For mobile payments to really take off, the functionality needs to be available to far more than merely the latest devices. For this reason, the SD Association, a non-profit that sets memory card standards, is pushing a means to use microSD cards to make otherwise incompatible devices compatible.
The SD association calls this technology smartSD. The technology apparently enables a secure element for Host Card Emulation, a necessary step for creating digital copies of payment cards the way we've seen in Google Wallet and Android Pay. SmartSD uses a device's native NFC, removing the need to embed such technology into the card directly. It can also make a microSD card serve as a FIDO authentication token.
Mobile payments aren't the only target. The SD Association wants microSD better utilized in so-called Internet of Things devices. The card can supposedly provide a secure token and secure storage.
Right now the SD Association is trying to attract partners and mind share, so this isn't yet something you can simply go buy. For now it's showing off the technology at Mobile World Congress, but there is also plenty of reading material available on the association's website.
PRESS RELEASE
SD Association Shows microSD Value for Mobile Payment and Network Security
Demonstrates microSD Memory Cards in NFC, FIDO and Payment Applications at Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2016
SAN RAMON, CA and BARCELONA, SPAIN--(Marketwired - February 22, 2016) - MWC Booth CS168 Congress Square -- The SD Association (SDA), a global ecosystem of companies setting industry-leading memory card standards, will demonstrate at GSMA Mobile World Congress how microSD memory cards offer compelling value when creating secure mobile apps protecting both user identity and server credentials, exploring applications for near-field communications (NFC) and Host Card Emulation (HCE), FIDO authentication, contactless payment and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Using smartSD technology, the tiny microSD memory card enables some of the most exciting and secure payment and authentication options in the mobile market.
microSD as the Secure Element
smartSD enables a secure element for HCE providing certified security in various implementations with minimized compromise of HCE benefits. smartSD leverages native NFC, eliminating the cost of embedding an antenna into a microSD memory card. It simplifies and lowers the cost of operations, takes advantage of HCE with established app store distribution and provides security for the app -- ensuring proper security and certification for every use.
The smartSD memory card serves the same function as a smart card, authenticating and securing consumer and service provider credentials. This solution can be added easily by consumers via a smartSD memory card to Android smartphones. smartSD can also be used by Blackberry and other mobile operating systems.
Serving as a FIDO Authentication Token
In addition to offering the required security to optimize an HCE implementation, smartSD offers the industry's best token for FIDO since a card can be used in both a mobile device and a computer. SDA will demonstrate smartSD in both passwordless and second-factor FIDO authentication scenarios.
smartSD excels at providing root of trust and security to applications on a mobile device. smartSD offers an independent secure element for all consumers regardless of their mobile operator or phone model for deployment of contactless service and digital security on their mobile phones. Read more about smartSD at http://www.sdcard.org/developers/overview/ASSD/smartsd.
smartSD is the perfect companion for IoT. It provides secure storage for caching and recording data, and authentication capabilities for remote access to the recorded data and credentials for off-peak time synchronization with dedicated servers. The demonstration will feature a smartSD memory card serving as the security token and secure storage for a home automation service provider.
Contactless Payment with microSD Slot
The SDA will show how consumers can use existing smartphones with and without NFC capabilities that have microSD slots to pay for products and services securely with a microSD memory card. The demonstration will use on-site point-of-sale terminals and regular mobile phones loaded with an NFC-capable microSD card to simulate real payment on POS terminals.
Partner Program Power Hour Session
The session, "smartSD Card: Self-Contained Solutions," will be presented on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. in Hall 8, Theater B. The presentations will focus on microSD memory cards as a business-independent, self-contained secure element for various contactless and security use cases, including FIDO, IoT and HCE, how smartSD technology is simple to deploy and presents the lowest up front cost for a solution with security certifications, how a business model for mobile services based on microSD memory cards is positive for banks in mobile contactless payments, for transit operators or government mobile eID card applications.
smartSD memory cards leverage the world-leading SD architecture and Advanced Security SD standard, allowing transfer ISO 7816 Application Protocol Data Unit commands to, for example, JavaCardTM applets running on internal Secure Element, through the SD bus.
Watch a video, download a presentation and read the Association's smartSD white paper with new information on HCE. Find everyone about smartSD at http://www.sdcard.org/developers/overview/ASSD/smartsd.