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Why are some people scared of NFC chips?
NAME AND UČO
Table of contents:
• NFC and differences compared to BLE and RFID
• Rumors regarding NFC
• Accuracy of the rumors
• NFC use cases
Main points:
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provide both longer range and much higher frequency than NFC.
• NFC (Near Field Communication) is derived from RFID (Radio-frequency identification)
• NFC’s frequency is around 13.56 MHz, same as High Frequency RFID
• RFID can have higher as well as lower frequency -> Ultra High Frequency RFID - 300 MHz up
to 3 GHz, Low Frequency RFID – 30 up to 300 MHz.
Rumors:
• Spying -> not viable, range not long enough, NFC chip holds minimal information.
• Fake NFC terminals -> pay limits, algorithm checks risk criteria before approving a payment.
• Faking credit cards -> not enough information provided through NFC.
• Identity theft -> neither the name nor the CSC (Card Security Code) is provided through NFC.
• Malware installation -> user must accept the installation.
NFC tags
• Programmable chip programmed via NFC tools, import to the chip using NFC enabled mobile
phone.
NFC implants
• NFC tag functionality inside your hand
Discussion topics:
Have you ever heard of any of the rumors discussed, how would you react?
Do you use NFC for mobile payments? Why or why not?
Do you think that NFC is safe enough for use? What should be improved?
Have you encountered NFC tags or any other NFC use cases? Should they be used more, are they
beneficial?
Should the range be increased or is the safety connected with the range more important?
Sources:
• What's the difference between RFID, NFC and BLE?: Jennifer Huber [online]. 2016 [cit. 2021-01-20]. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7atphSqrvAc
• NFC, BLE, RFID: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? [online]. [cit. 2021-01-26]. Retrieved from : https://tapkey.com/blogs/smart-access-control/nfc-ble-rfid-difference
• What’s the Difference Between Bluetooth and Wi-Fi? [online]. [cit. 2021-01-26]. Retrieved from: https://www.britannica.com/story/whats-the-difference-between-bluetooth-and-wi-fi
• Understanding RFID and RFID Operating Ranges [online]. [cit. 2021-01-26]. Retrieved from: https://blog.acdist.com/understanding-rfid-and-rfid-operating-
ranges#:~:text=Far%2Drange%20UHF%20RFID%20tags,the%20most%20vulnerable%20to%20interference.
• How money can be stolen from contactless RFID and NFC cards [online]. [cit. 2021-01-27]. Retrieved from: https://medium.com/@Vasco_bags/how-money-can-be-stolen-from-contactless-rfid-and-nfc-cards-cd74fea192a6
• RFID vs. NFC - What is the difference? Https://www.ecom-ex.com/ [online]. [cit. 2021-01-27]. Retrieved from: https://www.ecom-ex.com/blog/post/rfid-vs-nfc-what-is-the-difference/