CU Link has two types of application, one is contact type and the other one is contactless type.  MULTOS is the smart chip inside the card that takes care of the contact type applications while MIFARE Classic chip serves the contactless applications.  The major function of contactless applications is door access control. 

The First Phase – New MIFARE Plus Cards Issue this Aug
To enhance the security level, the CU Link contactless chip will be upgraded from MIFARE Classic to MIFARE Plus. The migration will be carried out in phases.  After sharing the upgrade plan with related departments in April 2013 and making some preparation works, we will start issuing MIFARE Plus cards from Aug 2013. Existing CU Link card holders will not be affected in this phase.

New MIFARE Plus cards will be operated in a MIFARE Classic compatible mode.  Existing card readers that can work with MIFARE Classic cards should be able to work with new cards. There is no difference in using new or current cards in accessing our facilities.

The Second Phase – Get Infrastructure Ready
After the introduction of new cards, we will enter the second phase of the migration.  While ITSC will take care of the Central Door Access System, departments will be given 2 years' time and technical information to make the card related infrastructure, such as card readers and software, to work with both old and new cards. Once the infrastructure is ready, we will operate the MIFARE Plus card in a higher secure level at around late 2016.  More details will be announced later.  Should there be any enquiries, please email culink@cuhk.edu.hk .