Method of securely preserving volatile data while powering down a smart card

摘要

A method and apparatus for restoring state information associated with a software application executing within an electronic card (100), is disclosed. The electronic card (100) comprises a card portion (270) having an electronic apparatus (259) attached thereto. The electronic apparatus (259) comprises a processor means (275) coupled to a memory means (276) and a communication means (278). The communication means (278) is configured to couple the processor means (275) to a reading device (300) for facilitating reading of the electronic card (100). The memory means (276) is configured to retain at least the software application for execution by the processor means (275). State information representing a present state of the software application is retained in the memory means (276) in response to an indication that the electronic apparatus (259) is to be powered down. A value for use as a state code is generated and the generated state code is transmitted between the reading device (300) and the electronic card (100). The state code is retained in the memory (276) of the electronic card (100) to allow subsequent restoration of the state information.