This invention relates to a method and a terminal for detecting a fake and/or modified smart card inserted into a physical interface of a terminal, the method comprising the steps of performing a sequence of current measurements by a current monitor in order to obtain a first current signature, comparing the obtained first current signature with a second current signature, representing a unique current signature of a smart card, and determining whether a difference exists within a predetermined range between the first current signature and the second current signature. This allows for simple detection of fake and/or modified smart cards. Further, it is possible to detect (and thereby protect against) false cards and/or `rouge` application residing on a smart card.
