Exploring and Applying Public Key Cryptography Algorithms on Smart Card: A Comparative Analysis and Implementation Study

Abstract

As the prevalence and widespread adoption of smart card technology continue to surge, the paramount concern shifts towards ensuring robust security in information transmission. Focusing on smart card encryption, this study directs its primary investigative efforts into the realm of public key cryptography, which stands as the cornerstone of securing smart card transactions. Commencing with a comprehensive analysis of the fundamental principles underpinning public key cryptography, the article elucidates its findings through an exploration of two quintessential cryptographic methods RSA and ECC. Within this discourse, the exposition meticulously navigates through a comparative evaluation of RSA and ECC, delving into their respective public key sizes and the requisite security considerations. The article not only illuminates the operational intricacies of these cryptographic techniques but also engages in a discerning discussion that provides insights into their relative strengths and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the research advances beyond theoretical scrutiny to practical considerations, accentuating the unique efficacy of ECC in achieving heightened security and superior processing speeds through the implementation of smaller key sizes. In scenarios characterized by constrained bandwidth, ECC emerges as the preferred cryptographic implementation for smart card encryption. The strategic choice to adopt ECC is substantiated by its demonstrated ability to strike a harmonious balance between stringent security prerequisites and the imperative of optimizing operational speed—a crucial alignment with the contemporary demands governing secure information transmission within smart card ecosystems.