MIFARE DESFire cards comparison: EV1 vs EV2
NXP offers a range of MIFARE DESFire ICs that is improvised over a time with new generational changes. It is essential to understand the difference between MIFARE DESFire EV1 and MIFARE DESFire EV2 in order to decide which one of them is more suitable for any product application. There are certain areas where MIFARE DESFire EV2 surpasses its predecessor in terms of higher capabilities and better offerings. However, there are many applications where MIFARE DESFire EV1 has been performing flawlessly. As such any brand would have to be calculative if they should keep on going with their existing setup or to upgrade to MIFARE DESFire EV2.
Here Are The Few Advantages Offered By MIFARE DESFire EV2:
Even though most of the functionalities of both ICs remain the same, there are some advantages offered by MIFARE DESFire EV2 that makes it worth the upgrades. NXP has implemented a set of benefits to their new addition to MIFARE DESFire family range.
- Range of operation:
MIFARE DESFire EV2 as an upgrade offers a more extended communication range compared to MIFARE DESFire EV1. This feature would allow these cards to provide a better experience with the areas where the faster transaction at a somewhat higher range is needed.
- Data security & encryption:
Both MIFARE DESFire EV1 and EV2 offer the same AES-128 encryption for data transactions. However, MIFARE DESFire EV2 offers new security provisions along with multi-application features for better security.
- Backward compatibility:
MIFARE DESFire EV2 offers backward compatibility for the systems that were implemented for MIFARE DESFire EV1. MIFARE DESFire EV2 can work for the same NFC reader.
New Features Introduced With MIFARE DESFire EV2:
MIFARE DESFire EV2 also offers a lot of new functionalities and features to create value to the customers. These features would allow the users to make the most out of proximity technology for their applications. Here’s a list of new features NXP implemented with MIFARE DESFire EV2:
- Rolling Keysets:
NXP offers rolling keysets in a case where an encryption key is compromised by the adversaries so that the administrator can replace the encryption key in any such need.
- Key Management:
MIFARE DESFire EV2 offers staggered key management for particular applications. It is a feature that would allow the owner to issue the card to third parties where third parties will be able to secure it with their personal key. In this case, the card issuer doesn’t have to share the card Master Key.
- Proximity Identification:
Proximity Identification feature would allow MIFARE DESFire EV2 to confirm that it is really near the card reader and is not accessed with a remote data stream from a cybercriminal or a hacker. It would eliminate all the scope of any potential cyberattack.
NXP’s MIFARE DESFire EV2 offers many additional features to enhance the security and usability in any multi-application environment. This new piece of technology could open up many unique areas for proximity communication systems. It is crucial to strengthen privacy, reliability and security as the use of a similar contactless system has become popular.