User's Manual

A PPENDIX E – V-SMART A DMINISTRATOR

S ITEK EY M ANAGEMENT

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created at your site. It also ensures that data on the smart cards created at your site can

not be read by anyone that does not know your chosen SiteKey.

What is the “Default” SiteKey?

All V-Smarts are shipped from Bioscrypt with the SiteKey set to an empty string (120 bits of

all zeros). This allows Administrators to use the V-Smart in a non secure mode until they

are ready to set their personal SiteKey and secure the system. When using the Default

SiteKey in non secure mode and VeriAdmin performs a SiteKey Validation, simply do not

enter any key and just press the OK button. After the V-Smart verifies it is using the default

SiteKey and it verifies the smart card is also using the default SiteKey, the operation will be

performed.

Where is the SiteKey Stored?

The SiteKey is stored within the internal memory of the V-Smart and is encrypted and

stored on the smart card itself. The SiteKey is NOT stored within VeriAdmin, they are NOT

stored on the PC, and they can NOT be retrieved from the V-Smart. It is the

responsibility of the Administrator to remember the SiteKey and take measure to

prevent the SiteKey from being forgotten.

What is the Difference Between PRIMARY and SECONDARY

SiteKeys?

The V-Smart can store two SiteKeys. The PRIMARY SiteKey is used in normal operations

and is the SiteKey the Administrator used with performing a SiteKey verification operation

within VeriAdmin. The SECONDARY SiteKey is only used to update older cards when a

new PRIMARY SiteKey is set. See “How do I Change the SiteKey if I Already Have a

User Base of Previously Created Smart Cards?” for further details on how and when to

use the SECONDARY SiteKey.