Tag: nfc technology

NFC technology may be made safer with a simple off switch

| October 20, 2012

 

NFC technology not so easily exploited when it is turned off

NFC technology is becoming a more common feature in mobile devices. The technology is used often in mobile commerce and advertising as a way to facilitate convenient services and reach out to consumers. For these purposes, NFC technology has proven itself quite effective. The technology is, however, exposed to the risk of exploitation from hackers. It is also a major drain on a smart phone’s battery, especially if it is used for mobile commerce and social networking.

Turning off NFC could save battery power

For those with NFC-enabled Android mobile devices, turning off NFC technology is fairly simple. Those that do not conduct mobile payments or engage in data exchange regularly can actually see some major benefits from turning off the NFC capabilities of their mobile device when they do not plan to use them. Turning off the NFC technology embedded in the phone can help reduce the strain on the mobile device’s batter, allowing it to remain charged for a significantly longer period of time. Turning of NFC connectivity can actually make a mobile device much safer as well.

Security boost through turning off NFC

NFC technology is quickly becoming notorious for the lackluster security features that are native to it. The technology is completely benign in the sense that it does not have robust security features or any glaring security faults that could put a user’s information at risk. The applications and services that rely on NFC technology, however, do have some serious security shortfalls that do put this information at risk. When consumers do not plan to make use of these applications and services, turning off the NFC capabilities of their mobile device may help mitigate the risks associated with mobile commerce and other NFC-based services.

Battery mileage varies from device to device, but security still a serious issue

The impact NFC technology has on the life of a battery is highly dependent on the mobile device in which the technology is installed. Personal tests are advised for those that want to get a better understanding of what the technology will do to the battery of their own device. Because NFC technology works at very short range, the security implications can often be overblown. Nonetheless, the security issues inherent with many NFC services and applications are still cause for concern and consumer should take steps to protect themselves.

du looks to bring NFC technology to Dubai

| October 19, 2012

 

du plans to have consumers pay for their Metro tickets using NFC technology

Commuters in Dubai will soon be using their smart phones to purchase Metro tickers thanks to United Arab Emirates telecommunications giant du. du has seen a great need for more efficiency in Dubai’s public transportation system. As such, the company has announced its partnership with the UAE’s Roads and Transport Authority. Through this partnership, du will work to incorporate NFC technology into the country’s public transportation system, with the foundation of this endeavor being laid in Dubai.

NFC technology could open the way for mobile commerce in Dubai

NFC technology allows for the wireless transmission of data from a mobile device to a stationary system. This technology is most often used in mobile commerce, where it can transform smart phones into mobile payment platforms. This is one of the purposes the technology will serve in du’s initiative. The company plans to work NFC technology into the public Metro system, allowing those with smart phones to purchase tickets.

Lack of NFC-enabled devices could slow progress

The most significant challenge that du will face with its use of NFC technology in Dubai’s public transportation system is the low availability of NFC-enabled devices. Only mobile devices equipped with an NFC chip of some kind can interact with NFC services. Thus, a typical smart phone, such as the iPhone 5, that does not have an NFC chip cannot facilitate mobile transactions. du, as well as other companies in the telecommunications business, is working to solve this problem by introducing new NFC-enabled smart phones to the market. Whether consumers are willing to pay a slightly higher price for these phones just because they have an NFC chip has yet to be seen.

The UAE may be a cashless society in the future

If du’s endeavor with Dubai’s Metro is successful, NFC services are likely to expand throughout the United Arab Emirates. There is talk regarding the country eventually becoming a cashless society, with commerce relying heavily on mobile technology and NFC. In order for this to happen, the UAE must first overcome the significant problems that exist in mobile commerce and NFC technology, such as security, efficiency, and an appropriate infrastructure.

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