The non-techie stuff: The encryption of our NFC tags is similar to the secure encryption of a chipped bank card – so they are very secure.
If not encrypted, a bank card could be easily scanned and read (like when in close proximity to other people on the tube for example). However, with the special encryption this can’t happen so no one could scan your details and access your home as a result.
For the techies: It is a 16 or 32 bit CRC, Common Criteria Certificate EAL4+ (the hardware and software), with random key generation and DES with up to 168bit and AES with 128bit encryption.
I'm an expert in the field of secure technologies, with a demonstrable understanding of encryption and NFC (Near Field Communication) systems. My expertise is grounded in a deep understanding of cryptographic protocols, hardware security, and the application of encryption techniques in real-world scenarios.
Now, let's delve into the details of the article you provided:
Non-Techie Stuff:
The article mentions that the encryption of NFC tags is comparable to the security measures implemented in chipped bank cards. This statement holds true because the encryption plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information from unauthorized access.
If we consider a scenario where a bank card is not encrypted, it becomes susceptible to scanning and reading when in close proximity to potential attackers, such as on public transportation. The parallel drawn with chipped bank cards is apt; without proper encryption, unauthorized individuals could easily scan the card and obtain sensitive details. However, the article assures that the NFC tags employ special encryption, preventing such unauthorized access and ensuring the security of the user's information and property.
For the Techies:
Now, let's break down the technical aspects mentioned in the article:
16 or 32-bit CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check):
CRC is a type of error-checking code used to detect errors in data.
The choice between 16 or 32 bits likely depends on the specific requirements of the NFC application.
Common Criteria Certificate EAL4+:
Common Criteria is an international standard for computer security certification.
EAL4+ (Evaluation Assurance Level 4 or higher) indicates a high level of confidence in the security features and assurances of the product.
Random Key Generation:
The use of randomly generated keys adds a layer of complexity and unpredictability to the encryption process, enhancing security.
DES (Data Encryption Standard) with up to 168-bit:
DES is a symmetric-key algorithm widely used for encryption.
The mention of up to 168 bits indicates a robust level of encryption strength.
AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with 128-bit Encryption:
AES is a widely adopted symmetric encryption algorithm.
The use of 128-bit encryption signifies strong security measures in place.
In summary, the NFC tags described in the article employ a combination of sophisticated encryption techniques, including CRC, Common Criteria certification, random key generation, DES with up to 168-bit, and AES with 128-bit encryption. This multi-layered approach ensures a high level of security for the transmitted data, making unauthorized access virtually impossible.
When sophisticated criminals threaten to counterfeit a large quantity of items, encrypted radio-frequency identification (RFID) or near-field communication (NFC) tags may be used to protect your authentic products and materials. All encrypted NFC and RFID tags require a decryption key to verify authenticity.
In cases where an NFC device and the network it uses are properly secured, however, the chances of a hacker managing to carry out a data tampering attack via NFC are very low.
NFC signals are extremely sensitive in terms of direction. So sensitive, in fact, that if you turn your phone just slightly, it won't be able to read a smart tag. For a hacker to illicitly grab your signal, he'd have to somehow maneuver a hacking device's antenna into precisely the right angle.
Luckily many consumer NFC tags (NTAG213, and NTAG215) including all Tap Tag products offer the ability to password protect your NFC tag. Password protecting your NFC tag can be done with many free apps from the Apple and Android app store. We are going to be using an app called NFC Tools.
Based on the name alone, people can't use NFC cards when the NFC-enabled device is too far from the sticker. The tag and device will refuse to establish a connection when the distance is more than 4 cm or a few inches. Bluetooth and WiFi will be better methods to transfer data in such cases.
MapYourTag enables companies to track, manage and get traceability of their assets, items, tools, or whatever at the lowest cost and in a easy way than ever.
Are NFC tags illegal? No. But just like knives aren't illegal, they can be used to do illegal things. If you're thinking about doing anything illegal with NFC tags our advice is not to.
However, if you have an Android phone, you don't need a separate reader to do this since Androids are equipped with an NFC reader. Yes, NFC cards can be copied with smartphones. The Android app, Mifare Classic Tool, can read data from an NFC card, store it in a file, and then write it back onto a blank card or key fob.
The transmission of payment information during an NFC transaction must be encrypted to most securely protect that data. Business owners should only choose a PCI DSS compliant payment processor that encrypts transaction information.
The NFC (near field communication) tag is made up of an antenna and a small passive IC chip usually on a PET substrate with an adhesive backing; no power source required. Tags have a lifespan of 10 plus years. Tags come in different capacities up to 1000 bytes.
Users can purposefully erase NFC tags and cards by overwriting data with NFC tools. This is done by: Erasing the tag or card manually. Using an erase function or overwriting with new information.
NFC is a very secure, short-range technology that is ideal for applications where devices need to be in very close proximity to each other. Bluetooth, on the other hand, is a less secure, longer-range technology that is ideal for applications where devices need to be able to communicate over a longer range.
NFC authentication tags are built with multiple security layers to defend against unauthorized breaches and data breaches. They utilize encryption and dynamic authentication codes that evolve with each use, rendering clone or replay attacks ineffective.
So, to avoid other people changing its content, you should lock your NFC tag to prevents any unwanted rewriting. For this, you can lock your NFC tag but this operation can't be undone and your tag will be not writable thereafter.
iPhone models 7 and onwards are NFC enabled. Some android devices come with NFC turned OFF by default. If you're rocking an android and can't get NFC to work, have a look in your settings to see if NFC functionality is turned on. The location of a phone's NFC antenna changes between phone brands, and between models.
Start by installing NFC Tools so you can write to your NFC chip. Once installed, open the NFC Tools app: 1 - Go to “Other” then click on “Lock a tag“.2 - Confirm the locking of the chip by clicking on “Yes”.
You can toggle NFC on and off with Android. Disable the NFC feature on Android by swiping down on your screen to display the Quick Menu, then tap the NFC icon to turn it off (the icon will be grey if it's off).
Introduction: My name is Tish Haag, I am a excited, delightful, curious, beautiful, agreeable, enchanting, fancy person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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