A mobile trusted computing architecture for a near field communication ecosystem

Abstract

Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless communication technology to transfer data over distances of up to 10 cm. With this technology, a mobile device is capable of emulating smartcards for access, payment or loyalty. The benefits of a mobile device with NFC over an ordinary smartcard are the interaction and network capabilities of such a device. Thus there is the possibility to distributed smartcard applications through a data link to a mobile device, instead of issuing physical cards. The goal of this paper is to present a platform to securely manage smartcard applications in such NFC devices. Issuing of application in NFC devices is different in several stages compared to ordinary smartcards. With regard to security, there are different processes to be protected and new attack scenarios. In this paper functional aspects of such an architecture and the rolls of the instances participating are discussed. Although NFC allows a smooth interaction for the consumer, the infrastructure behind the scene is complex and requires the cooperation on different levels to ensure interoperability and of a thriving contactless scheme to be deployed. According to the concept, three different prototypes have been implemented to remotely manage the smartcard applications.