How can you use smart card authentication in a network environment?

Smart card authentication is a security method that uses physical cards with an embedded integrated circuit for verification. The user inserts the smart card into a reader and provides a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Upon successful verification, access to systems or facilities is granted. The smart card can store encrypted data, offering an additional layer of security by tying the device to a particular user. This authentication mechanism enhances cybersecurity by making unauthorized access more difficult. It's commonly used in applications like network user authentication, email encryption, digital signatures and secure identification.

In my professional opinion, majority of professionals in the space agree that passwords are no longer secure, and their usage present risk with probability of not if but when. Furthermore, this section of the article is accurate leaving room to expand further. Windows Hello is a solution being leveraged more and more by consumers and businesses alike that natively supports smart card authentication. I foresee implementations of said solution to gain attention and priority in the near future. Additionally, combined smart card based solutions are gaining attention and preference in the industry due to increasing security posture and reducing risk. Available smart cards with integrated RFID capabilities reduce risk but require support. Budget?

This questions only pertains to one sector, I’ve never worked in an environment that didn’t have a smart card. Username and passwords were occasionally used but only under specific circumstances.

In contrast with magnetic stripe cards, smart cards usually contain microprocessors that can process data and even perform encryption or rolling when transmitting the code for authentication. This also open doors for integration of IAM solutions where provision of new cards for every new or updated identities can be avoided by enabling administrators to update the identities programmatically. These new identities can also be updated remotely. A single smart card can also used for accessing services - you don’t have to carry multiple separate cards, thus increasing the flexibility.

Start raising awareness across an organization as far in advance as possible via multiple means of notification. I highly recommend distributing notifications through something like a regulatory training system where acknowledgments are required to not make "the list". This implementation should not be the most complex although technological in nature, but it would behoove the project owner to focus on training, support, awareness, and communication enhancement is continuous at each phase of implementation. Overcommunication should be an objective and my tunnel vision input contribution to this section is intended to let others know where an obstacle absolutely can be expected. Simply plan to overcome or remove it as a part of your project.

I agree with this section. Testing and evaluating the outcome in every scenario possible is paramount. Then, document or have another resource to document as the team progresses through the implementation. Bumps in the road are probable, so you want to capture as much detailed information as possible. Something else to consider is avoiding a single point of failure by having at least two engineers or (insert role name) that can support the solution efficiently. That means time will need to be allocated to ensure their efficiency with administration improves continuously and resources are well informed of new developments so if your program can improve or its value can grow those are taking place when possible and feasible.