The security landscape for critical national infrastructure is ever-evolving, with threats becoming more sophisticated and operations becoming more complex. That is why it is crucial that every element of your security system, including physical and cyber, remains highly secure. The introduction of DESfire technology family in the 2000’s made a significant leap forward in securing sensitive environments, providing organizations with cutting-edge security smart cards that can adapt to modern-day challenges.
However, unless DESFire is managed and deployed in the right way, there still remains significant risk that your security system can be compromised. But what exactly is DESfire, and how can it revolutionize your approach to security management?
What is DESFire?
DESFire is a type of smart card technology developed by NXP, primarily used in contactless cards for secure applications such as access control, transportation systems, cashless payments, and identity management. The term “DESFire” comes from the encryption algorithms it uses, with “DES” standing for Data Encryption Standard, and “Fire” referring to the card’s Fast, Innovative, Reliable, and Enhanced capabilities.
It is based on global open standards adopted which means it is ideally suited to developers and system manufacturers. In today’s security market, DESFire has become the gold standard for smart technology.
Key Features About DESfire
DESFire technology offers a robust, secure, and versatile solution for modern access management. With advanced encryption, multi-application support, high processing speed, and compatibility with existing systems, DESFire cards deliver the flexibility and performance needed to streamline operations while ensuring top-tier security across various applications.
Security
DESFire cards are highly secure, supporting encryption standards such as 3DES (Triple DES) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). They offer mutual authentication, encrypted communication, and secure key storage.
Compatibility
DESFire cards are part of the MIFARE product family, developed by NXP Semiconductors. They are backward-compatible with other MIFARE systems, making them versatile for integration in existing infrastructure.
Flexibility
DESFire cards are highly flexible and can store multiple applications. This makes them suitable for multi-purpose uses, such as using a single card for public transport, building access, and payment systems.
High Performance
The cards are known for their fast processing speed and reliability, making them ideal for systems where quick read/write operations are essential, like mass transit systems.
Memory
DESFire cards come with different memory sizes, allowing them to store various data, such as personal details, access credentials, or e-wallet information, depending on the application.
The Importance of Correct Deployment and Management
Deploying DESFire for security with your access control system requires careful planning. Organizations must consider the token architecture, encryption standards, and key management strategies, including key diversification and key rolling. By implementing the right protocols from the start, such as diversified keys to minimize the risk of key compromise, you can maintain the highest security standards, avoiding vulnerabilities during key issuance, replacement, or removal processes.
Why NPSA’s DESFire Latest Guidance Matters for Critical Infrastructure
In critical infrastructure, where the stakes are high and the potential consequences of security breaches can be catastrophic, adopting cutting-edge access management solutions with DESFire EV2 is not just a choice—it’s a necessity. This is why the NPSA, the government department responsible for providing security guidance to the CNI market, has recently published important new guidance on the deployment and management of DESFire EV2. This guidance is essential reading for anyone operating in the CNI market who requires a robust security solution.
To read the important new guidance from the NPSA, click here.
AEOS: A Future-Proof Access Control System
To fully leverage the benefits of DESFire EV2, it’s essential to integrate it with a robust access control system. Nedap’s NPSA-certified access control system, AEOS, is built to accommodate all of the advanced security features such as key diversification, key rolling, secure messaging, and SAM. AEOS offers a future-proof and highly secure solution for critical national infrastructure.
Learn More About NPSA’s New DESFire Guidance in our brochure
Learn more about how NPSA’s DESFire Token guidance combined with AEOS can provide the highest level of security.
EV2 vs. EV3: Why EV2 Still Leads the Way
While DESFire EV3 is now available, NPSA remains focused on EV2. This emphasis stems from the minimal security differences between EV2 and EV3, alongside EV2’s broad adoption across the market. As a result, EV2 continues to be a trusted and reliable choice for organizations seeking robust security solutions.
