Chip-based ePassports work because the document carries a tamper-resistant secure element that runs ICAO 9303 applets and is bound to a national PKI. The chip exposes a small, well-defined set of read protocols (BAC, PACE, Active Authentication) and never reveals private keys.
What is an ePassport?
"With a chip embedded in it, the ePassport will ensure the security of the passport holder's data."
The embedded chip adds security features that detect tampering attempts.
Introduction (Detailed)
A biometric passport uses "contactless smart card technology, including a microprocessor chip and antenna" embedded in the passport cover or center page. "Malaysia was the first country to issue biometric passports in 1998," with adoption expanding to 120 countries by June 2017.
"Only the digital image (usually in JPEG or JPEG2000 format) of each biometric feature is actually stored in the chip."
Salient Features
- Digitally signed chip containing personal particulars
- Thicker back and frontier covers for protection
- Faster processing at immigration checkpoints
- Storage capacity for up to 30 international visits with 64 kilobytes memory
About Ambimat Electronics
"Design experience of close to 4 decades" — solution provider for IoT and security products.