Smart card is a small, secure portable computing device, typically the size of a credit card, that contains an embedded integrated circuit chip. This chip can be a simple memory circuit or a powerful microprocessor with its own operating system, enabling it to store, manage, and protect data securely.

Smart cards interact with readers either through physical contact (contact smart cards) or wirelessly over a short distance (contactless smart cards). They are widely used for applications requiring high security and privacy, such as user authentication, access control, financial transactions, and identity verification.