HID Global improves mobile ticketing for public transportation with the world’s first Calypso-certified SDK for NFC-enabled devices

AUSTIN, Texas, September 14, 2021 ̶  HID Global, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, today announced that it is the world’s first ticketing solution provider with a software development kit (SDK) that is fully certified and compliant to Calypso HCE standards for secure and convenient mobile ticketing on smartphones. The certification specifies how to protect ticket data stored in the mobile device’s wallet, helping transport operators to effectively fight fraud by preventing tickets from being duplicated, transferred or altered. 

“CNA is pleased to issue to the HID SOMA Atlas 4Digital SDK this first certificate of compliance with the security requirements established for the HCE Calypso mobile ticketing application. This solution offers transport operators flexible, fast and secure solutions that comply with the principles of the most stringent mobile security programs,” said Philippe Vappereau, CEO of the Calypso Networks Association.

Relied on by public transportation networks and cities around the world, Calypso is an open standard for contactless ticketing applications in which Calypso cards and NFC mobile phones are used. The Calypso Host Card Emulation (HCE) standard extends the success of CNA standards to mobile devices, and the Calypso HCE Security Certification (CHSC) combines a state-of-the-art evaluation methodology with the most stringent requirements of mobile security programs.

“Being at the forefront of achieving this certification underscores HID’s long-standing commitment to a security-by-design approach to building trusted identity solutions for our customers,” said Cesare Paciello, Vice President, Events & Mobility Solutions with HID Global. “Following HID’s world’s first certification for Calypso Light in 2018, this new industry-first milestone positions HID to continue leading the way for public transportation networks to implement next-generation automated fare collection solutions. In addition to delivering advanced security to safeguard against cloning, eavesdropping and other cyberthreats, the HID SOMA Atlas 4Digital SDK enables easier, more streamlined mobile ticketing.”   

Mobile tickets powered by the HID SOMA Atlas 4Digital SDK can be used with the near-field communication (NFC)-enabled smartphones, just like any paper or card-based tickets that meet the Calypso standard. The HID SDK also enables transport operators and authorities to greatly expand the range devices that customers can “tap to pay” for travel using Android smartphones and other NFC devices. Additionally, passengers can also use their mobile devices to add funds (“top-up”) their Calypso-based transport cards, making it even easier to pay and use public transport, while minimizing physical contact.