An Introduction to MIFARE® Cards
MIFARE cards are one of the most popular choices for contactless access and identification cards on the market. From their history, technology and background to all the benefits you can expect to see once you integrate this technology system into your security offering, keep reading to explore everything you need to know about MIFARE cards.
What are MIFARE cards
MIFARE is a technology that allows for contactless access card use. It was first introduced in 1994, and was most commonly seen in the use of transport passes – however, the advanced capabilities quickly made MIFARE the most popularised smart card technology for stored data systems and access control. Every MIFARE card complies with the ISO14443A: a standardised industry requirement. MIFARE cards operate using an internal antenna and a chip that comes to life once a card is in the magnetic field of its correlating reader. They operate at a frequency of 13.56MHz, and are created by manufacturers Phillips Electronics, now known as NXP Semiconductors.
This contactless smart card is widely used due to the high levels of convenience and security – employing their RFID technology to communicate whether the carrier has permission to pass through the gated area or door without physical contact. MIFARE cards look like ordinary plastic cards, with the option to create custom designs on their surface using an ID card printer.
What are the key benefits of a MIFARE card
Now you know what a MIFARE card is, you can get to know the key benefits and different uses of this incredible security technology.
MIFARE cards are a cost-effective way of providing secure, contactless operations to a range of different environments – including payment transactions and electronic identification. An elevation on the traditional magnetic stripe, they carry a host of functional benefits you can expect to see in your business. Some of the key features include secure data storage, quick and seamless transactions, and general versatility in a range of applications and locations. They also incorporate advanced security measures like encryption and holographic, which further help to protect personal information and payment transactions. They are created with a unique serial number but also carry the capacity for secure data storage, this allows for interaction with more than one reader system without impacting the standards of security. MIFARE technology is so popular that it can now be identified in personal mobile phone devices – most commonly located in the wallet app and on banking pages.
What can MIFARE cards be used for
You will find MIFARE technology in a large range of locations, from public transportation to payment, mobile phones, security identification systems, schools, government locations, airports, shopping centres, hospitals and more. Due to their secure data storage capability, they are beneficial in many different applications:
Access Control: MIFARE cards control entry to various locations including office buildings, hospitals, security controlled buildings and airports – as well as school campuses, car parks and canteens. The technology communicates with the reader to signal whether the carrier has permission to pass through the prohibited area, and this technology also comes into play for seamlessly processing technological transactions.
Attendance Tracking: The sophisticated data storage capacity can record and track attendance in different locations or at a range of events, which can be essential for employee time stamping or attendance monitoring in schools and universities.
Identification: A computer system can compare a photo ID on a MIFARE card against a central database to minimise fraudulent ID use in workplaces or schools.
Event Ticketing: MIFARE cards are used for ticketing on physical tickets and virtual ones too – and can also be used as a method of attendee tracking. Additionally, the use of RFID technology significantly reduces ticket fraud occurrences.
Different Types of MIFARE Cards
You will find several types of MIFARE cards, each tailored to specific uses and needs. From the basic option to advanced variants, each one has unique benefits and features to meet a spectrum of security and storage requirements.
Four of the most popular types of MIFARE cards include:
Classic: the MIFARE classic is widely used for ticketing applications and access control due to its ease of use and ISO 14443 compatibility. For these reasons, it is the pioneer of the selection and is the technology you will most commonly encounter during day to day life.
DESFire: the MIFARE DESFire is made for high levels of security – suitable for those with robust security standards or high-safety environments like airports. These cards are often used for multi-application functions, including access control, electronic payments and institutional benefits.
Plus: the Plus is an evolution to the Classic family, with enhanced security features and functions that set it apart from the base level option. It is amazing for more secure systems and is often used in multi level building professional access management and smart city services.
Ultralight: the MIFARE Ultralight are crafted for limited or single use applications such as event ticketing, public transport day passes and other disposable, short term card uses.
Explore the selection of MIFARE cards available with the security experts at Identity People today.
