FirmSign now supports the most advanced signature cards from DTRUST
D-TRUST cards of generation 5.x mark a significant step forward in the world of digital security, especially in the area of secure digital signatures and authentication. This new generation of cards sets new standards by not only meeting the highest security standards but also offering improved user-friendliness and greater flexibility. With these innovations, D-TRUST is responding to the increasing requirements placed on digital identities and authentication processes in companies and organisations.
This article presents the most important innovations of the D-TRUST card generation 5.x in detail and explains how they take digital security to a new level.
One of the key innovations of this new generation lies in the implementation of an updated operating system. The new D-TRUST cards are based on CardOS 6.0, a state-of-the-art operating system that offers a significant improvement in security features while optimising card performance. The integration of new cryptographic standards ensures a robust and future-proof platform that more than meets the growing demands on digital security. Especially in times of ever-increasing cyber threats and ever more sophisticated attack mechanisms, it is essential to use an operating system that meets current and future security requirements. CardOS 6.0 ensures this by supporting the latest encryption technologies, improved memory management and optimised access mechanisms that not only make card use more secure but also more efficient.
In addition to the technological advancement of the operating system, the validity period of the cards has also been optimised. A significant advantage of the new D-TRUST cards 5.x is their extended period of use. From the end of 2023, these cards will be available with a validity period of up to three years, which is a significant improvement over previous versions. This longer service life reduces the card replacement cycle, which not only saves companies considerable costs but also significantly minimises administrative effort. This is a decisive advantage, especially for larger organisations, since the administration and renewal of security cards often involves a considerable organisational effort. The extended validity also means that users are confronted with the exchange process less often, which in turn helps to increase efficiency.
Another key feature of the new card generation is its improved compatibility with various readers. D-TRUST cards 5.x can be used with both contact and contactless card readers, which significantly increases user-friendliness. This flexibility is particularly advantageous in environments where different access options are required or where the use of contactless systems is preferred. The trend towards contactless solutions has intensified in recent years, not least due to the increasing demands on hygiene and user convenience. The option of using the cards without direct contact facilitates access to secure systems and at the same time reduces wear and tear on the cards and readers.
One particularly noteworthy innovation of the D-TRUST Generation 5.x cards is the introduction of the Card Access Number (CAN). This number is located in the top right-hand corner of the card and is an additional security feature. It serves as an essential element for accessing the card's chip and makes a significant contribution to strengthening the security architecture. The implementation of the CAN ensures that only authorised users are granted the necessary access rights to the stored data. Particularly in security-critical areas, an additional layer of protection is of enormous importance in preventing unauthorised access or potential attacks. The introduction of the CAN means a higher level of security for companies and organisations and ensures that sensitive data is protected in the best possible way.
The initialisation process for D-TRUST cards 5.x has also been optimised. This process is carried out using the D-TRUST Card Assistant software, which requires a minimum version of 4.0.0.4. During initialisation, the original transport PINs are replaced by an individual signature PIN and an authentication PIN (AUT PIN). This adjustment ensures that the cards can be used intuitively and securely. Optimisation of the initialisation process ensures that users can activate and use their cards with a minimum of effort and without having to compromise on security. Particularly in corporate environments where a large number of employees work with digital authentication solutions, it is vital that the cards can be used easily and securely.
The combination of D-TRUST cards 5.x and firmsign software is one of the most advanced solutions for digitised scanning processes. Companies benefit from an efficient, secure and flexible solution which considerably facilitates electronic signatures, secure authentication and the implementation of complex workflows. firmsign is specifically designed to meet the requirements of modern companies and offers seamless integration with the new D-TRUST cards. This combination enables companies to further optimise their digital processes and ensure that all signature and authentication processes meet the highest security standards. This integrated solution is particularly important for companies operating in highly regulated industries where secure and reliable digital identity verification is essential.
Overall, the D-TRUST Generation 5.x cards are much more than just a technological update. They represent a future-oriented platform that combines security, flexibility and user-friendliness at the highest level. Thanks to innovative features such as the advanced operating system CardOS 6.0, the introduction of the Card Access Number (CAN) and support for both contact and contactless readers, they set new standards in the digital world. Organisations which opt for this technology benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable solution for their digital processes. The new D-TRUST cards not only offer protection against the increasing threats in the field of cyber security, but also help to make digital business processes more efficient and user-friendly. This makes them the ideal choice for companies that rely on the highest security standards and state-of-the-art technology.
Combined with firmsign: Your ideal solution
The advance of digitalisation means that companies need not only efficient but also legally secure solutions for handling their business processes. In areas such as contract management, invoice processing or personnel file management, electronic signatures and secure authentication procedures are indispensable. The combination of D-TRUST Cards 5.x with the firmsign software is one of the most advanced and proven solutions. It offers maximum security, integrity and user-friendliness and can be flexibly integrated into existing IT infrastructures.
D-TRUST cards 5.x enable qualified electronic signatures (QES) in line with the eIDAS Regulation which, from a legal point of view, are equivalent to handwritten signatures. In conjunction with firmsign, a user-friendly signature application component (SAC), signature processes can be efficiently integrated into digital workflows. firmsign makes it possible to sign documents centrally, secure authentication processes and map digital workflows without media discontinuity.
A particular advantage of this solution is demonstrated when audit-proof digitisation processes are implemented in accordance with the Technical Guideline TR-Resiscan issued by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). This guideline defines requirements for the replacement scan digitisation of paper documents, for example for audit-proof transfer to an electronic archive. Digital sealing solutions are essential to ensure compliance with these requirements. They guarantee the integrity and authenticity of the scanned documents by means of qualified electronic seals.
This is precisely where the strengths of the combination of D-TRUST cards, firmsign and corresponding seal solutions come into play. With the help of qualified seals – also based on D-TRUST cards – companies can ensure that digitised documents are stored in a tamper-proof and traceable manner. Both individual and mass signatures can be executed in firmsign, for example when batch scanning entire files, which makes it possible to efficiently scale digitisation projects.
In addition, consistent compliance with TR-Resiscan ensures legally compliant and auditable document processing. In combination with audit-proof archiving solutions, complete erasure and retention concepts can be implemented in this way – a decisive factor, particularly with regard to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the German principles of proper accounting (GoBD) and industry-specific compliance requirements.
In summary, the combination of D-TRUST Karten 5.x, firmsign and certified seal solutions enables a holistic concept for legally secure digitisation and electronic archiving. It is ideal for organisations that want to make their processes efficient and compliant with the rules at the same time – be it in public administration, healthcare or the private sector. The solution builds trust, increases legal security and, at the same time, reduces administrative effort.
Conclusion: advanced technology for digitised scanning processes
The D-TRUST Generation 5.x cards are much more than just an update. They are a future-oriented platform which combines security, flexibility and user-friendliness. With innovative features such as CardOS 6.0, CAN and support for contactless readers, they set new standards in the digital world. Companies which rely on this technology benefit from a secure, efficient and sustainable solution for their digital processes.