Uniform framework for security tokens

摘要

This invention provides a security token architecture which supports modular security application installations without loss of existing data or requiring the reinstallation of existing applications served by the security application modules. The architecture is compliant with the international standard ISO/IEC 7816-4, "Information technology - Identification tokens - Integrated circuit(s) tokens with contacts - Part 4: Interindustry commands for interchange." An application is integrated into a security domain (50) which serves as a centralized security applications programming interface between one or more token service applications and a series of security application modules. The API provides a more uniform security application interface which improves overall interoperability of the modular security applications and simplifies security application development. The API provides a separate shareable interface (80) which facilitates changes in security applications without disruption of existing application dependencies and allows customization of security properties associated with the installed security applications.