Thursby Software Systems (http://www.thursby.com) has launched PKard Reader, an iPad, iPhone and iPod touch web browser solution. It combines an US$149.99 plug-in card reader using industry standard CAC, PIV, PIV-I or CIV smart cards and a free app leveraging two-factor authentication.

The PKard solution lets people access web portals, collaboration sites and email directly from their iPads and iPhones with secure authentication to their personal smart cards. For example, a US military reservist can access educational or training materials on secure sites from his or her own iPad or iPhone. 

Security is maintained at all times whether playing music, or switching from app to app, preserving the Apple user experience, according to Thursby Chief Technical Officer Paul Thursby. Importantly, no changes need to be requested for back-end servers making the solution easy to install for both individuals and organizations, he adds.

The PKard Reader hardware plugs directly into the 30-pin connector on the bottom of an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. The solution supports industry and US government standards including ISO 7816, CAC, PIV, PIV-I, CIV, EMV level 1, NIST IR 6887, FCC class B part 15, CE, RoHS, HSPD-12, FIPS 140-2, and FIPS 201.