Abstract: A read system for reading at least one data item written in a memory (113) of an electronic component (11), the electronic component being suitable for communicating with a terminal and in particular for issuing an “initialization response” message (MRI) in response to an initialization signal (SI) issued by the terminal. The read system searches for the data item (DATA) in the memory (113) and writes the data item in an initialization response message zone. A reader unit (20) issues the initialization signal (SI) when the electronic component (111) is connected to the unit (20), and reads the data item (DATA) in the initialization response message zone. The reader unit also issues the initialization signal (SI) upon actuation of a forced initialization device (23).

Abstract: A method of managing integrity defects concerning data written in a rewritable memory of an electronic component, said electronic component being suitable for performing operations that are capable of modifying at least some of said data and of interchanging information relating to said operations either off-line, directly with a terminal, or else on-line, with an issuer via said terminal.