Common Access Card (US DoD)
Dual-InterfaceUS Department of Defense smart card for military and civilian personnel identity, facility access, and IT authentication.
Quick Specs
Dual-InterfaceFull Specifications
Hardware
| Interface | Dual-Interface |
| Chip Type | Microprocessor |
| Operating System | JavaCard |
Communication
| Protocol | T=0/T=1 + ISO 14443 |
| Extended APDU | No |
| Logical Channels | 1 |
Security
| EAL Level | EAL4+ |
| Secure Element | Yes |
| Tamper Resistant | Yes |
| Crypto Coprocessor | Yes |
| Biometric Support | No |
Cryptographic Algorithms
Frequently Asked Questions
Consider four key factors: interface type (contact, contactless, or dual-interface), security requirements (EAL certification level), application domain (payment, identity, transport), and chip platform (JavaCard, MULTOS, native). For EMV payments, dual-interface cards are now standard. For government eID, EAL5+ certified cards are typically required.
Contact smart cards require physical insertion into a reader and communicate via the ISO 7816 interface (gold contact pads). Contactless cards use radio frequency (ISO 14443) and work within a few centimeters of a reader. Dual-interface cards combine both interfaces on a single chip, offering maximum flexibility.
EAL (Evaluation Assurance Level) is part of the Common Criteria framework for evaluating IT security. For smart cards, EAL4+ is common for payment cards, while EAL5+ or EAL6+ is required for government identity documents and ePassports. Higher EAL levels indicate more rigorous security testing and formal verification methods.