World over, the use of contactless smartcards keeps rising at a geometric rate. It has been estimated by research, that one in four card payments in developed countries especially are now contactless.
Nonetheless, with every new advent of technology, there have to be questions that need answers, particularly concerning how secure the product/innovation is. So, let’s lay down eight basic security proficiency facts about using contactless cards, and they go in no particular order:
Safe Security Card Details (Privacy)
With a contactless card, it is almost impossible for a non-user of your card to access all the details of your card. The security code, name, address and bank details of your card are all securely positioned at the back of your card.
So, if perhaps, someone tried stealing the details of your card through his or her gadget (no matter how close they peek at your card), what such individual can only obtain is your card number and expiry date, which are only placed at the front of your contactless card.
This makes it safe for you to make easy and secure transactions online when using such card details like your security code, name, address and bank details (they are all personal for you).
Secured IT Applications
Contactless cards have got security on your digital signature, log on to network sites and encryption. This helps to prevent issues like a breach of customer information or the overall system security. Although, still in its early stage, this trend is being spearheaded by two very important groups of the society in almost every country and they are: the IT industry and governments of individual countries.
Secured Reading and Writing of Data
Contactless smart cards have been created to provide more storage in addition to the secure reading and writing of data. It’s got a large memory space; having the advantage of adding other applications to the card.
Contactless smart cards can also serve as multi-application credentials that can be used for a variety of other uses. Since contactless smart cards have a vast memory space, you can have access to almost anything you desire to transact, through contactless technology, such as; HVAC control, time, attendance, lighting, equipment, and material check out.
Serves As a Secure Carrier of Biometric Plate
Smart cards have been known to be very ideal in complementing biometric executions and are well appropriate for installations that span numerous sites.
Storing such templates on the card eliminates the superfluous wiring requirement for biometric template management. It also simplifies system startup support that enables large populations to transfer discreet information through electromagnetic fields placed on the chips (this facilitates effective transfer of information of a user, but encrypted).
Smart Cards Have Restricted Access to the Onboard Microprocessor
A microprocessor is where all the detailed information of a user is stored, and this can be pretty hard to get by a non-user. Most production companies employ the use of abrasives or acids to obtain unhindered access to the onboard microprocessor.
Although such technique sometimes portends the risk of permanently damaging the electromagnetic chip, they sometimes allow access to more detailed information. For instance, using such methods, the photomicrographs of encryption in a contactless card’s hardware can be obtained easily.
Prevents a User’s Card from Being Powered up by a Modulated Magnetic Field:
Smart cards electromagnetic fields have been known to prevent a card from being powered up by a modulated magnetic field; – a practice that’s sometimes carried out without the user’s permission, by using a kind of magnetic shield which completely covers the card.
Such magnetic shield contains a high content of nickel alloy metal with features such as high permeability and temperature degree. The metal is treated to develop its magnetic shielding properties fully and is commonly known as MU-metal.
Security of Personal/Corporate Details:
The electromagnetic fields of contactless smart cards prevent the unauthorized transfer of information between a smart card and a gadget by using a kind of electromagnetic conductive shield which completely covers the card and prohibits out-sending or receiving of any form of electromagnetic radiation.
Protection of Stored Data Integrity
The electromagnetic field of a smart card is known to secure data stored in the card, particularly when the card is only being used for transportation and data storage, instead of being used as a trade instrument.
Conclusion
With all the security threats that come with the use of smart cards, contactless cards remain securely compatible for all transactions. Apart from the effortlessness that is associated with its use, it is also exceptionally secure!
