MULTOS Card

Contact

High-security multi-application card platform with formal security verification and post-issuance application management.

Contact | MULTOS Specification | Since 1999

Quick Specs

Contact
Interface Contact
Chip Type Microprocessor
OS MULTOS
EAL Level EAL5+
Lifespan 10 years
First Deployed 1999

Full Specifications

Hardware

InterfaceContact
Chip TypeMicroprocessor
Operating SystemMULTOS

Communication

ProtocolT=0, T=1
Extended APDU Không
Logical Channels1

Security

EAL LevelEAL5+
Secure Element
Tamper Resistant
Crypto Coprocessor
Biometric Support Không

Cryptographic Algorithms

RSA-2048 ECC AES 3DES SHA

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.