There are of course advantages and disadvantages to smart cards. A smart card is a small plastic card with a small, built in computer chip. It has an integrated circuit that can store and process lots of data. It is a great tool that allows you to access information without a PC or the internet. Flexibility of a smart card is a true advantage. A smart card can store multiple types of
. information including identification, credit cards, and contact information. Information cannot be erased or removed accidentally by any magnetic or electrical means. Another advantage is that smart cards are individually encrypted and can only be accessed by a personal identification number. On the downside there is a concern as to whether or not the information could be accessed or used illegally by third party sources. Smart cards are expensive to produce and they are not available in all locations. There are also compatibility issues due to brand differences.
