What's NFC Technology And How To Secure Your Credit Cards

Ever pondered how services such as Google Wallet and Apple Pay work smoothly? No matter how much it appears like a sheer wonder to some, the truth it is not.  The bottom line is that it is a technique of wireless data transfer which discovers and then allows nearby technology to connect with no need for an internet connection. It is simple, quick and runs automatically.

How Does NFC Technology Run?

The technology included is uncomplicated. It is developed from Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, an NFC chip runs as a single component of a wireless link. When it is activated by a different chip, a little data between the two devices can be transmitted when placed a few centimetres away from one another.

No pairing code is required to link up since it utilises chips that operate on quite small amounts of power; it is even more power-effective compared to other kinds of wireless communication. NFC functions to recognise us by our empowered cards and devices as well as by our checking accounts and other private data.

How To Start Using NFC Technology On Cell Phones?

Near field communication (NFC) is a group of communication protocols that allow a couple electronic systems, one of which is generally a mobile device like a smartphone, to set up communication by bringing them as close as around 4 cm of each other. 



The use of NFC chips which are put inside bank cards for contactless payments is not completely new, but the latest and the most appealing usage for NFC is on cell phones that can digitise your whole pocket.

Google Wallet

Practically any mobile manufacturer has their customised applications which offer exclusive NFC features. Android users have got the broadest range of apps to select from. First of all, US consumers can grab Google Wallet that will access their cash for contactless payments. Besides, Samsung Pay works in the same way like Google's targeting Samsung phone customers in USA and Korea.

Nevertheless, Android Beam has been the most popular feature that almost all Android owners liked. That has been implemented in Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 as a neat and easy process that enables to transfer contacts, directions and photos which operate by holding two cell phones together.

Apple Pay

Apple’s iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were released with NFC technology, although with a minimal use up to now, just for Apple Pay. It is much like Google Wallet as it offers users the power to purchase items and services at participating merchants. As for Microsoft’s Windows Phone, Windows 10 phones owners are currently able to make use of Microsoft Payments system.

No matter which device you possess, it is probably that a grocery store, coffee house, restaurant, train station or a taxi supports contactless payments through your phone’s NFC technology. Give it a shot! Just keep it close to a contactless payment point and the transaction will be carried out as fast as like sliding a credit card.

From now on, the NFC chips could potentially be utilised to substitute all cards in our wallet. That implies that the distinctive data on our business cards, frequent shopper loyalty cards, library card and so on will be transmitted just via NFC.

Other Use For NFC Technology

The potential use of NFC extends further more than the business sector.
Residual NFC ‘labels’ are being created into paper prints and kiosks to broadcast additional details much like how scanning a QR code can result in launching a web address, giving a discount coupon, or a guide to download on your cell phone.

Another fantastic use of an NFC label can be found built-in into Google’s VR products such as Google Cardboard. Using your NFC-equipped cell phone in close proximity of labels will automatically download or launch the application. 

Apart from that, gaming systems and action figures are even experiencing a bit of this NFC wireless technology. Disney Infinity, Nintendo’s Amiibo and Skylanders are very valuable toys, yet the NFC technology offers invisibly new features not formerly found in video games. Injecting these figurines across gaming consoles or gizmos enables the game to activate many unique functions. The NFC chips inside those games have the ability to save user data like points, progress and all the personalised settings.

Another useful usage of NFC is with Bluetooth audio system and headsets. Numerous products with the NFC logo indicates that by putting your smartphone close to the NFC-empowered device, you will be able to hook up via Bluetooth way quicker than pairing devices by hand.

NFC Compatible Cell Phones And Devices VS Security Problems

If you are curious to give the NFC technology a try, you have to determine if your smartphone is compatible with contactless payment terminals as well as passive NFC labels previously explained.

The list of NFC compatible devices is increasing with time, but the most recent NFC-supplied smartphones are HTC One M9, iPhone 6, LG G3, Nexus 6, Samsung Galaxy Note 4, Sony Xperia Z3.  Perhaps you will also be in fine condition if you have purchased a tablet lately. All of the Google Nexus 9, iPad Mini 3 as well as iPad Air 2 have the "out of the box" ability.

NFC technology is anticipated to also be included in smartwatches and health and fitness trackers. Apple has already included NFC technology in its Apple Watch in order that users can pay for new purchases using Apple Pay with a touch of the wrist.

Regarding Android, Sony has also completed the same thing with its Sony SmartWatch 3 that gives comparable functions using Android Wear -- as well as a few more entertaining features -- such as tapping a phone to the watch to switch it on.

Talking about security, the magic of NFC takes place in the open air so it is likely that your mind starts thinking that your data may be detained by anybody who attempts to intercept. This can seriously happen, yet it need not occur to you. Let us initially deal with this alarming matter with the idea that NFC chips, whether in your cards or phones, can not be scanned and skimmed except in cases where they are within simply few centimetres of a possible crook. That is just the way in which the modern technology works. I do not know about you, but there are not that several things that may get close enough to me.

Quite many skeezers (people living a more technologically advanced lifestyle) exist these days who attempt to destroy everyone's NFC reading over applications that grab your personal info such as your address and bank account details. However, they are experiencing a challenging time to achieve that goal since apps like Apple Pay and Google Wallet are implementing a number of innovative safeguards to secure the users.

As outlined by Apple, their business application, Apple Pay, saves mainly payment details on the device, encrypting the credit card info just for use by the vendor and payment system for confirmation. The information is neither cloud accessible nor does it exist in the iOS source code. If ever the iPhone is lost, you can still clear off all your sensitive financial stuff manually by using the “Find my iPhone” feature.

On the other hand, Google employs SSL (secure socket layer) technology in order to shield your budgetary information on Google Wallet. Google highly recommends using a passcode on your phone as a more functional strategy to ensure that your details remain safe. 
Furthermore, NFC antennae in Android cell phones is only enabled when the display is both turned on and unlocked, clearly declared on Google's Wallet FAQ section.

Eventually, if you are utilising a credit or debit card with NFC technology, your ideal move for protecting yourself is by obtaining a blocking sleeve so as to deflect radio frequencies from getting the focus on your card’s NFC chip. You can get those sleeves as low as $2 on eBay but if you are short on bucks, Altoid tins would obviously be the right alternative but use it as your last option.