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Entering a PIN code to activate the smart card commonly requires a numeric keypad.

Some card readers have their own numeric keypad.

This is safer than using a card reader integrated into a PC, and then entering the PIN using that computer's keyboard.

Readers with a numeric keypad are meant to circumvent the eavesdropping threat where the computer might be running a keystroke logger, potentially compromising the PIN code.

Specialized card readers are also less vulnerable to tampering with their software or hardware and are often EAL3 certified.