All replies are not clear, “seems” is not a clarification and accessing security with smart card it’s not an answer unless you provide a link on how to use it. Not being an app or program that you can access and hidden in plain sight is a safety concern that needs a more knowledgeable way to address it on top of why is there and I can’t disable it as an option. This is not transparent.
iMac 27″ 5K, macOS 12.2
The default method of smart card usage in macOS occurs automatically when a user inserts their card into a card reader attached to the computer. It prompts the user to “pair” the card with their account. This method is called “Local Account Pairing.” If a user doesn’t pair their card when prompted, the user can still use the card to access websites but is unable to log in to their user account with the smart card. Smart cards can also be used with a directory service. To use the smart card for login, it must be either paired or configured to work with a directory service.
Smart Cards are used with a smart card reader, unless you have one of those, you cannot use it. It's normally a security measure applied in corporate environments to secure computers. Regular users on their own personal computers would not normally use it.
If you don't know how to use the feature, then it's likely not something you need to worry about.
What's your question?
What is SmartCard Pairing???
