A method for loading a user interface in a television system comprising a decoder and a removable smart card cooperating with the decoder, the decoder comprising a main user interface, the method comprising the steps of loading and storing by the decoder of the totality of a user interface module stored-on the smart card, the user interface module comprising data structures making reference to information destined to a user, the information being stored on the smart card, establishing by the decoder a relation between the main user interface and the stored user interface module in order to enable access by a user to the user interface module, and subsequently exchanging between the decoder and the smart card parts of the information upon commands issued by the user through the user interface module.

A system is disclosed for incorporating a security feature in a PCMCIA memory card or like instrument for protecting information contained in electrical signals being exchanged through the PCMCIA card between a source card containing the information, e.g., a smart IC card, and a computer in which the information is used. PCMCIA cards are accomodatable in a special input slot in laptop or notebook type computers having an I/O interface that cooperates with a similar interface on an edge of the card. The interface is coupled, for transferring signals to and from the computer, to a PCMCIA chip in the card, which chip may also be coupled to a card reader having an I/O contact portion on another edge for mating with the edge of a smart card to transfer signals there between and to and from the interface to the laptop or notebook. The card reader includes a security processor, coupled to the PCMCIA chip, for encrypting and decrypting information and data transferred through the PCMCIA card between the card reader and the interface to the PC. The security processor has an associated memory for storing information and programming therein and the combination operates to protect the information or data in the PCMCIA card memory or the smart card from undesired access through the computer from any network to which the computer may be connected.

With a portable compact flash card retaining application software/database set in a portable terminal, the portable terminal performs data processing by accessing the application software/database in the CF card. First, the portable terminal reads terminal ID previously stored in the CF card. Then, the portable terminal compares the terminal ID in the CF card with its own terminal ID previously set, and determines whether or not to be able to access the application software/database in the CF card based on the comparison result.

A memory card insertion type electronic equipment reads authentication data from a memory card, decodes the read authentication data to a set of information by using a secret key, and compares the data read from an application program, which has been stored in the memory card, according to the address of the set of information with the data of the set of information in order to check the memory card for authenticity. There is also provided a memory card writing apparatus that encodes, by using a secret key, a set of information composed of an address generated at random and the data read from an application program, which is run on the memory card insertion type electronic equipment, according to the address, and writes the encoded set of information as the authentication data in the memory card.

Smart card security is enhanced by making the smart card a two-piece device. Both parts of the smart card contain copies of user data and a processor, which executes program instructions stored in the smart card half so as to give each part of the two-part smart card security and intelligence. Both parts must be in communication with each other for the data in either card to be accessible and useable. By separating the two pieces, data compromise is virtually impossible.