What are "smart cards"?

Smart cards are defined as cards that contain embedded integrated circuits capable of processing and storing information. This technology allows them to securely store access credentials, which can include personal identification, authentication data, or other sensitive information. The embedded chip enables secure communication with card readers, allowing for encrypted data exchange.

Smart cards provide enhanced security features compared to traditional cards, as they often require a personal identification number (PIN) or biometric verification in addition to the card itself for access. This multi-factor authentication aspect contributes to their widespread use in varied applications, including secure access control systems, where they are used to grant or restrict entry to facilities or services.

The other options describe different types of cards that do not have the sophisticated security and data processing capabilities inherent to smart cards. For instance, cards with barcodes can be scanned for tracking purposes, cards with magnetic strips offer basic authentication but lack the secure processing capabilities, and cards used solely for payments do not encompass the broader functionalities that smart cards provide.