MIFARE Ultralight C is a low-cost, contactless smart card IC (Integrated Circuit) developed by NXP Semiconductors. It operates at the 13.56 MHz frequency and complies with the ISO/IEC 14443 Type-A standard, making it compatible with many NFC (Near-Field Communication) readers and devices. It’s part of the broader MIFARE family, known for its use in various applications like public transport ticketing, event access control, and loyalty programs.
Key Features:
- Contactless Operation: It doesn’t require physical contact with the reader; communication happens via radio frequency fields.
- Limited Memory: It offers a small EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) for storing data. The memory is typically 192 bytes organized into 48 pages of 4 bytes each, with 144 bytes available for user data.
- 3DES Authentication: A significant security feature of MIFARE Ultralight C is its support for Triple DES (3DES) encryption for authentication. This provides a more secure way to verify the card’s authenticity and protect the data stored on it compared to the original MIFARE Ultralight.
- Unique Identifier (UID): Each MIFARE Ultralight C card has a unique 7-byte serial number, which aids in identification and anti-collision when multiple cards are present in the reader’s field.
- One-Time Programmable (OTP) Area: It includes a small 32-bit OTP area where data can be written once and then permanently locked, useful for specific applications.
- Anti-Tearing Counter: Features a 16-bit one-way counter that can only be incremented, useful for tracking events or usage.
- NFC Forum Type 2 Tag Compliant: This ensures interoperability with NFC-enabled devices.
- Read/Write Capability: Supports reading and writing of data to the user memory, although writing to protected areas requires successful 3DES authentication.
- Low Cost: Designed as a cost-effective solution for limited-use applications.
Security Aspects:
The primary security enhancement of MIFARE Ultralight C over the original MIFARE Ultralight is the 3DES authentication. This allows the reader to cryptographically verify the authenticity of the card before proceeding with transactions or data access. While not as robust as AES encryption found in more advanced MIFARE products like DESFire EV2/EV3 or MIFARE Plus EV2, 3DES offers a significant improvement over the lack of strong cryptography in MIFARE Ultralight.
Given its balance of cost-effectiveness and enhanced security, MIFARE Ultralight C can be used for various applications in Lahore:
- Public Transportation Ticketing: For single-journey or limited-use tickets with better fraud protection than simpler RFID tags.
- Event Ticketing: Providing secure and convenient access to events.
Loyalty Programs: Implementing secure and trackable loyalty cards.
- Access Control: For lower-security access points where a basic level of authentication is required.
- Device Authentication: Can be used for verifying the authenticity of devices or consumables.
Memory Structure:
The 192 bytes of EEPROM are organized into 48 pages, each containing 4 bytes. The initial pages contain manufacturer information and the UID. The remaining pages are allocated for user data and the OTP area. Some memory blocks can be permanently locked to prevent further writing after personalization.
Summary: MIFARE Ultralight C offers a step up in security from the basic MIFARE Ultralight by incorporating 3DES authentication while remaining a cost-effective option for applications requiring limited memory and contactless interaction. When considering its use in Lahore, its security features make it a better choice than MIFARE Ultralight for applications where preventing counterfeiting or unauthorized access is important.
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