ActivID ActivClient Smart Card Auto Update

The ActivID ActivClient Smart Card Auto Update feature enables you to automate the update process of smart card content (for cards managed by ActivID CMS). This eliminates the need for administrators to send emails to end-users, instructing them to click on a link in order to access the ActivID CMS User Portal to execute the update.

ActivClient Smart Card Auto Update is a component that provides a high level of integration with ActivID CMS.

Typically, when device updates are available in ActivID CMS (for example, a replacement certificate for a certificate that is about to expire, or a new certificate that has been added to the card), administrators inform users via email that they must access the User Portal. The email includes a link to the User Portal URL. This method only works if users read the emails and then click on the URL when they are connected to the corporate network.

The Smart Card Auto Update component automates the process. When a smart card is inserted, ActivClient automatically contacts ActivID CMS to determine if a device update request is available for the smart card. This process happens on a regular basis (by default, weekly), to guarantee that updates occur in a timely manner.

  • If no update is available, there is no disruption to the user (the process happens behind the scenes).

  • If an update is available, then ActivClient lets the user decide if the update should be performed or not. For example, if the user is about to disconnect from the network, or about to remove the card, ActivClient offers to cancel the update. In this case, ActivClient will offer to update the card again later on (after the next card insertion).

  • If the user is ready to perform the update, then ActivClient opens a window connected to the ActivID CMS User Portal. The user can authenticate and quickly perform the device update. At the end of the process, the card is ready for use with the updated content.

In addition, users can start the device update process from the ActivClient User Console (using the Tools > Advanced menu). This provides a mechanism to connect to ActivID CMS to check for device updates without waiting for the recurrent (weekly) automatic check. This capability is good for troubleshooting.