Question:

Could you recommend any free software capable of interfacing with a card reader to copy, read, and write scripts on the chips within cards? I’ve recently acquired a card reader and some blank cards for this purpose.

Answer:

OpenSCDP offers a variety of tools for smart card scripting and development. It includes the Smart Card Shell (SCSH3), which is a command line environment for running scripts, and the Smart Card Scripting Environment for Eclipse (SSE4E), which provides an integrated development environment.

Cardpeek

Cardpeek is a user-friendly tool designed to read NFC and RFID smartcards, including passports. It’s particularly useful for analyzing data on various types of smart cards and is known for its simplicity and ease of use.

Python EMV

For those who are comfortable with Python, the Python EMV library is a Pythonic implementation of the EMV smartcard protocol, used globally for chip-and-PIN payments. It includes tools for reading and interacting with EMV smartcards and can be installed via pip. However, users should be aware of the potential risks involved in using such tools, as improper use could block or damage the card.

OpenSC

OpenSC provides open-source tools and middleware for smart card integration. It’s a robust platform that supports various card readers and smart card types, making it a versatile choice for smart card operations.

Before using any of these tools, it’s important to ensure that you have the necessary drivers and libraries installed on your system. Additionally, while these tools are powerful, they should be used responsibly and with an understanding of the risks involved in smart card scripting and development. Always make sure to comply with the legal and ethical guidelines related to smart card usage.