It is not a new technology, far from it, but it is very present for what we commented: pay with mobile in stores. You can use services like Google Pay or Apple Pay and it really is comfortable and simple. All you need is to have a bank account that is compatible, which is the majority today, and set it up.
Risks of using NFC
Whenever you use any wireless technology, such as Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, there is a risk of attacks. Therefore, when you decide to use the NFC of your mobile, you should be aware of what the problems may be and thus try to maintain maximum security.
Data manipulation and theft
When you make a mobile payment through NFC, you are exchanging information. The POS needs to know certain data for the transaction to work correctly. The risk is that an attacker could manipulate that information and steal the data you are exchanging without you realizing it.
It is not something simple, nor usual, but it could happen. An attacker could even take advantage of the moment of payment to place a nearby device and capture that information. Always check the device where you are going to pay and be careful if you see something strange nearby.
strain malware
Yes, they could also use NFC technology to cast malicious software. They can do this by manipulating NFC tags, which are used to exchange information. The problem is that it is not easy to identify when one is true or false. That is used by cybercriminals and they have an advantage there to sneak in viruses.
Simply by scanning such a tag, you could be unknowingly putting in malware. Therefore, it is convenient that you check where you are scanning very well and that you always have a good antivirus to detect the entry of any malicious software that they can use against you.
money theft
Several things can happen here. One of them is that they pass a terminal near your mobile, something that can happen in crowded places. However, this is not easy as you need the phone to be unlocked. It is rare that we carry the unlocked mobile in our pocket, so the payment would not be made.
Another method is to put a hidden terminal near a public place where we are going to make a payment or simply pass the mobile to scan something. It can be at a station, where we have to put the mobile close to enter the train or bus, scan a QR code to find some type of information, etc.
Social engineering
It is not a simple method either, but it is another one with which they are going to take advantage of NFC technology to scam you. Social engineering is basically finding a way to trick the victim. This is what they use with Phishing attacks, when they try to make you believe that you are dealing with a secure email or message but it is actually a scam.
In the case of NFC technology, what they seek is to earn your trust so that you can carry out an action. It can be a person who invites you to scan something to get a prize, a discount, etc. It is not easy, since it is a type of physical attack, but they could steal your personal data and use it later.
As you can see, they can use different methods to scam you through the NFC technology. It is important that you take preventive measures, mainly common sense, so as not to fall into trouble. Always check carefully where you are going to pay, install security programs and update the device.
