Whether as a Plug-In or in Embedded Form ­ the SkySIM CX Hercules from G&D Makes Mobile Transactions More Convenient and Future-Proof

Whether as a Plug-In or in Embedded Form – the SkySIM CX Hercules from G&D Makes Mobile Transactions More Convenient and Future-Proof

Munich, December 17, 2014 – Mobile devices are increasingly being used for mobile transactions such as electronic payments, as well as for digital tickets and for authentication in physical access control systems in secure areas. Such use involves the exchange of highly sensitive personal data, which makes security a top priority. The Munich-based technology group Giesecke & Devrient (G&D) is now presenting the new SkySIM CX® Hercules for use in these scenarios. The combination of the new chip design and software allows multiple applications to be run simultaneously, securely, and at high speed. The solution has been approved by American Express, MasterCard, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), and Visa, and thus meets the requirements for secure payments. In terms of ticketing and physical access control systems, the product supports the MIFARE, CIPURSE, and Calypso standards.

People are becoming increasingly mobile and want to use their mobile devices anywhere and at any time. The more often mobile transactions are processed in day-to-day life, the higher the volume of sensitive data that is involved and transmitted over public channels. Users not only want their transactions to be processed quickly, they also demand maximum protection for their data.

With the new platform from G&D, device manufacturers and mobile network operators are able to offer their customers several options for secure mobile payments. The product is based on the latest chip from ST Microelectronics, and G&D is the very first manufacturer to offer a solution that has obtained all relevant certifications from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and the People’s Bank of China (PBOC). End customers can therefore rest assured that their mobile payments will be processed conveniently, quickly, and in accordance with the most stringent security standards. Since the product also supports the MIFARE (Classic, DESFire EV1), CIPURSE, and Calypso standards, users also have the option of using their device as an electronic ticket, for example in public transport or at events of any kind, and for identifying themselves when passing through physical access control systems.

The SkySIM CX Hercules from G&D is based on a powerful processor that executes transactions at high speed. What’s more, the solution from G&D is the first platform in its category to offer sufficient storage capacity to run several different applications. The fast, certified operating system is based on pioneering standards and allows several applications to be run simultaneously. The SkySIM CX Hercules can be used both as a conventional plug-in card and as an embedded Secure Element (eSE) with additional interfaces to key components in the mobile device. This ensures that a secure connection is established with the application processor in the phone, and provides an additional layer of security for mobile services. The range of benefits means device manufacturers and mobile network operators can take a more long-term approach to their planning – costly platform changes will not be needed for a long time and this, in turn, protects capital expenditure over the long term.