Quantum Ready: Future-proofing Authentication with PQC and BIO-SLCOS
Introduction Quantum computers are evolving fast. While not yet powerful enough to break today’s encryption, experts warn they will soon threaten vital systems—particularly those relying on public-key cryptography. In fact, the EU’s post-quantum cryptography (PQC) roadmap advises all member states to begin migrating by end of 2026, with critical systems secured by 2030. This “harvest now, decrypt later” threat makes upgrading now essential. At TrustSEC, we’re already ahead. By combining BIO-SLCOS smartcard operating systems with biometric smartcards and PQC plans, we help organizations build authentication that lasts—not just today, but into the future. 1. Why Post-Quantum Cryptography Matters 1.1 The Coming “Quantum Threat” Current standards like RSA-2048 and ECC-256 will become vulnerable once quantum computers are capable of executing Shor’s algorithm at scale. This means sensitive data intercepted now may be decrypted in future—posing an existential threat to long-term privacy. 1.2 EU Policy Making It Urgent The EU’s roadmap mandates first-phase PQC readiness by end of 2026, and full protection of high-risk systems (banks, energy grids, government, telecom) by 2030. Waiting isn’t an option—organizations must act now to avoid future backlogs. 2. The Importance of Hardware-Rooted PQC 2.1 Beyond Software—Hardware Matters Software-based PQC isn’t enough. The most secure deployments combine PQC algorithms + hardware roots of trust. Smartcards use secure elements (SE) and deliver strong protection, even in threat-rich environments. 2.2 PQC on Smartcards: Challenging but Doable Academic and industry research (NIST, Toppan/NICT, IDEMIA, Thales) confirms PQC can be implemented on resource-constrained smartcards—though tradeoffs exist in performance and key size. Case studies show success using hybrid approaches (ECC + PQC), smartcard accelerators, and memory optimizations to make PQC viable on-card. 3. BIO-SLCOS + PQC: A Future-Ready Alliance 3.1 What Is BIO-SLCOS? BIO-SLCOS is TrustSEC’s proprietary smartcard operating system, with Match-on-Card biometric support and customizable applets (FIDO2, PKI, OTP). It ensures fingerprint data never leaves the secure element—meeting both security and privacy standards. 3.2 Encryption Strengthened With PQC TrustSEC is integrating PQC into BIO-SLCOS, enabling hybrid support for classical algorithms (RSA/ECC) plus quantum-resistant alternatives (like Crystals-Kyber, Dilithium). This gives organizations a smooth migration path—and futureproof authentication. 3.3 Why BIO-SLCOS + PQC Works Preserve hardware trust: Keys never leave the SE. Match-on-Card: Biometric authentication remains fast and private. Crypto agility: Possible to update PQC algorithms later via firmware. Regulatory alignment: Meets EU PQC timelines and identity standards. 4. Real-World Use Cases 4.1 Government & eGov National agencies need secure, offline, and sovereign ID systems. BIO-SLCOS with PQC meets eIDAS 2.0 and hybrid PKI/TLS future needs. 4.2 Critical Infrastructure Energy grids, telecoms, and utilities must comply with EU PQC by 2030. Smartcard-based biometrics add a strong security layer. 4.3 Enterprise & Banking Sensitive corporate systems can leverage PKI tokens with on-board PQC and biometrics to protect long-term internal and external communication. 4.4 IoT & Automotive Every connected system needs unique identities. BIO-SLCOS+PQC applets automate secure identity, vital in smart grids and connected vehicles. 5. Meeting Regulatory Imperatives 5.1 EU’s Roadmap is Non-Negotiable By end 2026, nations must have national PQC strategies. By 2030, critical sectors must use quantum-safe encryption. TrustSEC supports this with hardware PKI tokens and crypto-agile OS. 5.2 GDPR & eIDAS 2.0 eIDAS 2.0 also encourages hardware-based self-sovereign identity. BIO-SLCOS ensures compliance while adding biometric protection. 6. Best Practices for PQC Implementation Step Recommendation Assess Catalog all PKI endpoints and lifespan. Pilot Start hybrid PQC+RSA/ECC smartcard test. Deploy Roll out fully only when hybrid modes stable. Monitor/Upgrade Stay crypto-agile; swap algorithms as needed. Educate & Certify Ensure users and regulators know your roadmap. 7. How TrustSEC Helps PQC-friendly BIO-SLCOS: Ready for hybrid algorithms. Certified hardware tokens: FIDO2, GDPR, eIDAS compliance. Roadmap support: Certification timeline and OS updates. Consulting & onboarding: Step-by-step integration help. Stay ahead, not behind move to hardware-based authentication today. Combining PQC with biometric smartcards is the only secure path forward. Contact Us to see how BIO-SLCOS can secure your infrastructure beyond 2030. SO, Quantum threats won’t wait. By deploying BIO-SLCOS smartcards with biometric and PQC readiness, you build a trustworthy, compliant, and future-proof identity system. It’s not a distant goal, it’s your next step in secure identity. Get Started with Quantum-Secure Authentication
Building Zero-Trust Environments with Biometric PKI Tokens & SLCOS
Zero-Trust Security is no longer a buzzword, it is a business imperative. As perimeter-based defenses crumble, modern organizations increasingly rely on hardware-rooted identity systems that verify every interaction, device, and session. TrustSEC’s unique combination of biometric PKI tokens and flexible SLCOS smart card operating system delivers this robust, zero-trust foundation. 1. What is Zero-Trust — and Why Software-Only Fails Zero-Trust rejects outdated “trust but verify” models. Instead, every access request must be authenticated, authorized, and encrypted regardless of origin. Relying on software-based credentials like passwords or OTP is becoming too risky: Phishing and malware can hijack credentials from devices. SIM-swap attacks enable attackers to intercept SMS-based OTPs; these surged 400% from 2020 to 2023. Complaints grow as enterprises recognize that software tokens introduce too many vulnerabilities. To thrive in a zero-trust world, hardware-backed identity is essential. 2. The Power of Biometric PKI Tokens TrustSEC’s biometric PKI tokens provide hardware-level protection and user-specific verification. Here’s why they are transformative: Biometric match-on-card (MoC) ensures that fingerprints are verified directly on the secure element; no data ever leaves the device. Secure storage of cryptographic keys prevents extraction via malware or remote attack. With FIDO2 smartcard compatibility, these tokens support passwordless login and strong authentication. This ensures every access request meets zero-trust standards. 3. How SLCOS Empowers Custom Solutions The SLCOS (Smartcard Operating System) platform serves as the engine powering TrustSEC’s security ecosystem: Supports Java Card / GlobalPlatform standards. Offers adaptability, IoT-optimized, biometric-enabled, PCI-compliant card OS. Simplifies feature implementation: FIDO2, PKI, PKC algorithms, C-PACE/D-CrEPT/Z-something for e-sign. This flexibility enables partners to build custom authentication solutions tailored for fields like finance, IoT, and public sector. 4. Real-World Use Cases Enterprise Access Security Organizations deploy biometric PKI tokens across employee devices. These tokens enable secure VPN and desktop login, enforce MFA without passwords, and comply with strong authentication mandates. IoT Device Authentication In IIoT environments, lightweight SLCOS applets verify device identity during firmware updates or data transmission. SLCOS’s small footprint and off-line capability make it ideal for edge deployments. Critical Infrastructure Airports, utilities, and government sites deploy biometric access control cards powered by SLCOS to secure gates, labs, and control rooms — even those that are air-gapped. 5. TrustSEC’s Complete Zero-Trust Offering TrustSEC’s bundled solutions simplify zero-trust adoption: Identity Wallet Suite — Secure issuance, PKI key management, FIDO2 smartcard, and biometric identity. Enterprise Access & Data Protection Bundle — Biometric USB tokens, RADIUS integration with Azure AD, and centralized authentication tools. eGov Digital Trust Kit — Includes SLCOS cards, e-signature solutions, and PKI-backed audits. These comprehensive bundles cover all facets of zero-trust infrastructure. 6. Why It Works — Trusted, Compliant, Future-Ready TrustSEC’s strength lies in: Hardware-rooted biometric security. Full PKI integration for cryptographic validation. European data privacy and regulatory compliance (GDPR, eIDAS). Flexible SLCOS OS for customized deployment or OEM integration. This makes TrustSEC’s approach ideal for organizations building resilient, zero-trust systems. 7. Deploying Zero-Trust with TrustSEC Step 1: Needs Assessment — Define user groups, device types, and regulatory needs. Step 2: Bundle Selection — Choose from Identity Wallet, Access Bundle, or eGov Kit. Step 3: Issuance & Enrollment — Distribute tokens or cards and register biometrics securely. Step 4: Infrastructure Integration — Connect with SSO, VPN, Azure AD, or PKI systems. Step 5: Monitor & Expand — Use analytics and audit tools to validate performance and plan future rollouts. 8. Summary Zero-trust environments do not just happen — they are engineered, credential by credential. TrustSEC’s biometric PKI tokens and versatile SLCOS smart card OS offer a secure, compliant, and scalable foundation. Whether it is enterprise, IoT, or government use, this solution delivers proven zero-trust identity across sectors. Ready to build a zero-trust future? Explore our bundles, request a demo, or contact us today.
Why Biometric Access Control Cards Are the Future of Secure Identity
Revolutionizing Secure Access with Biometric Smartcards In a world where data breaches dominate headlines, relying on passwords or traditional tokens is increasingly risky. Biometric access control cards, particularly those powered by BIO-SLCOS and the BIO-SLCOS Smart Card Operating System, are rapidly emerging as the most secure and user-friendly solution for identity verification. 1. What Are Biometric Access Control Cards? These are physical smartcards, such as FIDO2 smartcards, embedded with a fingerprint sensor and running a secure operating system (SLCOS, Bio-SLCOS, or Smartcard OS). Using Match-on-Card technology, fingerprint verification happens internally on the card. The biometric data never leaves the device, ensuring privacy far beyond cloud-based systems. 2. Why They Make Sense Now 2.1 Growth of Biometric Technology in Europe The European biometric market reached USD 11 billion in 2023 and is forecasted to triple by 2030 with a 19% annual growth rate, driven largely by hardware adoption. 2.2 Password Vulnerabilities 81% of breaches stem from weak credentials. Additionally, SIM-swap fraud rose by over 400% between 2020 and 2023, highlighting the flaws of SMS-based OTP tokens. 2.3 Rising Compliance Pressures New regulations such as eIDAS 2.0 mandate hardware-backed, strong authentication solutions. TrustSEC supports GDPR-compliant, FIDO2, and eIDAS-ready offerings. 3. Advantages: Security, Speed & Sovereignty 3.1 Bulletproof Protection Fingerprints are unique and nearly impossible to replicate. Biometric matching occurs locally on the card—no network, no leaks. No phishing, no SIM hijacks, minimal attack surface. Research confirms biometrics deliver 99%+ accuracy, far beyond passwords. 3.2 Streamlined User Experience Feature OTP Token Biometric Smartcard Speed Slow Instant with fingerprint Risk Phishable / SIM vulnerable Securely stored on card User Friction High (forgotten, lost) Low (always with user) 3.3 Offline Capability Perfect for air-gapped zones, labs, or border control—BIO-SLCOS smartcards operate fully without Wi-Fi or servers. 3.4 Compliance & Sovereignty TrustSEC’s European-made cards provide: Full GDPR and eIDAS compliance Trusted sourcing and hosting No data transfer to the US or China—ensuring EU sovereignty 4. Core Technologies 4.1 BIO-SLCOS (Smartcard Operating System) Runs on Java Card / GlobalPlatform with a roadmap supporting post-quantum cryptography (PQC). Enables FIDO2 authentication, biometric PKI token use, and biometric key control. 4.2 FIDO2 Smartcards & Tokens Store private keys securely and perform biometric matching entirely on-card. 4.3 Identity Wallets & App Shielding TrustSEC’s Guardian SDK integrates identity wallets, securing mobile apps and credentials with FIDO2 as a backup option. 5. Real Use Cases & Industry Impact 5.1 Critical Infrastructure Energy plants and government sites are replacing badge systems with biometric smartcards, ensuring harder-to-spoof security and clear audit trails. 5.2 Financial Transactions Biometric CPA/CPACE cards enhance PSD2-compliant transactions and integrate seamlessly with crypto wallets like Hashwallet. 5.3 Offline Identity In high-security environments where phones are restricted, BIO-SLCOS cards offer safe, on-card biometric verification. 6. Advantages Over Traditional Methods No PINs to guess No passwords to leak No cloud services to compromise More privacy-friendly than facial recognition under GDPR 7. The Future of Access Is Biometric Europe’s biometric solutions market is projected to grow at 19.3% CAGR. With security, convenience, and compliance converging, on-card biometric authentication stands out as the most reliable approach. TrustSEC’s EU-made, certified solutions—powered by BIO-SLCOS, FIDO2, and PQC-readiness—deliver the future of digital trust today.
Mobile Apps Security
What is Mobile application security? Mobile app security is the defensive mechanism used to safeguard mobile applications with its users’ info and defending mobile applications against Cyber-attacks and digital fraud as; malware, man in the middle attacks, app tampering, financial fraud, and other hacking techniques. Why Does This Matter to individuals and companies? The digital transformation of services, led people and businesses to use a dozen different mobile apps on a daily basis, As; apps for financial management, banks that require customers’ credentials, online shopping, etc.. The use of unprotected mobile applications have severe consequences on businesses and individuals. The threats of Mobile Apps hacking When a mobile application is compromised by malware or other hacking activity that exposes both the individuals and the companies to a high risk of being a victim of digital fraud. This includes… Possibility of stealing financial login credentials Credit card information stealing Hackers access to business networks Wholesale identity theft The usage of the hacked device as a mean of spreading malware to uninfected devices etc . . Such violations have many consequences that can be severe, including: Negative end-user experiences Negative, potentially permanent impact on the brand’s reputation Ongoing financial losses Unfortunately, 40% of organizations, including some Fortune 500, didn’t take active steps to protect their customers they’re developing the apps for. Only 50% of these same organizations dedicate any resources toward mobile app security. And the most recent reports indicate that up to 95% of mobile applications are vulnerable to attacks. Mobile Apps Security tips Testing As online fraud is constantly evolving, we recommend that companies should regularly test their apps for vulnerabilities, never rush development or patches, and monitor malware attacks. Mobile Application Security Practices Practices that expose individuals and companies to less mobile fraud threats. Only Download from Trusted Sources –We suggest downloading apps from the trusted app stores with high caution whenever downloading a new app, and the reporting of any suspicious activity. Avoid Saving Passwords – Discourage untrusted apps to save passwords on their system or in the cloud, as these can allow the private credentials to be harvested and used to hack other devices or networks. Invest in Mobile App Security –We recommend companies go further than the usual defensive mobile app security tactics and seek in-app protection suite that puts a protected layer between apps and the hacking practices. The Guardian Trustsec mobile application protection solution “The Guardian” provides a high level of security, allows you to focus on your business knowing we maintain a user-friendly protected app with no effect on the end-user experience! The Guardian is your best choice for Mobile Application Protection as its automatic integration tool allows the developers to easily integrate and configure it to the app without slowing down the development process. It detects and prevents any threats in real-time and responds by taking the necessary measures to protect the mobile application. The Guardian protects the mobile application even on highly infected devices, it protects the app against attacks that are coming from other applications as it shields the app and protects the user data and the app from reverse engineering, malware and various types of attacks. Ready to invest in your brand’s app security? Read more about Trustsec mobile application protection solution “The Guradian”
COVID-19 and Secure online exams revolution!
The COVID-19 outbreak forced many countries to extend schools’ and universities’ closure to protect the safety and wellbeing of its employees, teachers, and students. The pandemic had a direct impact on the educational system overall, It is almost impossible for schools and universities to hold examinations. Many universities worldwide have suspended their exams and requested research papers instead. Considering these unprecedented circumstances, many educational entities have adopted online exams to support the students, so they can continue with their education journeys as soon as possible. To ensure fairness for all the students who have worked hard, and to continue the educational cycle, it was essential to use more layers of authentication to assure Identities in online exams & E-learning. It is essential to verify who is really taking the test. That’s why adding a security layer of authentication is essential to avoid cheating and confirm identities. The simple username and password authentication used in verifying the user identity used wasn’t secure enough as passwords can be easily shared or cracked. One-time password (OTP) and FIDO2 are more secure solutions and with the advancement in biometrics, it is more reliable to verify the physical presence of the enrolled learner at login and throughout the test session. About OTP (OTP) is a type of password that is valid for only one use. It is a secure way to provide access to an application or perform actions for only one time. The password becomes invalid either after a small time frame as it changes every certain time or no of clicks on used devices, devices could be software like Mobile application or hardware There are multiple ways to spread OTP with desired students, like Hardware devices, Mobile applications (Android – IOS), SMS, or Email. The most popular is the Mobile application and the most secure is the hardware device. Read more about Trustsec solutions OTP (one-time-password) Fido2 Security Keys Biometric PKI Token Secure Network Access Secure Data Exchange
Forget your password – use your FINGERPRINT! match on card
Forget your password – use your FINGERPRINT! match on card match on card “Mr. Francis Galton affirms that ‘the patterns of the papillary ridges upon the bulbous palmar surfaces of the terminal phalanges of the fingers and thumbs are absolutely unchangeable throughout life, and show in different individuals an infinite variety of forms and peculiarities. The chance of two finger-prints being identical is less than one in sixty-four thousand million. If, therefore, two finger-prints are compared and found to coincide exactly, it is practically certain that they are prints of the same finger of the same person; if they differ, they are made by different fingers. – Lance”[1] The evolution of the smartcard – biometrics vs. two-factor authentication ( match on card ) Biometric smartcards are multi-factor authenticators (MFA). This is achieved through the addition of an extra layer of security; a fingerprint feature to authenticate the user in addition to the common two factors of authentication used – pin and hardware. The two-factor authentication solutions might expose users to fraud in the event that cards are stolen or pins are cracked. However, unlike standard smartcards, biometric smartcards enhance security on the card due to the probability of a biological feature of a person being identical with another person is less than one in sixty-four thousand million. Biometric smartcards can be thought of as turnkey solution that combines security, flexibility, durability and easy user experience. These cards achieve such security levels thanks to their onboard microprocessors processing the data directly, without remote connections. The biometric technology used depends on the Match-on-Card (MoC) that will store the holder’s biometric data and protect such communications with encryption. Biometric smartcards demonstrate a high level of flexibility as the technology used within the card is adaptable enough to integrate with any applet, is durable enough to last for many years, and provides user-friendliness; the card’s portability makes it easy for users to carry in their wallet. Biometric smartcards are the best solution in providing ultimate security to end-users. Especially in sensitive environments that require a high level of security in logical and system access. Such examples are governmental sectors, where biometric smartcards are used as accurate digital identification solution to access security-restricted buildings or access various government applications (border control, national identification cards, voter registration, and passports). Biometric smartcards also bring a security benefit to the healthcare sector where biometrics could be used by government-affiliated healthcare entities to access a patient’s medical records and ensure fraud prevention. The biometric data never leaves the card. match on card The technology used in TrustSec biometric smartcards eliminates cyberattacks by avoiding the vulnerability of storing the biometrics data on database servers. These servers may be based on insecure networks that are vulnerable to cyberattacks that might lead to abuse of the biometric data of a person. TrustSec biometric smartcards adopt Match-on-Card technology that eliminates the need for the database by both storing and processing biometric data directly on the secure microcontroller of the smartcard. Match-on-Card technology works by comparing the fingerprint presented by the user with the stored fingerprint in the secure environment, without having to send fingerprint data to a terminal or a remote server. Match-on-Card technology is typically performed in three steps, Fingerprint capturing (Acquisition), Features Extraction (Minutiae extraction) into a template Templates Matching. The Match-on-Card feature eliminates the risk of loss or theft of the cards entirely, as there would be no risk of the biometric smartcard being used without the unique fingerprint of its holder. Privacy comes first match-on-card Biometrics are biologically unique to the individual; therefore, once compromised, the individual has no recourse and is at a heightened risk for identity theft and therefore likely to withdraw from biometric enrolment. The majority of the population fear the loss of their identity through identity theft. This, in turn, has raised regulations governing secure biometric data collection, the use of such data and the processing of said data more complex. The gap between enterprises who wish to apply biometric technology and the unease of the users concerning such technology, is solved by the use of Match-on-Card technology to save the users’ identity while applying high-security measures in the enterprise at the same time. About TrustSec smartcard OS “SLCOS” match on card TrustSec smartcard OS is developing an open Java Card operating system that manages the smartcard resources as a principal component in the security chain; it protects the personal identity of the user and provides the required security services to the end-users. The OS works in conjunction with secure controllers from Infineon Technologies. It also allows third-party vendors to build embedded applications and applets without affecting security. The beta version was released in 2016 and TrustSec smart card OS has been in continuous development throughout the last five years over multiple Infineon controllers (SLE78 and SLC52) and is now planning to port its SLCOS to Infineon’s SLC38/B. SLCOS is now compatible with Java Card™ 3.0.4 and Biometry1toN Package from Java Card™ 3.0.5 is also implemented, as well as Global Platform 2.2.1 with MoC schemes (templates stored on the card, matching is done on card). TrustSec has entered into joint agreement with the leading biometric sensors providers in the market to supply biometrically enabled security solutions for identity management, access control, and payment authentication applications. In 2019, TrustSec collaborated with NEXT Biometrics to integrate their fingerprint sensor with TrustSec’s SLCOS operating system with a certified Common Criteria PKI applet providing the first version of its contact biometric smart card. The following year TrustSec made progress in integrating both Fingerprints and IDEX biometrics fingerprint sensors with SLCOS in order to provide both biometric contact and contactless smartcards. Worry-free payments with biometric smartcards solution Biometric technology brings a whole new level of security to contactless payments. No more skimming, no more forgetting which PIN to use, no need to touch the terminal, and no more uncertain payments – only trusted contactless payments. Payment networks and issuers can expect an overall reduction in fraud rates for lost and stolen cards as the