electronic ID card and the PC.