Method for operating a security element

Abstract

A method for operating a security element (20), preferably in the form of a chip card, having a processor and a memory, and a corresponding security element (20) are described. The memory stores an operating system (25), which comprises an operating system kernel (25a) and at least one additional operating system module (25b, 25c) for providing optional operating system functionalities, and at least one access authorization which is associated with the operating system module (25b, 25c) and determines whether the operating system module (25b, 25c) can be accessed during operation of the security element (20). In this case, the method comprises the step of changing the access authorization to the operating system module (25b, 25c) in order to provide optional operating system functionalities in response to the reception of a message from a server. The message from the server is preferably an OTA message which is preferably transmitted from the server to the security element (20) via a mobile radio network.

Description

technical field [0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a security element and such a security element. In particular, the invention relates to a method of managing operating system modules on a secure element and such a secure element. Background technique [0002] Secure elements (“SecureElements”) are used in many fields, for example in the form of SIM cards for authenticating access to mobile radio networks or in the form of chip cards for carrying out electronic payment transactions. In this case, the use often takes place in the form of an interaction with a reading device or a terminal, such as a mobile phone or a terminal, which is provided for the corresponding application. Except in the case of very simply supported applications, it is generally required that the secure element has a processor on which at least one application program for executing the application runs. For this reason, many secure elements are equipped with an operating system in ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

As a result, the problem can arise that the operating system of the secure element is "too large" for its actual use in the field, that is, it provides and supports functions that are not required for the actual use of the secure element

This "operating system overhead" can, for example, adversely affect the performance of the secure element in some cases

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