What is NFC, which in Persian is called near-field communication or NFC, is an evolving technology that has become a standard in communication. However, many people still do not know enough about it.
What is NFC or Near-Field Communication and how does it work? What is contactless payment and how secure is it? If you have the same questions in mind, do not worry – we will clarify everything for you!
Table of Contents
1- What is NFC and how does it work?
2- Telephone payment with NFC
3- Make payments without contacting NFC
4- Potential of NFC chips
5- NFC payment security
What is NFC and how does it work?
NFC or Near-Field Communication is a technology that helps to share information through a specific radio communication between different devices. Typically, this technology is used to pay for and identify or exchange data. Most of the time, one of the devices involved in data exchange is the smartphone. This technology enables the exchange of various digital devices.
NFC is derived from radio wave detection (RFID) technology, which is equipped with electronic and electromagnetic signals and has many potentials. This technology allows smartphones, tablets and even laptops to easily share data, photos, music and more.
This technology limits data exchange in an environment of about 4 cm. Therefore, we consider it much safer than credit cards. This is one of the main advantages of Near-Field Communication in terms of security, especially when processing common contactless payments.
It is important to note that EMV and NFC payments are two separate things. It is said that EMV chips can also be used for NFC payments. EMV, which stands for Europay, MasterCard & Visa, as its name implies, is a combination of a set of standards that was implemented in Europe in 1994 by Visa, Master and Europe.
What is NFC or NFC Tag?
NFC tags, also called smart tags or information tags, have a certain amount of memory that pairs with the radio chip and the receiving wire. Near-Field Communication tags have no power supply and receive the necessary energy from the radio waves emitted by the reader. For example, when you place the label next to the card reader, the chip receives the energy it needs while both devices are transmitting data.
You can use the NFC tag when you need fast data transfer. The most common of these tags are commonly used on smart devices. Near Field Communication tags allow smartphones to pay with a single tap. There are currently no restrictions on the items used.
Mobile payment using NFC
At first glance, it may seem that NFC is superfluous and unnecessary for modern mobile phones, but the fact is that it is necessary in data exchange, especially contactless payments. Near-Field Communication plays an important role in mobile payments.
NFC acts as an intermediary between two digital devices – laptop, smartphone, mobile phone or tablet – and is often used for contactless payments and credit card payments. The big advantage of NFC over card payments is the significant security it offers.
In addition, this technology offers other amenities. For example, unlike Bluetooth, there is no need for manual settings or waiting time to detect and pair devices before exchanging information. With Near-Field Communication, the two devices connect quickly and automatically process data exchange if they are 4 cm or less apart.
Unfortunately, this can be complicated by the fact that not all payment terminals are equipped with NFC technology. This technology, developed in recent years, is only available on newer models of payment terminals – for example, those offered by myPOS. Therefore, before attempting to make contactless payments, make sure that both the devices you are using support Near-Field Communication.
Did you know that you can use your smartphone as a card reader? All you need to do is have your device integrated with an NFC chip. With a POS app like myPOS Glass, all you have to do is enter the amount and keep a credit card that supports contactless payments.
Payment without contacting NFC
In addition to the payment processing device, NFC non-contact payments require you to have two of the following:
- A mobile wallet
- And a phone equipped with a Near-Field Communication chip
Let’s examine each of these two prerequisites separately.
Mobile wallet
What is a mobile wallet? A virtual wallet that looks a lot like a credit card. It is usually offered as a banking service and it works in such a way that the user uploads a predetermined amount in the wallet and manages it through his mobile phone.
The great advantage of virtual wallets is that the user can store and use a certain number of credit cards. In other words, such technology offers an easy way to pay when shopping in some stores.
Mobile wallets ask you to install an app on smartphones or smartwatches running Android, iOS or Windows Phone. You can download these apps, which are often free, from your mobile operating system online store. All you have to do is create a profile and upload your mobile wallet to make payments through it.
Thanks to Near Field Communication technology, you can make payments by bringing your smartphone closer to the seller’s card reader, without the need for cash or credit card. Some of the most popular mobile wallets are Apple Pay, Google Pay and Android Pay. All of these wallets are compatible with different credit cards, but Apple Pay and Android Pay can only work with certain models of mobile phones.
Also, before looking for a specific type of mobile wallet, consider whether it offers the functionality you need and what types of cards you can use it with – credit cards, master cards, Or even gift cards.
NFC equipped phone
Of course, if you do not have a contactless card, smartphone or smartwatch, you can not make contactless payments. However, keep in mind that unfortunately not all smartphones have NFC chips, so before you start such a deal, first check that your smartphone has a chip.
What if you are not sure if your device supports Near-Field Communication? Just check its settings. If this feature is available, you can enable it.
NFC chip potential
The future of NFC looks promising – this technology is widely accepted in digital devices. These chips are cheap and easy to produce. All of this helps increase demand for Near-Field Communication.
We also use Near-Field Communication for purposes other than paying and sharing files – such as distributing content during conferences, weather forecasts, social media announcements, and even finding cafes, restaurants, gas stations And local pharmacies.
The small size of NFC chips allows them to be used in many products. In addition, they can be scheduled to do several things. That is why this technology will surely become an essential part of our daily lives.
NFC payment security
Like any payment, NFC payments meet the strictest security and safety requirements. Almost all mobile wallet developers use the latest security technologies, including encryption and encryption. This makes the use of digital payment methods more secure than the physical use of credit cards. Keep in mind that if you use these wallets, losing your smart device can lead to more serious problems, especially if your mobile wallet password is weak.
Is NFC dangerous?
According to experts, NFC is fundamentally secure due to its limited distance. To receive a near domain communication signal, the hacker must approach you, so you will most likely notice it. You can turn NFC on or off on your smartphone and use it whenever you need to, for example, when paying at a restaurant or store.
Smart tags can be dangerous, for example, hackers can modify tags by breaking the encryption. This may cause private data to be transferred to an unauthorized device.
