What is Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE)?

What is Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE)?#

Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE) is a secure communication protocol used primarily in electronic identification documents such as ePassports and national ID cards. It authenticates users through a shared secret (like a PIN or password) and establishes encrypted, secure communication between the document and a card reader. Key aspects of Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE) include:

Mutual authentication (both card and reader verify each other’s identity)
Encrypted data exchange to prevent eavesdropping
Protection against common attacks (e.g., brute force, man-in-the-middle) PACE meets international standards (ICAO Doc 9303), ensuring interoperability and high-level security across various applications, such as border control, government services, and secure access systems.

Key Takeaways:

Password Authenticated Connection Establishment securely establishes encrypted communication between electronic IDs and readers.
Protects personal and biometric data in ePassports and national ID cards.
Provides mutual authentication, preventing unauthorized access and interception.

How Password Authenticated Connection Establishment Works#

Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE) is a cryptographic protocol designed to provide secure, encrypted communication between electronic identity documents (like ePassports or electronic ID cards) and card readers. The communication process typically involves:

Initiation: The reader initiates contact with the eID or ePassport.
Secret Entry: The cardholder provides a PIN or password known only to them.
Mutual Authentication: Both the electronic document and the reader verify each other’s authenticity through cryptographic methods, ensuring neither party is being impersonated.
Secure Channel Setup: Once authentication is successful, an encrypted channel is established for secure data transmission, safeguarding information from potential attackers.

Advantages of Using PACE#

Implementing PACE offers multiple benefits in digital identity verification:

Enhanced Security: Prevents interception of sensitive personal data through strong encryption and mutual authentication, effectively protecting against common cyber threats.
Compliance and Interoperability: Follows international standards (ICAO Doc 9303), facilitating global compatibility in electronic identity verification processes.
Strong Privacy: Limits data access strictly to authenticated and authorized devices, preserving user privacy.

Typical Applications of PACE#

Password Authenticated Connection Establishment (PACE) is widely used across several scenarios, including:

ePassports: Ensuring secure and efficient border control through secure verification of travelers’ biometric data.
National ID Cards (eIDs): Facilitating secure online government services and digital transactions.
Secure Facility Access: Providing encrypted and authenticated access controls for sensitive facilities and corporate environments.

Integrating PACE with Modern Authentication#

PACE can be integrated with passkey-based solutions to enhance digital security further. Passkeys eliminate traditional passwords, leveraging PACE’s secure infrastructure to create seamless, passwordless user experiences. Integrating these technologies results in:

Improved protection against identity fraud and unauthorized access.
A streamlined authentication experience without compromising security.
Compliance with stringent security and privacy standards required by governments and enterprises.