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Smart card Starcos

Smart cards have a significant application as a secure device (qualified device) for creating an electronic signature (QESCD). Their use is required by EU legislation for the creation of a qualified electronic signature.

I.CA offers a certified solution, which consists of a Starcos chip card from Giesecke & Devrient and the I.CA SecureStore application, which provides the user with all the functions needed for its management. Performing sensitive operations on the card is secured using a PIN. The PUK can be used in case the card is blocked to obtain further attempts to enter the PIN. Upon delivery, it is then possible to choose from two possible settings:

PIN and PUK is generated during personalization and is placed in the so-called PIN envelope,
the card is not equipped with a PIN and PUK after personalization and the client is asked to enter the PIN and PUK the first time the card is used.

The chip card can be provided with any print according to the client's wishes. It is also possible to add the identification data of the card owner and a photo.

Ten Commandments for smart card users

Never leave the smart card inserted in the reader / computer for a long time.
Never entrust the card to anyone.
Do not write down the PIN code or PUK code on your card, or leave it written anywhere near it. Treat the smart card in the same way as other cards that are important to you, such as an identity card, payment card….
Make sure that the chip on your card is not damaged. For example, you can prevent damage by storing the card in a secure case.
Never insert a plug-in smart card into a standard card reader, only into the USB token provided.
Deleting private keys from the smart card is irreversible. Private keys deleted from the smart card can no longer be recovered.
In the event of the card being stolen, it is always necessary to revoke the certificates stored on the card to prevent their misuse by another person.
Use only the SecureStore application, which is freely downloadable from our website, to manage your card.
How many cards do you have, so many times you are human.