Safebag
Special plastic sack with an adhesive seal and barcode. These bags are used to securely store deposits such as banknotes, coins, coupons, checks, etc. for transport to the cash center.


SAM
Security access module, a dedicated microprocessor unit that conducts active authentication with a memory or microprocessor card.


SAT
Site acceptance test, a final check of a machine being delivered that is conducted on the customer’s premises.


SDK
Abbreviation for software development kit. A series of help programs developed to assist in the programming of software applications. The kit normally also requires specific conditions.


Secret key
A system of encryption that uses a single code (key) to encrypt and sign data. See public key, DES.


Secure electronic transaction (SET)
Europay, MasterCard, and Visa, in cooperation with IBM, Microsoft, and Netscape, have created a mutual transaction standard known as SET (secure electronic transactions) based on EMV specifications. The purpose of SET is to make online credit card business even more secure. SET gives credit card owners the security of an electronic signature. Online transactions in the future will be encrypted using a complex procedure and authorized using the digital signature. The system completes transactions in the familiar manner: read the card, confirm the purchase, and sign the receipt. The SET concept is being tested extensively in several pilot projects. Today’s software-based concept will be specified in the future on the basis of smart card technology. The advantages are, much like those of the digital signature, the location-independent and secure storage of the private key on the smart card. The securest method of generating, storing, and carrying a private key is generally within the smart card itself. The corresponding public key is public and available to anyone on the database where it is stored.

Secure messaging
Transmission of data across a tamperproof interface (secured with MAC, i.e. authentic mode) or interception (encryption, i.e. combined mode).


Security feature
A security feature is an element of a banknote or card that helps protect it against tampering or counterfeiting. See also: Authentication


Security feature
Every year, G&D introduces new security features such as counterfeit-proof banknote elements to its customers. Besides its proven features for human inspection (authentication by hand), developers at G&D create mid-level and high-level elements for authentication using specialized equipment (machine readable). Some examples of the security features developed and trademarked by G&D are FIT^®, FIT^®medal, FIT^®, fitaglio^®, LEAD^®, LOOK^®, PEAK^®, PEAK^®ink, STEP^® and TOPnote^®.


Security module
A smart card component that is protected both physically (hardware security module, HSM) and electronically (secure application module, SAM). Security modules are used for storing sensitive data.

Security thread
A standard security feature in modern banknotes taking on the form of a thin and narrow strip of metallized foil completely embedded within the paper. A special type of security thread known as a window, or windowed, thread is both partially embedded and partially visible on the surface, giving the appearance of being woven into the note. (See security thread, windowed.)


Security thread, clear text
A security thread with elements in plain text. A clear text thread can either be completely embedded in the paper or integrated in the form of a window thread. (See security thread, windowed.)


Security thread, color shift
A security thread, the colors of which change when viewed from different angles.


Security thread, country code
A security thread made of polyester on which a text element, generally the name of the country, and the national flag appear alternately.


Security thread, embedded
A security thread completely enclosed within the paper.


Security thread, hologram
A window security thread with a holographic surface. Hologram threads are considered to be a type of OVD. An OVD (optically variable device) is a security element with an image or color that varies depending on the angle from which it is viewed.


Security thread, magnetic
Security thread with magnetic properties for machine readability.


Security thread, windowed
A security thread only partially embedded in the paper. At regular intervals, the thread is exposed on the surface, appearing to have been woven into the paper.

See-through register
Originally a pure print security element that, when held up to the light, combines elements of the front and back of a banknote into a complete image. Today the security level is increased with an additional placeholder in the form of a watermark.


Self-service machines
Self-service machine such as an automatic teller machine (ATM) in a bank used for making withdrawal and/or deposits.


Sensor
A device that can scan and/or measure the physical properties of a banknote in one or more ways. This is also used to detect any flaws.


Sensor section
Arrangement of several sensors within a currency processing system for scanning and measuring various security features.

Server
From the verb “to serve”. Central computer in a network that provides workstations (clients) with data, memory, and resources. The network operating system is installed on the server, and the network is administrated via the server. On the World Wide Web, servers are the hubs of the network.

A server can consist of one computer with the corresponding operating system and one client program. A server can also be just a program that provides a specific service such as a domain name service (DNS) or Web service. It is helpful to understand the various classes of servers and their specific requirements. “Server class” in this context does not refer to the size of the server–workgroup server or enterprise server–but only to the task areas to be covered. Classification based on areas of application produces six different server types, each with particular specifications. A file server supplies its clients with files and file storage space. It is also used to back up user files.

• Application server: a program or computer in a distributed network that allows users access to one or more software programs (applications).
• Database server: a computer dedicated to information storage and retrieval for a relatively large databank. The server’s task is to administer and organize the information, allowing fast searches and enabling records to be entered and sorted.
• A compute server offers the greatest possible computing power. Typical examples of compute servers are supercomputers such as those manufactured by Cray and used by nuclear research institutes.
• Internet server: provides services and stores information that can be accessed via the Internet or a corporate intranet. Classic examples of such services include access to the World Wide Web, domain name service, FTP, and e-mail.
• (Streaming) media server: provides high-quality multimedia data, e.g., audio and video clips, in real time.

Service provider
The service provider in a smart card system offers a service that a user uses and pays for. In the example of a payment system with electronic purses, the service provider is the one that receives money from an electronic purse from the purse owner for his goods or services.


Service provider
A service provider is a company offering a service (e.g. sale of goods or services) for a fee.


SET
The secure electronic transaction standard is a payment transaction protocol for the processing of secure credit card payments on the Internet. It was defined by Visa and MasterCard. SET does not automatically require the payer to have a chip card because it enables transactions to take place completely electronically using the Internet software on a PC. C-SET (Chip SET), an expanded version of SET, has at present only achieved significance in France and not been internationally standardized.


SHA-1
Secure Hash Algorithm, a cryptographic hash function, developed by the United States’ National Security Agency (NSA), the standards for which are published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Its checksums are 160 bits long.


Sheet size
The ‘A’ series formats have a page ratio of 1 to a root of 2 - the surface ratio is 1:2. The 2 adjacent formats are determined either by halving the format or doubling it. The base format A0 is 1 square meter surface area. (A0 – A5).


Shim
One of the tools used in hologram production. It is the basis for creating a sub-master sleeve for embossing the holograms.


Shreddings
Fragments of paper resulting from the destruction of banknotes. Different variations of the cutting blades create different types of shreddings. The fragments may either all be the same size and shape, i.e. rectangular with straight edges, or they may vary in size and shape, having irregular edges.

Silk screen printing
Silk screen printing, or just screen printing, makes optimal use of colors referred to as “special effect inks.” These include metallic inks such as the background used for FIT^®medal as well as STEP^® liquid crystal ink. This optically variable ink changes color when viewed from varying angles. Only through this technique can the relatively large particles of the special effect pigments be applied. One example of screen printing is the iridescent stripe on the 5-euro banknote.


SIM
SIM stands for “subscriber identity module” and is another term for a GSM-specific smart card. SIM cards can either be produced in size ID-1—ordinary credit card size—or size ID-000 as small plug-in cards. A SIM carries the secret authentication information for network operators and also contains user-specific data, such as telephone numbers for the handset. The successor of the SIM for UMTS (3G) networks is the USIM. (See USIM.)


SIMEG
The Subscriber Identity Module Expert Group was a committee of specialists assembled by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to draw up the specifications (GSM 11.11) for interfacing between smart cards and mobile telephones. In 1994, the name SIMEG was changed to SMG9.


Simultan printing
In simultan printing, four or more colors are printed on both sides of the paper at the same time and in perfect register. This makes features such as a see-through register and intricate, multicolored structures possible. This printing technique allows the use of extremely fine line widths and microprinting.

Singler
Device in the machine to pull individual banknotes from the banknote stack.


Sleeve
Tool used in hologram production, a cover for the sub-master used to emboss a special film with the desired image.


Slot (2)
A narrow opening into which an expansion card is plugged.


Smart card
Another name for a microprocessor card. A card that contains a processor chip is considered “intelligent.” Simple memory cards are therefore not referred to as smart cards.


SMG9
Special Mobile Group 9 is a committee of specialists assembled by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to draw up the specifications (GSM 11.11) for interfacing between smart cards and mobile telephones. It is made up of representatives from card manufacturers, mobile phone makers, and network operators. The SMG9 was formerly known as SIMEG.


Soft mask
The term soft mask refers to part of the program code stored in EEPROM, whereas the smart card's operating system, on which the code is based, is found in the ROM. Programs in EEPROM can be altered, hence the designation "soft." In this context, the expression “mask” is technically incorrect, since a semiconductor exposure mask does not have to be created for programs in the EEPROM. Soft masks are generally used for smaller batch sizes that are manufactured in rapid prototyping and used for purposes such as field testing. The opposite of a soft mask is a hard mask, in which the essential functions are parts of the ROM.

Specimen
A sample. Specimen banknotes are typically used for illustration or advertising purposes.


Spiral stacker
Spiral-shaped wheel which slows down the banknotes following scanning and processing and drops them inside the stacker. Often used as the symbol for G&D’s BPS machines.


SRAM (static random access memory)
A type of RAM that retains data bits as long as power is being supplied. SRAM does not have to be constantly refreshed. Static RAM provides faster access to data than dynamic RAM (DRAM). It takes up more space on the chip and is therefore more expensive.


SSL
Abbreviation for “secure sockets layer.” A commonly used protocol for managing the security of a message transmission on the Internet. Used by the Web client to authenticate the server and encrypt the data traffic between the two. SSL was developed by Netscape and RSA Data Security.


SSL/TLS
Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS), its successor, are cryptographic protocols which provide secure communications on the Internet. There are only slight differences between SSL 3.0 and TLS 1.0, but they are not interchangeable. SSL provides endpoint authentication and communications privacy over the Internet using cryptography. In typical use, only the server is authenticated (i.e. its identity is ensured) while the client remains unauthenticated; mutual authentication requires PKI deployment to clients. The protocols allow client/server applications to communicate in a way designed to prevent eavesdropping, tampering, and message forgery.

STARCOIN^®
STARCOIN^® is the name of G&D’s electronic payment system. It consists of cards and terminals as well as the background administration and clearing systems. STARCOIN^® enables payments to be made with both electronic purses and electronic checks. The system can be tailored to the needs of virtually every business environment.


STARCOS^®
STARCOS^® is a tried and tested smart card operating system and the workhorse of chip card applications. The first version of STARCOS^® was developed by G&D in 1987. Its state machine structure enables several applications to be put on a single card and maintained completely separate from each other. STARCOS^® is available for numerous smart card microcontrollers and offers a complete set of commands standardized by ISO and EMV as well as ones optimized by G&D. As confirmation of G&D's security philosophy, even the lowest version offers symmetrical triple DES cryptography, which resists every known form of attack.


StarProton
StarProton is an electronic purse offered by G&D that provides numerous combinations of multiapplication features on a single smart card.


State machine
Any device that stores the status of variables at any given time and can perform logical operations based on input to change the status and/or cause an action or output to take place for any given change. The initial variable Y depends on both the initial variable X and the prior state represented by the status of a flip-flop switch.

Steganography
The hiding of a secret message within an ordinary message in such a manner that casual observers (human or mechanical) cannot detect it. For example, a text could be encoded and hidden in an image file so that the picture is altered only slightly, making the modification virtually invisible.


STEP^®
A name that stands for Shimmery Twin Effect Protection, an optically variable ink based on liquid crystal pigments. When viewed from different angles, elements printed with this ink appear to change color. Hence STEP^® is thought of as a color shifting ink, e.g., from green to blue.


StrongLife
The brand name of classic banknote paper from G&D specially equipped to increase its durability. For example, StrongLife comes with a soil repellant coating and tear-resistant upper and lower edges.


Substrate
The base material on which a banknote or card is printed. For currencies, paper made from cotton fibers (paper banknotes) and polymers (plastic banknotes) are used. Plastic is the substrate used in card manufacturing.


Super smart card
A super smart card is a chip card with sophisticated elements, such as a display or keypad, integrated into it.


Synthec
The brand name of a security paper developed by G&D for especially demanding applications. Because it contains synthetic fibers, Synthec can withstand considerable wear and tear.